The First Journey: Feelings of Etherealism

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Updated 03/18/2013
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20: Part 1 of 2
Chapter 21: Part 2 of 2: Epilogue
Authors Note
Bonus: Pillow Fight
Chapter 10
The Second Journey

Chapter 1 - Updated 03/18/2013

~Chapter 1: The Obligatory but not so Exciting Introduction~

My eyes opened to that horrible thing known as 'sunlight'.

It was coming in through my bedroom window, at the perfect angle to be right on my face. Why did I set up my room in here? I thought to myself as I groaned, turning over in bed and smothering myself in my pillow. Thats right. This infernal light would have made it hard to see my TV and Computer screens.

I'm a pretty average guy. Five foot six, roughly sixty kilograms (or one hundred and twenty pounds for you Imperials), blonde mohawk with buzz cut on the sides. Just a regular dude. I work as a 3D artist designing characters for video games, primarily Sci-Fi and Post Apocalyptic. Never been much of a daytime-runner, more of a night owl. I take martial arts to stay fairly fit, from Tae Kwon Do to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My trianing has allowed me to completely calm myself, seemingly separating myself from my body, like drifting in some sort of limbo. I only have a small house, with a kitchen, bedroom, den, living room, and one bathroom. Its all I need. My biggest splurges are my electronic systems and my car- a beautiful 69 Dodge Charger, completely restored. I would die a little inside if anything were to happen to him. And lastly, I splurged on a motorcycle; MTT Y2K. it uses a jet engine, topping out at 246 miles per hour. Now SHE, is a beauty. I'm single, because every time I go to ask a girl out, Murphy's Law comes out to bite me in the ass, and she is unavailable for one of many reasons. But, I am content. I got the dream job, dream car, and enough of everything else to live happily.

Oh, and the ponies.

I have been a hardcore fanboy of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic since highschool, and my five best friends as well. We have a little fun, seeing as we realized how me somewhat match the mane 6, by calling each other nicknames after those characters. My country guy friend, well, he's AJ. My friend who is rather, shall we say. . . mildly narcissistic, is Rarity. One of my best lady friends is awesomely crazy, so she's got to be Pinkie pie. The friend who collects classic stuff is the closest to Twilight Sparkle of us. Another friend is fairly laid-back, so we decided he could be Fluttershy.

Me, I'm Rainbow Dash.

And, I have a theme for that. My motorcycle?

It's sky blue, with Rainbow Dash's cutie mark on the rear fender, above the wheel.

My five friends also have their MLP cars to match their characters, but I don't need to go into too much detail about that. You aren't going to be meeting them anytime soon. After graduating from a junior high school through college in Alberta, I moved back home to Nova Scotia. My friends are back up in Alberta still- kinda the only place they have known as home all their lives. But, I missed the ocean, so I came back home. Started a company with a few of my family members and a few acquaintances interested in 3d design. We are a small group, still an indev company, but we do well enough to live happily. We all have joint ownership.

Anyway, enough of that boring life story.

I got out of bed and walked over to my shelf, grabbing a set of clothes, and hopped in the shower. Made some french toast for breakfast, checked my dailies on the internet, and went off to work in my charger. Just an average day for an average dude. I took the same route to work as usual, parked in the same spot, and went to work.

On my lunch, I decided a change of pace would be nice. I left my packed lunch in the work fridge and drove down to my favourite little Indian restaurant down the street. Got my usual butter chicken (which, by the way, isn't even Indian- it's Americanized Indian. But that changes nothing about how good it is!) and got some fish with it. After that wonderful meal, I felt pretty happy. If I was to choose a last meal, it would be here. I payed for my food and got into my car, plugging some bronydub (specifically, Beyond Her Garden, Wooden Toaster, The Living Tombstone Remix) into the stereo and started my way back to work. I stopped for a red light, and while waiting for it to change, my mind wandered. Maybe an MLP easter egg in our next game would be fun. . . I mused. The light turned green, and I started to accelerate. I got into the middle of the intersection-

And a semi ran a red.

Author's Note

03/18/2013
So, I am starting up on editing all my stories from the beginning on. I am taking down notes as I do this as well, and this should all hopefully kickstart me back into my writing groove by re-familiarizing myself with the story so far.

Nothing MAJOR will change, just minor tweaks, and adding a few elements here and there.

Chapter 2

~Chapter 2: New World~

I gotta say, that was a little shocking to me at first. Only a little. But, I didn't really care. I wanted to live a hell of a lot more of my life than that, but if I ended now, I couldn't really do anything about it, now could I? As the car started to crumple on the passenger side where I was hit, I simply exhaled and relaxed myself. Nothing I could do. I just let go and closed my eyes.

Now, something I didn't exactly expect happened. That thing I mentioned, where I seem to relax into an out of body experience at martial arts? Apparently, thats more literal than I thought.

I watched as the semi completely drove through my car and plowed it all away, and I stayed in the middle of the intersection.

Now, this is a little disconcerting. Having no body, just being a consciousness in the middle of nowhere, incapable of interacting with anything or anyone?

Yeah, now I'm flipping out.

I could feel myself drifting in and out of consciousness now, but not in a physical sense. Yeah, my body was likely pulp now. But my vision was fading from normal to black and normal again, leaving me feeling incredibly disjointed. Well. More so, I guess. As things drifted, I could somewhat make out people running from their cars to try and help me. Yeah, luck with that. Now my perception is beginning to slow down, and I watch people moving at a snail's pace turn from the car horrified, some even running to a garbage can and relieving themselves of their lunch into it.

I finally seem to start to 'pass out'- I can't help but wonder to myself if its even possible to do so when you are, for lack of a better term, a spirit. Then I somewhat ironically think about how I didn't even think spirits existed.

I blink out of existence.

When I 'come to' again, I have a single thought go through my ethereal brain.

Well, fuck, I guess that did happen. I'm dead.

I am drifting in a black space, absolutely nothing around me. Not a single light, no person, nothing to touch, no smells, no tastes, no sound. Just complete and utter void.

As I drift I find myself reflecting on my life, relishing all the best moments, regretting all the things not done. I seem to be there for hours, my mind slowing, and becoming somewhat destabilized, what with the lack of any of my senses.

Then, suddenly, I find myself noticing something very faint with all of my senses.

The taste of iron and plastic.

The sharp smell of something sterilized.

The touch of cloth, and pinch in what I feel to be my arm.

The sound of an incessant and constant beeping, growing ever louder, and a steady rhythmic trickle of liquid.

And the sight of light getting brighter and brighter in front of me, taking up my entire vision through my eyelids.

I open my eyes slowly and find myself staring at a white ceiling. There is a tall metal rod to the left with a bag of clear liquid hanging off it and tubes running from it. It's an I.V.

Well, I guess I'm in a hospital. I think to myself. Maybe my body was actually salvageable?

As I lay there, I notice some pink hair bobbing and moving off to the right. A white hat with a blue rim rested on top of the hair. A nurse. Perhaps I can ask her how bad it is.

I go to speak, but it comes out as a groan. I realized then that the taste of plastic was intubation. I managed to get her attention however, as she suddenly spun around, making a small yelp. Now, despite all that had transpired for me over the last. . . god knows how long, nothing compared, to THIS.

She was a pony.

Nurse Redheart, to be exact.

My eyes widen in complete and utter shock, similar to how hers had, but for a completely different reason.

We stare at each other for a minute before anything happens. We both swallow, and that causes some discomfort for me, so I wince. She notices and suddenly speaks. "Oh, here, let me remove that for you."

The feeling of the tube sliding out of my throat wasn't exactly pleasant, but It was worth it after it was gone. I try to speak again, this time saying something different than what I tried at first. "Am I in Equestria?"

Nurse Redheart turned to look at me after putting down the tube with a somewhat confused look on her face. "Yes. . ?"

I turn from her to the ceiling, completely and utterly floored. How the hell did that happen? "What happened to me? Why am I in the hospital?"

"You got brain damage. We have no idea how, but you wandered here into Ponyville with a dazed look on your face and blood on the side of your head." She said, looking at my right temple.

I reach up to touch the side of my head, and it feels wrong. I look at my hand and see that. . .

It's a hoof.

I sit up slowly and look at my body.

I am a stallion. My Little Pony style, grey skin, blonde tail, wings, pen-shaped cutie mark, . .

What.

The.

Actual.

Fuck.

I look at the nurse with what must have been the most confused look she had ever seen, because her face screwed up in sadness with a little of her own confusion mixed in. "Whats wrong?" She asked me.

"Uh. . . I'm a pony." Was all I managed to say.

She tilted her head sideways a bit, even more confused. "What else would you be?"

"Uh. . . I was human."

Her eyes widen, and she smiles a bit. "You must have had a very interesting dream when you were asleep. Humans are just an old marestale. They don't exist."

I look at her, then look at my body again. "Sure. . ." Was all I managed to say.

Her eyes softened as she saw none of the confusion disappearing. "Is there anything I can do to help you?" She asked, worry still in her voice.

I look up to her again. "Does anyone know who I am?"

She shook her head, and a little bit of fear actually crept into her voice. "No. You came out of the Everfree Forest. Not even Zecora recognized you."

I look down again. "Thats what I thought." I mumbled.

She continued to stare at me. "What is your name?"

I look up again. "Well, I don't have a pony name. I have a human one."

Her frown returned. "You are really set on that, arent you?"

It was my turn to continue staring. "Yes. My name is Connor."

Her face went a little funny. "Thats an odd name."

I snorted and smiled a bit. "Thanks."

She smiled a bit as well after seeing a pleasent expression on my face for once.

"Okay, how long have I been unconscious?"

She looked at the chart next to her. "Hmm. . . roughly a month."

"Okay." I look around, seeing what else is in the room. There is a vacant bed a couple metres to the right of me, just past Nurse Redheart. "May I get up and walk around a bit?"

She looks at me with a little worry. "Being down for a month, your muscles have degenerated a fair amount. You will need aid to do so."

"Thats fine. I am just getting a little restless." I replied, and slowly brought myself to the edge of the bed. The Nurse grabbed a walker and brought it over to me. I glanced at her appreciatively, and after fumbling for a few seconds, trying to figure out the best method to make this work, I rested my forelegs on the top bar. I slid one hind leg to the ground, and then the other.

Moving was incredibly difficult. It felt like walking under two or three times more gravity, everything sluggish and requiring intense effort on my behalf. It also didn't help that I was not used to walking on hooves and having reverse joint knees. I slowly got the hang of walking with these legs, but it was still incredibly tiring. I spent 10 minutes practicing, and when I looked up, I had gone maybe 3 or 4 feet. This. . . is going to take some work. "I take it I am going to start to receive intensive therapy to get myself back in shape?"

"Yes, that would be correct. When would you like to start?"

I look her right in the eyes. "As soon as possible."

Luckily, the brain damage did not affect motor function, and it only took a couple days to reach the point of being able to walk at a senior pony's pace. Nurse Redheart was with me at all times to make sure I was okay, and I was now actually going through the halls of the hospital, seeing what the place was like.

Today, however, was kind of a special event. They finally trusted me in my abilities enough to take me out of the hospital for a small walk through town. I was somewhat excited for this. I always loved the character of the town Ponyville in the show, and I was going to see it in person. To put it simply, a brony's dream come true.

We reached the hospital doors, and the Nurse pushed one open for me. At first the sunlight was a little too strong for my eyes, being in a building for so long, but I adjusted quickly. It's not like they left me in darkness 24/7; there were windows.

Once I finished adjusting, I simply stared in wonder. It was more beautiful in person.

I could see the Carousel Boutique above some of the houses, Town hall, The Library, Sugar Cube Corner, the Apple families orchard across the hills in the distance. . . I couldn't believe it all.

We started our walk, and happily, we came to the library first. A chance to meet Twilight? I'll take it. "Would we be able to stop inside for a moment? I have a passion for books."

Nurse Redheart smiled. "Of course."

Chapter 3

~Chapter 3: Book Worm to Book Worm, Crazy to Crazy~

I hobbled up to the door with the nurse close by my side and I knock on it, hoping the unicorn is actually in today. If not, well, eventually then.

I hear some footsteps getting louder and closer, until finally the door opens, revealing the lavender mare. She smiles at the the nurse and greets us with a welcoming hoof into the library, but she has a somewhat concerned look in her eyes when she sees me with the bandage on the side of my head and my wobbly steps. "Hello! It's so good to see you miss Redheart. Is everything all right? How can I help the two of you? In fact, may I ask your name? I fail to recognize you."

I smiled as Nurse Redheart replies. "Hello Twilight! It's great to see you two. Mr. here was just out on a walk to regain his muscle strength when he asked to visit the library." She looked at me upon finishing.

I wave to Twilight weakly. "Hello. My name is. . ." I think for a bit. I should come up with my Equeastrian, Ponified name. What had I been thinking of for an OC ages ago? Ahh, yes. ". . . Ink." I look to the nurse then, who looks at me with confusion. "It's better to get a proper name sooner than later, isnt it?"

She smiled. "I guess thats true."

All the while Twilight stared at us confused. "What am I missing here. . ?"

I laugh a bit, and explain. "I have been bedridden for a month thanks to this here head injury," I said tapping my temple lightly. "and it caused mild brain damage. I have no memories of being a pony." I tell the little white lie. Part truth, part not. I look at the nurse who has a slightly disapproving look, but she respects my choice. Doctor patient confidentiality, of course.

Twilight gets a saddened look on her face. "Amnesia?"

I laugh again. "Not quite. Anyway, I was just hoping to have a look in the library if you don't mind? No offence miss Redheart, hospitals can be pretty darn f- uhh- boring. . ." I kinda blush at the human slip up in language.

The two mares look at each other then me. "What were you about to say. . ?" Twilight asked.

I smile sheepishly. "Not important! Anyway, might I look at those books? Like I said, books are wonderful companions when bored."

Suddenly Twilight grins and hops cutely. "You are that into books?! Oh, I look forward to getting to know you! The conversations we can have!" She started to dance a little around the library now. "What genre? What author? What size? Oh!" She stops suddenly and looks me straight in the eyes, squinting a bit. I kinda back up a little, feeling somewhat weirded out by this point.

"Um. . . Can I help you?"

Twilight stares a second or two longer, then suddenly runs to a shelf, scanning the books on it. "I am going to assume fantasy, decent length to enable you to invest in the novel, one you can get easily attached to the characters. . . Aha!" She exclaims, yanking a book off the shelf with her magic and hovering it in front of my face a mere inch away, so close I feel myself going cross-eyed.

I pull back a bit to read the title. The Furies of Colteran, by Jim Broncer. . . My eyes grow to the size of dinner plates as I realize this is the ponified version of a series of books called the Codex Alera by Jim Butcher, one of my favourite series'. "How did you know?!" I exclaim.

Twilight smiled smugly. "I have the ability to gauge what kind of books someone is a fan of, and choose a suiting novel for them. Sounds like I hit the nail on the head."

"You have no idea!" I said as I hobble over to the shelf where she retrieved the book, looking for the rest of the series. I see all 5 of the other books, and rapidly grab them all up. THIS, will be an interesting read, I think to myself.

Nurse Redheart finally makes an action after mine and Twilights little byplay, and walks over to us. "How do you expect to bring those back to the hospital with out the strength to even walk yourself a decent distance?" She asked of me.

I look at her with a hint of sadness in my eyes. "I promise not to complain during the walk!" I say in a child-like voice, pushing out my lower lip in the cutest pout I can.

The two mares look shocked for a second before bursting into absolute laughter. I smile because I get the desired reaction, and then hear the desired results. "Alright, alright. But how will you carry them?"

Twilight walks away for a second. "Here, borrow one of my saddlebags. I have an inkling you will be back for more books at some point, so I have no doubt I will eventually get the bag back." She reaches a closet and rummages around for a second before returning with the article in question suspended in the purple aura of her magic. She lightly rested it on my back and then used her magic to take the books from my arms, depositing them in the bags.

I can't help the ear to ear grin currently displayed on my face. Twilight and the nurse chuckle at my childishness. "Well, Ink, it was great to meet you. I hope you enjoy your books, and I look forward to seeing you in better health. Bye!"

"See you Twilight! It was great to meet you!" I reply, waving and walking back out the door. "Do you mind if we return these books to my room quickly and then continue my walk?" I ask of the nurse.

Nurse Redheart smiles. "Of course not. I must ask though; why the name Ink?"

I smile. "I was an artist as a human, working with various artistic utensils to draw concept art for video games. Pens were my favourite medium to use."

The nurse gets an understanding but disbelieving look on her face. "I see. By the way; you can be quite the character."

I smile. I haven't even met the rest of the cast yet. What will she think of me after that I wonder?

After returning the books I was still surprisingly in good condition. The return walk with all the weight seemed to have no effect on me; I am recovering faster than anticipated. The good cheer that the collection of novels gave me likely contributed however. We left to continue the walk and tour of Ponyville, heading down a different route to see more of the town. Many ponies greeted Nurse Redheart along our walk, and nodded to me as well, still being somewhat suspicious of the newcomer walking around bandaged up and walking oddly. But as we progressed the look of wonder on my face for being in Ponyville simply grew and grew. I am still having trouble getting over the fact that I am actually HERE.

We take a corner and what do I see, but Sugarcube Corner. I can't help but grin even more, to the point that my mouth starts to hurt. "Nurse Redheart, can we check out Sugarcube Corner over there? I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and would like to see what is available for when I have the money." I ask, pointing to the store with a raised hoof.

The Nurse looks to the store and smiles. "You might not have to wait to long if Pinkie is in. She will more than likely throw a party to welcome you to Ponyville, and bring numerous confections with her." She replies with a laugh. She looks to me again. "Are you sure you can afford another little detour? I'm worried that you are walking too much."

I continue to smile. "I feel fantastic at the moment, but after this stop we can return to the hospital for the day if you would like. I am eager to begin reading those books."

"Alright, that sounds good. Lets go see who's in." We walk straight for the shop and enter, finding that yes, Pinkie is in. "Hello Pinkie Pie! How are you today?"

She looks up from the cupcake stand she was stocking up and smiles and waves at us. "Hi Nurse Redheart! How are yo- OH MY GOSH! THERES A NEW PONY IN TOWN! WhatsYourNameI'mPinkiePieIt'sWonderfulMeetingYouDoYouLikeCakeWhatKindWaitLetMeHelpI'llThrowAPartyToFindOut. . ." She continues to ramble without giving me a chance to respond, listing off all the different things she will have to get for the party. I look to the nurse who simply smiles and laughs, gesturing for me to say something to slow the supercharged pony down.

"Excuse me Pinkie, but the party can't be held right yet.-" She suddenly stops and looks at me with those adorable puppy dog eyes she's known to use when saddened. "-I am still in the hospital at the moment,-" Pinkie's jaw suddenly drops.

"OhMyGoshWhatHappenedAreYouAlright-"

I cut her off before she enters another tirade. "Im fine, I was unconscious for a month. Im just trying to recover my muscles at the moment. But once I am out of the hospital, I will be happy to attend your party." I say with another smile.

Pinkie suddenly gets excited again. "Oh! Right! The party! I will just prepare ahead of time! Let me know when you are out and we can have it then!"

The nurse and I chuckle, shaking our heads a little. "Alright, alright. I should get back to the hospital now, give my legs a rest. I am looking forward to seeing you again soon." I smile and wave, turning to head out the door again. The nurse waves goodbye as well.

"Okay! I will see you soon! Bye!" She says excitedly, returning to her cupcakes. We leave, and after walking a few feet she suddenly bursts out the door of the bakery and stops in front of me in less then a blink of an eye. I stop, caught off guard. "Here! Just a little welcome present!" She hands me one of the cupcakes. "On the house! Hope you like it!" She said excitedly.

I laugh. "Thank you Pinkie." I peel off the wrapper with my teeth and look at the cupcake. It's a vanilla cupcake, surprisingly white, with purple frosting elegantly formed on the top. Three light blue diamond shaped sprinkles are arranged on top as well.

"I themed these cupcakes after my friend to give to her as a gift, but I thought you would like one! Plus, the purple goes really well with the yellow of your mane!" She said.

"Thank you very much." I smile and bite into it. I find myself pleasantly surprised to find a vanilla pudding centre to the cupcake as well. I turn the cupcake around to see where she injected it. There was no hole. She is good at this.

"So whatcha think? How is it?" She asks of me.

"It's wonderful Pinkie. You are very good at this. Oh, and my name is Ink."

"Thanks! Nice to meet you, Ink! Bye!" She suddenly disappears in a flash like how she came, and I hear the door to the bakery close again.

Nurse Redheart laughs and resumes walking with me. I quickly finish the cupcake, relishing how well made it was. "You seem to have a way of getting along well with ponies. It's like you know exactly what they are like already."

I have to suppress my laughter. She has no idea how right she is. "Thank you very much. I have always been able to befriend people easily. Well, I guess it's ponies now." This time I do laugh.

The nurse shakes her head with a smile on her face. "No matter how hard it is to believe you, you definitely seem absolutely sure of what you say."

My smile fades a bit. "Well, unless I do have amnesia, and for the month that I was unconscious I had a 30 year dream about being human, then yes, I am certain I was one."

She seems somewhat skeptical still, but not as much. "Well, I suppose you simply have to get used to being here then, if what you say is true. I wish you the best for it."

I look at the nurse. "Thank you. I appreciate it." We finish the rest of the walk in silence until we reach the hospital.

Chapter 4

~Chapter 4: Getting Started on a New Life~

When I awoke the next day, I felt fresh as a daisy. The nurses were surprised at this, considering how hard I worked the day before, but they were fine with taking me for another walk. This time, however, they thought it best to take me to the town hall and introduce me to the mayor before I got distracted by something else. I smiled and blushed a little when they said this, but I agreed that it made sense in the long run.

Miss Redheart and I set out for the town hall straight away, and it did not take long to reach. Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye; scrolls EVERYWHERE, all organized into individual cubbies with a ponies name written under each cubby. Upon further inspection, all of the cubbies were grouped under different names. I assume they are street names, so that the delivery ponies can know where to drop the mail off. Numerous pegasus ponies were flitting about, putting letters in some cubbies and removing them from others before flying out one of the town hall's windows to do one of their deliveries.

There was one mare working at a desk in the middle of the room, reading through paperwork, signing where necessary, directing ponies around, managing the township. I instantly recognized her as the Mayor Mare; the grey mane, tan coat, and blue librarians glasses were hard to mistake.

The nurse and I trotted up to the desk and waited for the busy mare to have a moment to speak with us. After a few seconds where she finished reading a paper and signed it before handing it off to another pony she looked up at us smiling. "Good morning Nurse! How are you?"

The nurse smiled back. "Im just fine Miss Mayor. How about you?"

"Oh, I'm good! Just more mountains of paperwork." The two of them share a little laugh, and the mayor turns to me. "So who might you be? You are new to Ponyville; I don't recognize you."

I smile at her and offer a hoof to shake. "My name is Ink; it is a pleasure to meet you."

She takes the offered hoof and smiles. "Likewise." A pony quickly ran over to the mayor and asked her a question in a hushed voice, to which she nodded her assent. He nodded back and took off again, depositing a scroll in a slot and flying out one of the windows with his saddlebags. "I apologize for the interruption; how may I assist you Mr. Ink and Nurse Redheart?"

"Well, I am looking to become a more permanent resident here in Ponyville, but will need work to make a living. Do you happen to know of any job openings?"

She smiles and pulls a sheet of paper out of her desk and places in front of me. "Well, yes, a few establishments here in Ponyville dropped off some information on positions available. Here, have a look yourself."

I smile in thanks and look down at the sheet. I start to skim it, not really knowing what I'm looking for, but I knew it when I saw it.

Sweet Apple Acres - Looking for pegasus pony to transport goods

I look back up to the mayor and nurse grinning. "Well, I think I found exactly what I need. Thank you very much. Is there a hotel or a like building for me to stay in until I have enough currency for a house?"

Nurse Redheart nodded her head in assent. "Yes, there is a hotel right across the street from the library."

My smile gets broader. "Well, that is even more perfect. I will have to check in there when released from the hospital."

The mayor replies with a smile still on her face. "Absolutely! Well, I should return to my duties, but as I said, it was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Ink! I will see you again soon to see how you are adjusting to life in Ponyville! Goodbye!" She shook my hoof again and returned to the duty of running the village. The nurse and I head back out the door of the town hall and continue my tour.

"Well! Thats done now." Twilight Sparkle said after her and Spike finished cleaning the bookshelves, and the two of them went to the kitchen. Spike prepared a quick daisy sandwich for Twilight and grabbed a couple topaz for himself and they sat down to their quick snack. "Oh, by the way Spike, I was hoping you could help me write another letter to the Princess."

"Sure Twilight!" Spike said, grabbing a sheet of paper and a quill from the middle of the table. He left these supplies everywhere in the house, in preparation for when ever Twilight remembered to get him to write a letter. Despite her lists and organization, there was the occasional thing that slipped her mind or interesting revelations, verging on epiphanies.

Twilight smiled at the baby dragon, and proceeded to dictate her letter. "Dear Princess Celestia: I find myself delighted in the fact that I have acquired a new friend. His name is Ink, and his is a strange case.

"He recently received some form of head trauma, resulting in something akin to amnesia, according to what he says. He has no memories of being a pony, but everything about him seems to be intact otherwise. He has a similar love of books, but had a strange reaction when I offered him a certain book; he acted as though he knew the series already, and usually in instances like this with amnesia, a memory was restored. He had no such instance; he simply knew what the book was, and about the rest of the series.

"This is only meant to be a quick letter, no lessen about friendship learned; just a new friend. I look forward to being able to see you again.

"Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

Spike finished writing the purple ponies name and rolled up the letter, wrapping a ribbon around it, and breathed a gout of green fire onto it, sending it off to the Princess. "There we go!" Spike smiled at Twilight, but then he got a bit of a quizzical expression. "Wait, who's this Ink?"

"He is new to Ponyville. He stopped by yesterday and borrowed a series of books. You were out assisting Rarity at the time." Spike's eyes glazed over for a second, and a smile spread across his lips. Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Spike! Your daydreaming again!"

He snapped back to the present, shaking his head for a second. "Huh, what? Oh, thanks Twilight." He grinned sheepishly before finishing his last gem.

Twilight also finished her last bite of the sandwich and got down from the chair. She started to walk out of the kitchen with Spike in tow, when a familiar belch of fire left the dragon. Twilight lifted to the scroll from the air after it materialized, with a confused expression on her face. "Odd, we just sent the letter. The princess must have had a break from her royal duties. . ." The unicorn opened the letter and began to read.

To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle:

I just received your letter, and am very interested by this pony Ink that you mentioned. I have also been wishing to see you again, and I have a break form my royal duties tomorrow. I shall come down to visit, and would appreciate if you sent this newcomer an invitation for tomorrow.

Your loving mentor,

Princess Celestia

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I kinda took, shall we say, 'artistic liberty' with the description of the interior of the town hall. My vision of it is somewhat inspired by the game Animal Crossing: Wild World, where the post office and town hall are the same building, but I used it as more of a mailing hub; all letters to Ponyville run through it before being delivered by Derpy and other mail ponies. Also, I took liberties when it came to the Mayor's personality.

Also, attempt at suspense. Hope it worked. :P

Chapter 5

~Chapter 5: The Refined and the Rugged~

The nurse and I decided that for the rest of the tour, we would take a more scenic route, going through the park areas. Of course, were do we go first, but east of the Town Hall, straight for the Carousel Boutique. I gotta say, this tour is kinda shaping up to be perfect. We reach the shop, and I decide to try something. "Excuse me Miss Redheart, but do you mind if we stop in here? I would like to find out how much it would cost to get my own saddlebags."

The nurse smiles and shakes her head. "You are shopping more than walking now, you know. Stopping from place to place, planning for Bits you haven't even earned yet. But alright, we can go in."

I smile and laugh. "Yeah, I have always been about preparedness. I like to know what I want and how much it costs to budget ahead of time."

We walk up and open the door, hearing the little bell above the door ring. "One moment please!" We hear called from the back in that voice I know all too well. After a few moments, a bleach white pony walks out of a room with some material floating in the air around her, surrounded by a blue aura. She takes it to a mannequin and table, placing it down, and quickly levitates a pen to her and sketches out a quick plan for a dress. She lowers the pen down and walks over to us with a smile. "Hello, welcome to the Carousel Boutique. My name is Rarity. It's a pleasure to see you again Miss Redheart," She says offering a single smooth nod to the nurse, then turns to me. "but I do not think I have had the honour of meeting this young stallion before."

I smile and give the fashionista a slight bow. "My name is Ink, Miss. It is a pleasure to meet you."

She smiles and puts a hoof up to her chest, mildly shocked. "Why, it is likewise a pleasure, Mr. Ink! You must have been raised in Canterlot to have such fine manners!"

I smile again, albeit somewhat sheepishly. "Actually, no one knows where I am from, technically. I was bedridden for a month after receiving head trauma. I simply recognized this place as having very regal tastes and upbringing, and thought it appropriate to treat the owner of the establishment with similar traits."

The two mares laugh a bit. The nurse speaks up first. "Also, I must say, these manners are a new facet to your personality to add to your list of eccentricities."

I grin. "Well, I like to think I am adaptable person. Although this trait of mine has been known to put some ponies off."

"Well, I must say, I find it quite refreshing." Rarity replied. "Now, how may I help you?"

"I was hoping to get the pricing on a pair of saddlebags for future reference, if you do not mind." I asked.

The clothier smiled. "Not at all! In fact, let us get your measurements now, and I can get an idea and plan drawn up for you for when you are able to get them."

I smiled once again. Damn, but it's hard NOT to smile in this world! "That would be delightful. What do you need me to do?"

"Follow me, if you would. Come stand on this little platform, place your hooves on the marks, and lean slightly forward, yes, now tip your chin up, there we go, perfect! Just let me grab my tape measure." She took off for a quick second, returning with the item in question, as well as her glasses resting atop her nose. "Now, while I get your measurements, I shall ask a few questions to find out your style."

I nod my head in quick assent. "Absolutely. Ask away."

"First, simple or ornate?"

"Mainly simple, but I also like some ornate designs."

"Very well. Second, any specific pattern?"

"Tartan or plaid."

"Ahh, I see. Next, colour."

"Yellow or violet. I also am a fan of green."

"Yes, yes. Then, material."

"I have always liked the smooth, cool feel of silk, but am still a fan of standard but functional cotton."

"Mm-hm, mm-hm. Lastly, accents. Any type of metal or jewel?"

"As for metal, I like gloss silver or matte black. With gemstones, amethyst or Jade."

"Good, good. I will get started on these plans right away!" She said with a nod and smile, finishing her measuring. "You can step down now."

"Thank you." I take a light step down off of the slight dais and follow Rarity to one of her work tables where she floats over a pen and paper. She writes down all the measurements and answers for the questions. She seems to pout slightly for a second in though, tapping the pen to her lip, before smiling and jotting down yet another note.

"I think I have just the idea! I happen to have an excess of the materials for it as well, so you won't have to worry about it being too expensive." She turned back to me still smiling. "Now, was there anything else I could help you with?"

"No, that should be everything. I will get out of your hair now and let you continue working." The nurse and I wave. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Rarity! I will see you again as soon as I can afford to get the saddlebags!"

"Of course! I look forward to seeing you again! Ta-ta!" She said back, offering her own polite little wave.

We decided the last stop on the tour for the day would be Sweet Apple Acres, just to talk to my hopefully soon to be employer. We make our way down the path to the main house, and as we get closer, we start to hear, louder and louder, the sound of something making hard contact with wood, and then falling fruit and rustling leaves. I guess Applejacks apple bucking.

We reach the main house in time for Big Mac to pull a cart of apple barrels up to the barn. He unhitched it from his yoke, and he was obviously getting tired. He wiped the sweat from his brow with one foreleg. He looked to us, and we waved. He gave a slight wave back.

The nurse and I walked up to him, and the nurse spoke first. "Hey Big Mac! Is Applejack around?"

"Eeyup."

"She out in the fields?"

"Eeyup."

"Around where perhaps?"

He lifted a hoof and gestured over towards an area in the fields, and sure enough, we heard her buck again, and saw a tree shake in the distance. "Thank you Big Mac!" The nurse said smiling.

He nodded to her and then looked at me. "Hey Big Mac. I'm new around here; the name is Ink."

"Good tah meet'cha." He nodded to me now, and I nodded back. He pulled open the barn door, hitched himself back onto his cart, and trotted inside. The nurse and I started to walk towards the tree we saw shake, and we couldn't help but admire the smell of the orchard as we walked.

We reached the tree finally, and there was the cowgirl pony, rearing up and kicking back against another tree. A cascade of red followed, all the apples landing in barrels around the tree. She was working hard; full barrels littered the ground, and she was sweating bullets. She looked up to us and tipped her stetson in greeting. "Howdy there, Miss Redheart. How're ya'll doin'?"

"I am just fine Applejack. How are you? I trust you aren't going to injure yourself again?"

She laughed a little under her breath. "Ah' certainly ain't plannin' to. And who's this here fella? Ah' ain't seen him before."

I smiled. "The names Ink. Just getting a tour of Ponyville, and was going to ask, when I am out of the hospital, if you wouldn't mind giving me a job."

She smiled back. "Ah'm glad ya' asked, Ink. We been needin' a pony with good wings. It's mighty hard takin' buckets of apples up ta' the loft in the barn."

I smiled again. "Well, I hope to help as much as I can. It will be a good way to get my wings in shape too. Being unconscious for a month takes it's toll on your body."

She grimaced a little. "Ah' reckon it would."

"So does that mean I have the job?"

"It sure does! Come on down as soon as yer' good ta' git started, then."

I smile and offer a hoof to shake. "Thank you very much! I look forward to getting started. See you soon!"

She took the extended hoof and shook it back. "Likewise! Don'tcha go rushin' things though. Take yer time; you don't wanna git hur-"

"LOOOOOK OOOOOUT! ! !"

Chapter 6

~Chapter 6: The Bold and the Bashful~

We suddenly hear a shout above us.

We all jump under a tree, and then a cyan and rainbow blur crashed into one of the apple buckets, pulverized apples spraying everywhere. A head popped out of the barrel covered in grime. "Heh heh, sorry about that, AJ."

Applejack suddenly bristles. "Rainbow, now ya gone an' ruined a batch of perfectly fine apples! Ya' owe me now! Expect tah be payin' that back with this here fella now!"

The mush-covered mare turned to me and gets a confused expression. "Hey, who the heck are you?"

I chuckle and shake my head. "I'm Ink. I came here to get a job for when Im out of the hospital."

Her eyes go wide for a second. "You didn't break a wing, did you?! Trust me, it SUCKS when that happens!"

"No, I got a head injury."

She exhales explosively. "Ok, good, nothing serious then. I would't want any pegasus pony to go through what I did!"

Applejack, the Nurse and I all laugh for a couple seconds. The mare got out of the bucket and saluted. "Well, I'm Rainbow Dash, Equestria's fastest flyer, soon to be Wonderbolt, most awesome mare you will ever meet!" She listed off, with a big grin across her face at the end.

We laugh yet again. "Well, it's great to meet you. I'm Ink, Equestria's most out of practice flyer, never to be Wonderbolt, not-so-awesome stallion!" And I saluted in response.

Rainbow Dash burst into uncontrolled belly laughing, clutching her stomach and rolling across the ground, working the mush deeper into her mane. "That's- aha- just- ehehe- too- pant- funny!" She finally sighed and recovered, getting back up. Suddenly it dawned on her. "Wait, most out of practice flyer? What the heck is THAT supposed to mean?"

I smile. Again. "I have been unconscious in a bed at the hospital for month. I have no memories of being a pony."

Both the cyan mare and orange one appear shocked for a second. "Well ya' never said THAT before!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Yeah, kinda getting tired of saying it." I said with a little laugh and small smile. "The reaction to it is more or less the same every time. Shock, disbelief, pity. I never did like pity a whole lot."

They turn somewhat sheepish. "Sorry about that, Ink. It's kind of hard not to." Rainbow said in response.

"Oh, I know. I don't blame you for it."

"Besides, who said I pitied you? I just think what your going through sucks, and I wouldn't want to go through it." She said with a wink. "Anyway, gotta fly! Need to get this stuff out of my mane! See ya!" The cyan pegasus took off in a rainbow flash back into the sky.

We all watch her fly off for a couple seconds longer before the farm pony shakes her head and chuckles, turning back to us. "That mare is always gittin' into some sorta trouble. But, I oughta' git back ta' work then. I will see ya' around there, Ink! Bye!"

"See you Applejack! It was great meeting you." The nurse and I wave, and head off to return to the hospital. However, there is plenty of daylight left. "Maybe we could just take the long route back, if you don't mind? It might be nice to wind down on the way back through the park."

The nurse smiled. "Absolutely. The park is usually very nice this time of day."

We slow down when we reach the gardens, deciding to enjoy it as we return to the hospital. We look around, gazing in wonder at the beautiful trees, ponds, flowers, and general wild life in the area. The atmosphere of happiness and peace here is friggin' infectious. I think to myself. The only time I was ever this calm back on Earth was when I immersed myself in my art. Come to think of it, I'm going to have to think of how to make that work now.

As we walk, I can't help but hear some pony humming, getting louder and louder as we walk. We eventually round another bend to find a pale yellow pony with a light pink mane watering the flowers next to the cobblestone path. 6 for 6! Time to meet Fluttershy. I smile to myself at the thought. Don't want to scare her though.

As we walk toward her, she looks up at us and stops humming. "Oh! Nurse Redheart!" She exclaims (hah! Fluttershy, exclaim? At least the closest to that she can) with a small smile. "How are you?"

"I am very good Fluttershy. How are you?"

"Oh, I am quite alright. Thank you for asking." She said with another of her adorable little smiles. She always looked cute on the show, but dayum, your heart nearly explodes from the sheer, overwhelming adorableness of the quiet and reserved little mare.

She turns to me now, and slightly shrinks into herself. I smile reassuringly. "Hello, Fluttershy. My name is Ink." I say in a soft voice, being carful not to overwhelm the easily flustered pegasus. "It's wonderful to meet you."

"I-I-It's nice t-to meet you too, M-Mr. I-Ink. . ." She replies, taking a small step back and tipping her head down, also slightly lifting a fore hoof and tightly closing her wings to her sides. I notice a faint blush blossoming in her cheeks.

I sit down on the side of the path, still smiling. "Don't worry. I'm new here, but I am not a combative pony. By the way, you are doing a beautiful job on the gardens here. It really is magnificent." I say, gesturing towards the flora and fauna around me, the direction of my gaze following the angle of my hoof. I look back at her still smiling gently, and I notice her start to come out of her shell a bit.

"T-Thank you. I-It's hard work, b-but I don't do it alone." She replies.

"Well, I commend you and whatever ponies or animals aid you. You make a wonderful team."

She smiles sheepishly, blushing again. "Thank you again." She straightens her posture again. "I have to finish tending the gardens, but it was nice meeting you Ink. You are truly a gentlecolt. I'm sure I will see you again." She smiles and waves, picking up the water can and flying back into the woods.

All the while Nurse Redheart simply stared at me in wonder. "Yet another surprise. You are an intriguing pony Mr. Ink; so many sides to you, and a seeming understanding of every pony you meet from the moment you lay eyes on them. You should adjust fine to life in Ponyville."

I smile to the nurse. Damn! Any other words for that friggin' expression?! Ugh! "Thank you. I certainly hope I adjust to this life well. Shall we return to the hospital now?" She smiled and nodded, and we finished the leisurely walk back to the medical facility.

Chapter 7

~Chapter 7: A Royal Invitation~

After we reach the hospital, I lay down in my bed, sighing contentedly. This. . . This was a good day. I think to myself, smiling. Met the full mane six now, got myself a job, I know were to find a place to stay for when checked out of the hospital. . . Very fruitful day.

I turn over in the bed, spotting the stack of books on the bedside table. I grin like a kid in a candy store. Lets get started on those, then, shall we?

After reading for a few hours, I put the book down and went to sleep. When I awoke, the day was bright, and everything seemed right. Except for one thing.

My wings were horribly, maddeningly, itchy. Not just the wings themselves; the bones and muscles and joints underneath. They continuously twitched and flicked out before I pulled them back in to my sides. Well, I guess I should figure out how these things work sometime soon.

I hopped out of bed and gave them a quick test. I moved them around, getting a feel for their limits, and did a couple test pushes down. I was fairly surprised when all the weight in them seemingly disappeared. Huh. I guess the fandom was right when they speculated that pegasus ponies channeled their 'inner magic' into their wings to grant easy flight.

I walk out the door and find Nurse Redheart walking down the hall. She looks up and smiles at me. "Well, that saved me the effort of waking you." I smile in response. "Now, this is some good news. It seems that, due to the rate at which you have recovered, you are free to check out of the hospital at any time." My head pulls back a bit, surprised. It only took me a week to get back in shape.

"Oh! And one more thing Mr. Ink. Twilight stopped by to invite you to the library. She said she wished to talk to you."

I smile again, but I feel slightly confused. What does she want to talk about? "Okay, thank you. I will get my stuff- well, Twilights stuff- packed, and get out of your hair as soon as possible." I walk up to the nurse smiling and offer a hoof to shake. "It was wonderful having you for a nurse. I hope to be able to call you a friend now."

She grins in return and accepts the shake. "Thank you. And it would be nice to have you as a friend. You are a great guy. Good luck with your life outside the hospital! I will see you around town." She said, waving and continuing down the hall to another room, entering and beginning to talk to another patient, closing the door behind her. I go back into the room, pulling the saddlebags onto my back with my teeth and gingerly place the books within them, being careful not to salivate on them as I did so. I left to the front desk and checked out, waving to the few other ponies working there that I grew to be associated with, and left the building for hopefully the last time for the next while. I started down the road to the library.

I reach the library, and already things seem off. The street is empty, which is weird enough, but then there seemed to be a disturbance in the air a little to the side of the building, like heat waves off the pavement during a hot summer day back on Earth. I knock on the door, answered by Twilight a moment later. "Ink! Glad you made it. Please come in." I thank her and step inside, and my jaw drops at what I see.

There, sitting on a cushion at the small table in the middle of the room sipping tea, was Princess Celestia.

The princess looks at me and smiles radiantly. "Why hello! I am assuming you are Mr. Ink, the new resident to Ponyville?"

I stammer for a second before I get my brain to function again. "Uh, yes, I am, your Majesty."

She waved a hoof at me. "Please, come, sit. I have been interested to meet you after Twilight mentioned you in her last letter."

I gulp and walk over, sitting delicately on one of the other cushions. "Yes Princess." I roll the thought around for a second though. Twilight mentioned me? Why? And even more, why was the Princess of the Sun so interested to meet me? Twilight suddenly appeared next to me, walking so quietly and I so entrenched in my thoughts, that I didn't even notice her. I jumped a little. She giggled softly and placed a cup of tea on a coaster in front of me on the table.

"So, Mr. Ink, I hear that you have no memories?" The princesses smile fades a little after saying this.

I kind of blush a little at this, not looking at Twilight. "Well, your majesty, thats not exactly the whole truth." I see Twilight start and look at me upset out of the corner of my eye. "You see, I. . . I have no memories of being a pony, but. . .

"Thats because I used to be a human."

Everything suddenly goes dead silent, the princess with shock clearly written across her face, cup stopped mid air on the way for a sip. I hear a crash behind me and wince as Twilight dropped her cup on the floor behind me, and the soft whump of her dropping to her rear, completely and utterly taken by surprise. "You. . . I. . . What? But humans aren't real! They're from stories!"

The princess sighed and lowered her tea to the table, setting it down gently. "Thats not entirely true."

Twilights head snapped to the princess, then back to me, and then again to the princess. "What? How? Buck, how did he even GET here, and WHY is he a PONY?! I thought humans were bipedal and didn't have fur and-"

"Hush, Twilight. I have the same questions as to why Mr. Ink is here in Equestria, not on Earth, and why he is a pony. But we can not answer this here. May I ask, what was your human name?"

I look down and drag a hoof in a circle on the floor, ashamed at hiding this from Twilight. "It was Connor."

The princess stood up and walked over to me, lowering her head to look me straight in the eye. "Well Connor, we need to go to Canterlot to find this out." She glanced to Twilight. "Twilight, it's best if you come along too. I could use your intuition to help solve this mystery."

The unicorn gulped and nodded. "Yes Princess."

The princess returned to examining me before raising her head and walking to the door. "Well, we should be off as soon as possible to reach the conclusion to this. Please come with me."

"Yes Princess." I say, standing up and walking over to the door. This. . . Is not going to be to pleasant, I don't think.

Chapter 8

~Chapter 8: Interrogation~

When we left the library, I discovered I was not mistaken with my suspicions of something being next to the library; where I saw the shimmers, there was now a royal carriage, surrounded by 6 guards; two in front to steer, one on each side, and two keeping an eye on the back. They all had their gold armour on, arranged in a hexagon staring blankly in each direction, effectively seeing everything. Their seeming indifference and boredom of course, is just an incredibly convincing facade; I knew they were all on high alert, ready to spring in a fraction of a second to defend their princess.

Speaking of the princess, she walked out of the library after Twilight and I, walking over to the carriage. The guard on our closest side, next to the door, stepped aside and pulled it open to allow our entry. The princess glanced at us and gestured for us to enter.

I walked up to it, attempting to show as little emotion on my face as possible. The princess entered first after I reached the vehicle, following suit. She sat on the far side, being able to see out the window behind my head towards our direction of travel. Twilight entered next, sitting next to the princess, still appearing shocked.

After Twilight sat down, the guard closed the door to the cabin and the six of them tightened into formation. I felt the first lurch of lifting off the ground, and then there was that feeling of weightlessness in your stomach I always got back on Earth, like when you were driving and took a decent sized bump, resulting in a second of being airborne. Well, this wasn't just a second. This was constant. And both unnerving and exhilarating at the same time.

The flight was quiet for a while, until finally Twilight broke the silence. "Why didn't you just tell me from the beginning, Ink- or, Connor, I guess I should say?"

I look down, my shame returning. "I had already told Nurse Redheart, and she laughed it off at first. When she started to realize how serious I was about it, it started to put her off a bit. Once she got to know me better she didn't seem to mind, but I thought it would be nice to just be a pony and keep that life to myself. But I can not refuse to tell the princess; she has a right to know, what with her having to defend the kingdom, and I knew she would learn eventually. If that came to be, and she learned of it after I hid it for a while, the repercussions would have been unpleasant, or at least more so, I am certain."

"But. . . don't I have a right to know, if I am going to be your friend? It hurts when something like this is hidden. I know we just met, but this is the kind of thing you don't just hide." She replied, eyes starting to glisten.

I fold in on myself even more, my eyes starting to glisten as well. "But the way I left off in my other life was not very fulfilling. There was a great deal of things I hadn't done, and not having that chance makes that life seem worthless to me."

The princess spoke up now. "What do you mean, Connor? What sort of things, and how did you leave your other life?"

I shut my eyes tightly for a second, realizing suddenly how much it actually hurt, now that I got to think about it a few days after the fact. "Well, I was alone. I didn't have someone to call my partner, and I had not even lived half the average life span of a human."

Twilight spoke, in a very quiet voice, with sadness obviously in the background. "And. . . How did you leave your world? What do you mean. . . Had not lived?"

I look up at them now, a single tear rolling down my cheek. "I died."

Everything fell silent again, shock written upon both their faces again. "But. . . you died? How. . . how are you living here then? Did you get reincarnated in this new body?"

"I don't think so. But I don't think I died because I separated my. . . lets just say spirit for lack of a better term, from my own body." Twilights look turned somewhat skeptical with this, but the princesses eyes narrowed. "I took classes, training in fighting, to learn discipline and control, and to keep myself fit. With that, I learned how to completely calm myself. When I entered these calm states, I seemed to drift. Not like nearing sleep, but. . . it was like I was leaving my body. When I died in an accident, at first I felt content with what I had accomplished, and relaxed. My body was destroyed; my conscience continued to exist where I separated. I then drifted into a black void for what seemed like days, and woke up in the Ponyville hospital."

Twilight still appeared unconvinced, but the princess sighed. She signalled to the guard to stop the flight for a moment, and looked at me. "Would you care to demonstrate?"

I gulped. "I can try." I closed my eyes and completely let my muscles relax, sitting on the couch somewhat awkwardly and with my chin resting against my chest, but I ignored the discomfort. I slowed my breathing, and thought of nothing. As my body completely relaxed and my mind went blank, I felt myself start to drift. Suddenly, I hear a gasp from Twilight. I open my eyes, and realize something incredible.

On Earth, whenever I entered these states, my vision just darkened into a tunnel and everything seemed distant, and no one noticed the difference in me besides my appearing spaced out or asleep. However, this was different. It must be my existence in Equestria, and the existence of magic here that resulted in the difference.

The princess and Twilight stared at me, up away from my body, which I noticed was below me. However, I could tell how they were able to see me. When I looked down at myself, I saw a floating orb of pale violet light, smoke-like wisps trailing off and dissipating from it. Something else I noticed, was that there was an incredibly faint outline of my human body surrounding the orb, which was placed in the centre, around where my heart would have been. Well that couldn't be more cliche. I thought to myself cynically.

Twilights jaw moved up and down a few times, but she said nothing. The princess however, nodded in understanding. "I recognize what you have done."

I look at her, shocked, and due to my sudden emotion, I felt myself drift back into the perfectly still body. I took a sharp intake of breath and pant for a few seconds, trying to oxygenate the blood in my veins. After I recovered, I look to the princess, wide-eyed and questioning.

She looked out the window and nodded to a guard, and our flight continued. "This is a talent I have seen other ponies exhibit over the centuries. However, it is incredibly rare. I have only seen it three times in two millennia." I hate the idea of being some special pony/person, simply because of how much more cliche it is, but I guess it kinda makes sense. "But, they didn't have this kind of control. When I saw them do it, they grew frantic, and after losing control, completely separated from their bodies. They dissolved in a flash before me. They ceased to exist."

I gulped at the possibilities. I just did something that could very well have killed me. AGAIN. God, I should stop doing that. However, I continued to stare at the princess. "My training and control over myself must be what allows me to do this safely."

Celestia nodded. "I agree. However, you must never try this again. We don't know what could happen next time; this is too new and unknown to simply play with." I nodded my head vigorously, prompting a slight smile from the sun goddess. "Well, it seems we have reached an understanding. But, we must see how it is you are a human 'spirit' in a pony body."

Twilight spoke up again now, albeit in a near whisper. "I can run tests, and see if your body is that of a standard pony, and maybe see if you have parents."

Princess Celestia turned to her pupil, nodding. "Good. This is a place to start. However, I would like to keep you at the palace for a short while to keep an eye on you. Also, this will be a good place for you to learn about our society."

I smile slightly at this. "I already have a decent understanding, your majesty. On Earth, there was a T.V. show about Equestria and the pony residents of it."

They stare at me like I grew a second head. "Show as in. . . like a play?"

I suddenly remember, that Equestria likely doesn't have T.V.'s. "Well, yes, but played on a glass screen. We use technology to record the 'plays', and we can then watch them whenever we want on these screens." The continue to stare at me the same way. I sigh. "Is there a spell that allows you to enter anothers mind and see what they are thinking? I can show you." I smile to myself. Well we haven't drifted off track at ALL. They nod their heads, and their horns begin to glow. They lean forward and touch their horns to my forehead, and suddenly I feel their presence.

I will show you a snippet of the show to demonstrate these screens I speak of. I think to myself, knowing they heard it when they nod slightly, being carful not to let go with their horns. I think for a second, and decide to play a snippet of the Nightmare Night episode. I show the part where Luna throws the toy spider at the webs, exclaiming loudly about the fun she was having. I try hard to imagine it on my computer, with the desk around and wall behind. The borders of the computer are easily seen, and I decide to do it with my Macbook. I use my imagination to re-create the object in my mind, rotating it to show it off.

The to mares in front of me lean back again, spell dissipating. Twilight had a look of absolute wonder on her face, and I smile at what she was likely thinking. "That was not a T.V. I showed you, but a computer. A computer is even more powerful; it can not only play these shows, but you can access a databank of all the information known to mankind from anywhere in the world. Most people did away with written forms of information long ago on Earth thanks to this, but I still love the solid feel of a book in my hands."

Suddenly the carriage jerked around a bit, and the guard knocked on the door before opening it. "We have arrived Your Majesty."

The princess nodded and stepped out, followed by Twilight and then myself. We walked towards the door to the castle, and an awkward silence hung in the air. Twilight was obviously contemplating what she could do with something like this, current situation apparently completely shoved from her mind, and I can't help but smile through the discomfort of the oncoming situation at this.

A guard opened a door into the hall and the princess nodded to him. After a few steps inside, Celestia turned around to Twilight. "I'm sorry Twilight, I should have let you alert your friends of your absence. Would you like me to send a message?"

"Hm, what? Oh, yes please, sorry Princess." Being spoken to brought the mare out of her thoughts, and her mood immediately darkened. I frowned; causing this discomfort for her was painful to me.

We walked the rest of the way to the throne room in silence and the ruler of Equestria ascended the dais to her throne, sitting in it gently. She quickly levitated two cushions over for Twilight and myself, placing Twilights up next to her throne. I was left at the base of the dais. Understandably. I haven't exactly garnered much trust from her so far. I thought to myself.

The princess stared at the floor for a few seconds, eyes closed in thought. She looked up and stared me straight in the eye. "Connor." She turned to Twilight for a second. "Twilight. What I say here must never leave this room. This is knowledge only Luna and I have been privy to here in Equestria." The princess turned her to the main of the room and dismissed the guards. After they left she cast a spell, and a flash of blue light flared through the room, stopping at the walls, floor and ceiling, leaving us in a sparkling bubble. "All outside forces will now find it impossible to enter the room or do anything to overhear us." The princess looked down again, sighing. She cleared her throat and looked up, yet again, directly at me.

"We have always been aware of the presence of humans; however, we never thought we would have to worry about them. They appeared to be in another dimension. But now that we know of the extent of this power that we have seen every so often, we must prepare ourselves in case this situation is to arise again. Our biggest fear, if humans ever were able to make it to Equestria, was if they turned our home into the same thing that they did to Earth; a war zone, a hundred fold worse than anything Discord was capable of. The human nature to better themselves no matter the cost to others is simply something that is unforgivable in our world." She pused for a moment to allow this to sink in, and formulate her next words.

"Connor, we will allow you to reside in Equestria, but we will observe you. I would also like to examine more of your life on Earth, to see how trustworthy you can be on important issues, or minor ones. I refuse to let someone roam the world I maintain for my ponies with the intent to do harm or anything akin to it. Am I making myself perfectly clear?"

I nodded; these felt like reasonable terms. "Absolutely, Princess. I have no objections; you can observe my memories to your hearts content. I have nothing to hide."

She nodded in response. "Good. I will hold you to that. Twilight, if you would not mind getting the information needed to conduct your research? I will allow you to solve this issue from your home in Ponyville; any resources you require, inform me of. This is something we must be COMPLETELY prepared for in the future."

Twilight stood up and walked over to me. "I don't know what this spell will do. I know the expected results from studying it, but have never needed to use it, and the effects were not documented."

I smiled slightly to the mare. "I have complete faith in you, Twilight Sparkle. Like I said earlier, from watching the show on Earth about Equestria, that I think I have a fair understanding of you. Any harm that comes of this, I know is not intended. But I also know that any which comes is justified, for what it can protect Equestria from, and from my lying to you."

She smiled back in thanks, and then closed her eyes. Her horn began to glow, and I felt the pressure of a spell forming around me. Everything went smoothly for a few seconds, until suddenly I started to feel some slight pain throughout my body. It was nothing major, just discomfort, and I alerted them to it. Twilight nodded once. "This will only take another moment. I nearly have what I-"

Suddenly, I let out a a cry as there is a sharp stab of pain at the base of my neck, and I fell to the floor. I lay there, grimacing, sweating, and twitching, as the spell finishes up. I hear a clamour of hooves after my yelp, but can not open my eyes to see who it was. The pain was excruciating; it was like millions of icy cold needles were being stabbed into my neck, and then bolts of electricity were being shot from them through me. I had no idea how long this lasted. It felt like ages; when the pain finally abated, I opened my eyes. It must have been hours later. It was midday when we started; the moon was just starting to rise now. I look around and see that the princess is standing over me, concern evident in her eyes. I may be a potential threat still in her eyes, but I am still also currently in pony form, and she can't help her worry for one of her subjects.

Her eyes soften a bit and she sighs in relief finally, after seeing my eyes open. She looks up and turns her head to the side and says something, but then I notice that there is still a constant ringing in my ears, preventing me from hearing anything. The ringing starts to make the leftover headache worse, and I clutch the sides of my head. I open my eyes and look up to see Twilight standing over me, eyes red and puffy with the fur on her cheeks matted and wet. She sees me in pain and clutching my ears, and casts a quick spell which the princess increased the power of through her magic, causing the ring to abate and the migraine to lessen to tolerable levels.

I roll over onto my back with a groan, hooves dropping to the floor. I lay there panting, covered in cold sweat as well as some more recent bullets of it from the migraine I suffered seconds ago. I start to hear muffled voices growing louder.

". . .-ner? . . Conn-? . . Connor? . . Are you alright?"

I nodded in assent, resulting in synchronous sighs from the two ponies. Another tear drops from Twilights cheek, landing on mine. I wiped it away with a hoof and looked Twilight in the eye, who broke the gaze instantly. "Please Twilight? Look at me?"

She does, and I see more tears on the brink of falling. "I'm sorry. . . I should have researched the spell more. . . I had no idea it would cause so much pain. . ." She fell onto me bawling.

I start to stroke her mane weakly. "It's alright, Twilight. You could never have known the effects of the spell without having tried it first. It's better to have undergone it's trial on me than another." I turn her head to mine, staring her right in the eyes inches away. "You have my complete forgiveness."

She sniffled a few times. "I still can't forgive myself for causing so much pain. . ."

I look at the princess and look back to Twilight. "I want you to. Did you at least get the information you needed?"

". . . Yes. . ."

"Then it was worth it. I am glad that my pain can result in the protection of a place that I never wish for humans to taint."

Twilight smiled weakly in thanks. "Thank you Connor."

The princess walked closer and rested a hoof on my shoulder. "And you have my thanks as well. Lets take you to the infirmary now; we should find out if there is any lasting damage."

I grin a bit. "Hospitals seem to be becoming a habit of mine." We all chuckle a little in unison, breaking the tension somewhat.

We reached the infirmary and they got me situated on a bed, running the least invasive tests possible to make sure I am alright. Everything comes back positive, and they prescribe me some strong headache and migraine relief pills, which I gratefully accepted. We returned to the throne room and began the process of examining my memories with the princess, and Twilight went to assemble the gear she would need to run her tests back in Ponyville.

We suddenly got interrupted as a pony entered the throne room. "Sister, what has thou and the castle in such dire straits at the moment? We would wish to speak with thou on this matter privately."

The sun princess and I look up, Celestia breaking off her spell and I turn to see who entered, though I am certain I already know who. Only one speaks with that dialect in this day and age of Equestria.

And I gotta say, I always thought Princess Luna to be beautiful on the show.

She is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous in person.

Standing there at the base of the dais is the Moon Princess, staring at me for a few seconds with an indescribable look before turning to her sister and fellow ruler. "Please, sister?"

Celestia smiled slightly. "I think this one has a right to be here when we talk about why he has caused the commotion."

Lunas eyes widened slightly and she glanced back to me. "And thou art alone with this one?! How canst thou risk thy own safety so?!"

Celestia closed her eyes and continued to smile. "Because he is not a threat. Please, Connor, if you would kindly explain yourself to my dear sister?"

I turn back to the midnight blue alicorn and smile, offering a bow. "Good evening, princess. My name is Connor, or soon to be Ink."

She looked at me quizzically. "We beg thy pardon, young colt?"

I continue to smile, and explain my story of how I am human and came to Equestria. I have to give props to the princess; her expression stayed the same throughout my entire tale. She is obviously skilled in masking her emotions. By the end of my account, she looked away for a few seconds in deep thought. When she looked back towards her sister, there was a mixture of different types of concern in her eyes; concern for her sister, concern for Equestria, and there appeared to have been some concern for me as well; she must share Celestia's sense of worry for all ponies. But she has trust in there as well, towards her sister. "We understand that thou have this situation under control, dear sister. But we will offer all our aid that is possible."

Celestia smiled warmly, stepping down to her sister to embrace her. "Thank you Luna. I am truly blessed to have you as my sister."

I smile at the love obviously shared between the two. Luna then looked towards me, a very penetrating stare indeed. "We wish to examine thy memories as well, along with our sister. We hope this is not asking too much."

I smile at her. Yet a-freakin'-gain. "Absolutley Princess Luna. I would be honoured to allow you to do so."

They examine me for hours, going through the majority of my life; the spell being casted by them obviously allowed the quick assessment of this sort of information. When we finally stop it is because it is time for Celestia to raise the sun. After doing so the Sun princess yawned. Obviously such immensely powerful ponies required the same amount of sleep as any other. Lune went to her and put a hoof to her shoulder. "Rest, sister. Thou needest thy sleep. We shall hold court in thy stead for the day."

Celestia smiled to her sister and hugged her. "Thank you. We shall only rest as long as necessary; you need yours as well." Celestia began to walk out of the room and stopped by me. "Connor. Thank you very much for your cooperation during these events. From what I have garnered of you from your memories so far, I am able to place trust in you. You may return to Ponyville with Twilight, and reside in Equestria for as long as you wish. I look forward to getting to know you as a pony, and hearing of your new memories made with my student and her peers. Farewell." I bowed to the princess, thanking her and wishing her farewell as well, plus a good sleep. She smiled and left the throne room, passing by her sleeping pupil. I only just noticed her; she must have come in at some point while we went through my life as a human. She was sleeping in front of a pile of bags and cases of various sizes, likely filled with equipment, scrolls and books. I walked over to her, nudging her gently awake. Her eyes opened groggily, and she looked up to me. I smiled at her.

"Come on Twilight. We are returning to Ponyville now."

She smiled back and stood up, stretching out, a few clicks sounding out as her back settled. We both looked up to the throne, seeing Luna relaxing on it. She smiled down at us. "Thou have our trust as well, Connor. We hope to hear more of thou soon."

I smiled and bowed to her. "Thank you, Princess. But please, for the purpose of my making new memories, I would also like to start this new life with a fresh slate. Please; call me Ink."

The princess inclined her head to me. "We shall make note of this, Ink. Fare thee well."

Twilight and I both bowed now and we walked out into the castle halls, Twilight carrying most of the equipment with her magic, me resting some of it in saddlebags upon my back and carrying another case in my teeth.

We reached Ponyville a few hours later, and found all of Twilights friends waiting for her at the library, worry written in bold letters across their faces. "Twi! We were worried sick about ya'. What was all a' that about, anyhow?" Applejack asked, walking up to her. The other ponies followed suit, asking what was wrong as well.

Twilight smiled and looked at me, and I nodded to her. "Well, it would be best for Connor to explain this." The five ponies looked at me, completely confused.

"Connor? But you said your name was Ink?" Rarity asked.

I smiled. "It's both, I guess. Allow me to explain it to all of you; I have been holding a fairly large secret from you all."

We entered the library, and I began yet another account of my story. Twilight prepared tea and snacks for us, and the five other ponies grew more and more shocked as the tale wove on. Upon yet another completion of the story, there was complete silence for a few moments. Then suddenly, all hell broke loose.

A chorus of concern, hurt, distrust, and numerous other emotions welled up from all the ponies around me, washing over like a wave. I quieted them all down, and simply stated. "I know. I am sorry. I realize now I should have told you from the get go. But I wish for that life to be a thing of the past now; I want to live my second chance here to the fullest. And I would love if you would all be my companions for it, if you wish to."

Silence reigned for a few moments more, with the six ponies looking around to each other. Finally they all looked to me and nodded, Rainbow Dash being the first to speak up. "Okay. You are a great guy, and despite your lying to us, you regret doing it and showed enough of an apology by explaining everything. I will give you a chance." There was a chorus of agreement, and I smiled, thanking them. Things were starting to look up again.

By now, it was night again. The other five ponies left to go home, and it was just Twilight and I left. Twilight looked at me and said, "Don't worry about going to the hotel tonight; you can stay here. I will see you in the morning, okay?" I smiled and nodded, offering yet more thanks to the lavender mare. "The couch is the only spare bed I have; I hope you don't mind using it."

"Not at all. I slept on many a couches as a human." We both laugh a little, and retrieve a blanket and a pillow for me. I bunk up on the sofa and wish Twilight a good night, her offering one back.

Chapter 9

~Chapter 9: The Beginning of a New Life - Now With Actual Progress!~

When I awoke the next day, Twilight was already up, and preparing breakfast with Spike. I walk into the kitchen, and when she heard me she turned and smiled. "Ink! I'm glad your awake. I would like you to. . . er. . . meet? My number one assistant, Spike!" She said, with a sheepish grin. I can't help myself from laughing at this, and she laughed with, both of us remembering how I pretty much new him already. Spike simply looked at the two of us baffled.

"What the heck is that supposed to mean, Twilight?" He said, gaze finally resting on her.

"Nevermind, Spike. It is up to Ink if he wants to tell you."

I turn to the little dragon, and he turns to me. I offer a hoof. "Hey, names Ink. Good to meet you." I say beaming. Hah! Another word for a smile! Spike accepted the outstretched hoof, shaking it twice before letting go to continue cooking.

"Yep. Good to meet you too. Now Twilight, do you mind moving so I can continue cooking, please? I need to reach the stove." He remarked to the lavender mare, who quickly apologized and stepped out of the way. He walked over to the stove, placing pancake mix in a pan. He appeared to have made two batches; one had apples in it, and the other had what looked like ruby dust.

Twilight and I walked a little further away from the kitchen counter and sat at the table, waiting for the reptile to finish his preparations for the days opening meal. She turned to me with a query. "So now that you are free to do whatever, how are you going to spend your day, Ink?"

I turn to her as well and think for a second. "Well, I need to get a room at the hotel first. After that, I will head to Sweet Apple Acres, and get started working with Applejack and the rest of the crew over there. Then, on the way back tonight, I will see about visiting Pinkie Pie for a few. She wanted me to get back to her as soon as I was free from the hospital, so I ought to. As far as I can tell, thats all he plan I need for the day. The rest should fall into place as I go."

Twilight appears slightly surprised for a few seconds. "Well, you aren't planning on wasting any time; your getting right into the swing of things. And you have an interesting way of planning your days; I create time slots for everything. I don't like to have a chance of feeling bored; I am too much of a busy-body." She replied, and the two of us laugh. Finally, Spike walks over with big oven mitts on, carrying a tray loaded with food. Pancakes, syrup, butter, berries, a bowl of gemstones, orange juice. . . He laid out an entire buffet.

Twilight and I are both taken aback for a moment. Twilight broke the silence first. "Spike, why did you prepare so much food? This is almost excessive."

Spike shrugged and got into his chair after removing the gloves. "Well, I didn't know what Ink's appetite was, and some leftovers for the day aren't bad." He said as he popped an emerald into his mouth, crunching away. Twilight and I looked at each other, shrugged, and proceeded to load our plates.

I was very surprised at how incredible the food was. If Spike was a pony, he would get something cooking related for a cutie mark, I was sure. I made sure to thank him graciously at the end of the meal, which he responded to with a bit of embarrassment. He didn't seem to be comfortable with that kind of praise, for some reason.

I said goodbye to Twilight and Spike and headed out the door, across the street to the hotel. I entered the building, and looked around. It had a nice and homey, classic sort of feel to it; there was a large red brick fireplace in a sitting room to the right, surrounded by four antique wooden chairs with smooth, ornate, curving designs in the red wood, and red leather cushions. Two chairs were to each side, and between each pair was a matching wood end table. All this furniture rested atop an ornate red and yellow rug, with yellow tassels around the sides of the fabric. The floor was well-worn red wood planks matching the furniture, and the walls were a nice, calm and unobtrusive pale yellow. Straight ahead of the entrance is a hallway, turning to right.

To the left of the door was a counter top, in again, matching red wood, and on top of it was a beautiful antique cash register to match the rest of the room, in a matching yellow to the carpet. There was also a large brown book. Behind the counter was an earth pony stallion, with pale orange skin and a fiery red mane and tail, and goatee. His mane and tale are slightly curly, with the tail kind of poofing out and his mane trimmed nice and short. His cutie mark was a book with a quill and a few gold coins sitting on it. I walk up to the counter with a smile, and he turns to me, smiling back. "Good morning! My name is Bill Ledger. I run this hotel. Is there anything I can help you with?"

I assume his name had to do with 'bills' as in money, and the last name ledger matches his cutie mark's book. Likely very organized a pony. "Hello Mr. Ledger. My name is Ink." I offer a hoofshake, and he accepts it. "I was hoping you might have a vacant room available?"

He smiled, looking down at a book in front of him on the counter. "Why yes! I have a standard suite available upstairs with a slight balcony, another standard suite next to it with no balcony but a window that is perfectly placed to enjoy the sunset, and the top floor master suite, with both a balcony big enough for three ponies to relax, as well as a small sitting room that has a window with a similar view. What would you like to take?"

"What is the pricing on the two standard suites?"

"The sunset view suite is the least expensive, coming in at 50 bits a night, and the balcony suite is 75 bits a night."

"And the master suite?"

"300 bits a night."

My eyes widen slightly at the sudden price jump, but it does not surprise me. "Well, I have yet to start working, so I will be able to find out what I can afford after a few days, but may I start with the balcony suite, and if necessary switch down to the sunset view?"

He nodded in assent. "Absolutely. Here is your key," he said, grabbing a small iron key from inside the counter in his teeth and placed it down in front of me. I nod to him and pick it up, placing it in the saddlebags Twilight lent me, next to the books. "You will find the stairwell straight down the hall and then at the end of the next hall to the right. The room is number 24, on the left side, second down."

"Thank you very much. Do mind if I simply drop my stuff off their for now, and then I will take off to start my new job?"

He smiled broadly. "Not at all! And don't worry about rent for a while; you can pay it back later, after you've earned yourself a few bits. I am sure you will pay me back."

I nodded. "Absolutely. I hate being in debt to others; too many strings attached in most cases." We both share a quick laugh, and I nod to him, making my way down the hall.

When I made it to my room and entered, I noticed the sudden change in atmosphere. The walls were a more tan-like off-white, and the furniture was made of a light coloured wood, with cream cushions. There was a small entryway with a coat hanger next to the door on the left and a bathroom directly to the right. Just passed the coat hanger there was a small kitchen facility, bearing a stove, microwave, mini fridge, and sink, with four cupboards. On the right of that was a small sitting area, and past that was another door, likely leading to the bedroom. I walked in to it, and saw the bed was made with sheets in a matching cream colour to the furniture outside in the main room, a small end table, and there was a closet to the left of the door. I dropped my saddlebags on the bed next to the table, content to sort it out later. I left the room and turned back to the right, walking between the kitchen and bedroom to the far wall, where the glass door was located. I opened it and stepped out to see what sort of view I had.

I was pleasantly surprised; due to the facing of the hotel, I was aimed towards the library and the park behind it, therefore granting me a forest view. I admired it for a few seconds before nodding and leaving the apartment.

I locked the door behind me and stopped for a second, wondering what I would do with the key. I decided to weave it under the feathers of my wing, against my body. After leaving the hotel I began my trek to Sweet Apple Acres, and arrived in time to see Applejack come out of the barn. She noticed me and grinned, waving me over. "Ink! Glad tah' see yah'! Come on over, we'll get yah' started here."

I trotted over, grinning back. "Howdy! I'm glad to be here; it will do me some good to start working. What do you need of me?"

She nodded, still smiling and turned into the barn, gesturing with her head to follow. We both made our way into the centre of the barn, and she looked up. I followed her gaze to see the loft, completely empty. "We need tah' start loading; apples up there, but it's mighty hard on Big Mac and me. We were hoping that a good strong pegasus could lift 'em there. You were the only one to answer our add."

I nod, looking up to the loft again after turning to her while she spoke. "Well, I will try my best. I will warn, though; I need to figure out how flying works, first."

Applejack nodded, remembering that I only just got the wings. "Right. Well, good luck figurin' it out. If'n yah need help with it, ah can fetch Rainbow for yah'. No flier better than her."

I smiled appreciatively, inclining my head in thanks. "I would appreciate it. It's probably better that we get her now, rather than have me attempt to fly and break something, be it myself or another, person or object." We both share a quick laugh.

"Yah might be right about that. I'll grab her, and git her tah' help yah'." She waved quickly and trotted off, leaving me in the barn.

I look back up to the loft, and the ceiling above it. I noticed the good, strong a-frame construction of the ceiling, and wonder how strong the beams actually are. If I can find out, I might be able to assemble a pulley system with an elevator to transport goods up top, or ponies. I walk around a bit, getting looks at different angles of the construction of the barn, estimating distances and materials needed. I began to dig in the dirt floor of the barn, sketching out the system I was thinking of.

Near the end of my design AJ returned with RD in tow. "Hey Ink! I heard you needed to learn how to fly?" She flew over and began to keep herself airborne by flying upside down. "You came to the right mare!" She looked at the ground in front of me and flipped back over, settling next to me. "Whats that?"

Applejack walked over, looking down as well. "Yeah, whats that yah' designed here?"

I smiled and looked at them both. "It's a way for any pony to move stuff up top; just a simple elevator that be worked by a lever." I proceeded to describe the blue-- er, dirtprint-- to the ponies, primarily to Applejack, who's eyes grew wider and wider, and smile grew bigger and bigger.

"Ink, do yah' mind me sayin' yer' a dang genius? This is somethin' Mac an' me could assemble no problem with things we already got lyin' around. Tell yah' what; you git Rainbow here to teach yah' to fly, and I'll grab the materials and tools to make this here thang. Once we both are ready, I'm gonna git yah' to help me an' Mac install this. How did you know how tab' make this here thang anyhow?"

I smile, nodding in thanks. "I always enjoyed physics as a human, and liked to build with a construction toy called lego, creating all kinds of interesting mechanical systems."

Applejack smiled even more. "Well, I gotta thank yah' agin fer' designin' this. Lets git to 'er so we can git this done faster!" She nodded and waved, running out to find her brother.

Rainbow just kept staring at me, dumbfounded. "Your pretty smart, huh?"

I laughed. "Well, I like to think so. All my friends on Earth called me a genius. Anyway, enough bringing my human life up. I want to learn how this body I have in my pony life works, from one of the most skilled in using one!" I say, prompting a broad grin from the cyan mare.

"You got it!"

Chapter 11

~Chapter 11: An Unfortunate Incident~

So the new day began. I still felt just as chipper as when crashing on my bed the night before; nothing seemed to be going wrong.

Buck, I was mistaken.

This day would hammer that point home; nothing perfect stays that way for long, and every world has it's drama.

I grabbed the rent from my bag for the week and went downstairs to Mr. Ledger, paying it off. He thanked me, and I went off for the day, beginning my trek to Sweet Apple Acres to get to work. I arrived to see Applejack and Big Mac just leaving the house, about to get started on their work for the day. "Hey there, Ink! That party sure was a good 'un last night, wasn't it?" The mare said, big bright smile on her face.

I grinned right back. "Absolutely. All the hype about Pinkie Parties is not unfounded." Her and I share a quick laugh, and we proceeded to the barn. Everything had been cleaned up the night before just prior to everyone leaving, so it looked like nothing had transpired.

Applejack turned to me. "Alright, so heres the deal. We need yah' tah' help us get them there apples," she gestured to a series of barrels loaded with them, "up there. Sure, we got that there lift now, but that won't be able handle all he buckets. We still need yah to fly some barrels up there. Think yah' can handle it sugarcube?"

I smile and trot over to one of the barrels. I look around it for a second, seeing the handles. I then glance around the barn and saw a saddle on the wall and a length of rope. I smiled more. "Well, do you mind if I borrow that saddle and rope for it? I can rig a barrel to me with the rope and not have to worry about specifically carrying it."

Applejack smiled, a gleam in her eye. "You seem tah' be pretty darn smart when it comes tah' makin' things easier an every pony. Yeah, I'll help get the saddle on yah and run the rope through it. We can use a couple a hooks I got around here tah' make letting go of the barrel easier on yah' tah' boot." She trotted over to the wall with the equipment, myself on her heels. She picked up the saddle and deposited it on my back, hitching it to me and running the rope through it as well. She then walked over to a workbench, rooting through a couple of drawers. She exclaimed triumphantly, returning with two cast iron hooks. We tied the rope to them and test rigged a barrel. There was just enough room left for me flap my wings and gain flight, and despite the burden of the apples, it wasn't too hard to get airborne. I took the first barrel up, detached myself, and flew back down. AJ, Big Mac and I all grin. "That ought tah' do it, hun. Ah'm gonna git back tah buckin' then. You two can git goin' with the loadin' apples up top. Back in a bit with a wagon, alright?" We nodded to her and she trotted off.

Big Mac and I got to work straight away, him pulling apple buckets over to the lift. I would take barrels up with my harness while he did this, and then when he filled the lift, I would work the winch to take him and the load up top. While he unloaded the elevator, I would ferry more apples up as well. We got a rhythm going, and were starting to make a fair dent in the load. Every time AJ came back with more apples, we would simply tug the cart onto the lift and unload them directly off it at the top.

We worked for about five hours and decided it was a good idea to take a break. We sat outside the barn in the sun, drinking some lemonade and eating daisy sandwiches that Applebloom prepared for us- it was the weekend, so she didn't have to worry about school. After about a half hour break of relaxing and letting our pretesting muscles rest for a period we got right back to it. After about another six hours we called it quits. We managed to fill roughly a fifth of the top floor by days end, and that was a surprisingly incredible feat.

We started walking towards the main house. Applejack turned to me at the door. "Hey Ink, yah' wanna stay fer' dinner? I would be happy to have some company fer' it, at least some that we ain't used to havin', like the other girls."

I smiled. "I would be delighted. Thank you." Rather than saying goodbye and walking home then, I followed the mare into the house. Granny Smith was apparently visiting Breaburn down in Appaloosa, so it would just be Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom, and myself.

The orange mare gave me a quick tour of the main floor of the house and we finished in the dining room. "If'n yah' don't mind, ya'll can relax in here while ah prepare dinner."

I shook my head. "Thats alright, I can offer my assistance in the kitchen."

She shook her head back. "Ah'm sorry hun, but it don't sit well with me havin' a guest help; it don't seem right."

I smiled. "It is quite alright; I was always one to help clean up before and after meals, no matter who it was, when I visited others. Besides, it would be nice to have the company, rather than sit at the table talking to you through a door."

Applejack smiled to me. "Well, ah appreciate it then, sugarcube. Thanks a heap; we can git to eaten all the faster with more hands at the counter." We entered the kitchen, and Applejack pulled out a recipe for a good, hearty chilli, made with tomatoes, apples, beans, and various other ingredients. She also added a slight bit of honey rather than straight sugar to sweeten the food slightly. It was prepared fast, but still required a couple of hours to cook. We all went into the living room and sat around the fire, talking lightly and laughing and carrying on. We shared stories, jokes, and had just plain intelligent conversations. Finally the food was finished and we sat around the table to eat, continuing our previous conversation and moving on to new topics.

When we finished eating I helped clean up as I promised and took my leave, now that it was late, and went to return to the hotel. AJ gave me some of the leftover chill first, sealed in a metal pot and wrapped in a towel, then deposited in a small saddlebag. I thanked her and finally got out. Something caught my eye on the way to the hotel though; after passing the farm and reaching general forest, I noticed something among the trees off the main road a bit. I walked towards it, curious, and found myself completely shocked.

Lying still on the ground on it's left side was a pegasus pony, right wing bent at an incredibly awkward angle and obviously broken, and a small puddle of blood under the pony's head. I rushed over to see if the poor mare was alive- I could tell it was a mare when I got close enough, based on the shape of the pony's physique. When I reached a certain distance I noticed her shoulders shaking, and could hear soft crying. I quickened my pace.

She obviously heard me, because she called out quietly. "H-hello? Is any pony there? P-Please, help me. . . I. . . I think my leg is broken. . ."

Things were worse than I first thought. I reached her and immediately went around to the front of her so she could see me. I crouched down in front of her, and also got a closer look at her. She had a pale green coat and orange mane, matted and dripping blood. Her cutie mark was of an easel with a paintbrush laying a broad line of orange paint. "Hey, it's alright. What happened?"

She continued to cry softly. She opened her eyes, bright purple in colour, and looked at me, complete anguish visible in her expression. "I. . . I was flying, and then a stray wind current caught me- there is supposed to be a storm tomorrow, but someone must have lost control somewhere. It snapped against my wing, breaking it, and I fell the rest of the way- oh Celestia, it hurts-" She fell into more sobbing.

I gulped and looked around; it was getting really late, and dark. No other ponies were around. I looked back to her. "Which leg is broken?"

She glanced down to her lead left leg, sprawled across a rock also at a horrible angle. "I hit my head on a tree trunk as well."

I sighed; at least it was the leg on the opposite side of the wing. I took the saddlebag off my back and pulled out the chilli. "Here, I have some food here. Go ahead and eat it; you will need the energy." I took the cloth and saddlebag and looked at them. They were of a fairly easy to rip material, and I decided I would pay Applejack back for the items later. I picked the cloth up in my teeth and pinned an edge on the ground with a hoof, ripping it in half. I then took the main strap from the saddlebag for going around your body. "Okay, this is going to hurt, but I need to splint your leg and wing to take you to the hospital. I don't want to leave you alone while getting help." I gingerly slid the strap under her, being careful not to jar her too much. When I got it around I looked at her wing. I would need to set it first. I took another strap off the bag and gave it to her. "Stop eating for a minute, I need to set your wing. Bite down on this." She took the strap in her teeth, with a look of panic on her face. "Okay, four. . . three. . . two. . ." I suddenly popped the wing back into place before the final count so she wouldn't tense up before I had a chance to do what I needed.

She screamed into the strap, biting down hard on the it. Tears flowed freely down her face. "I'm sorry." I took the ripped up cloth and spread part of it over her wing, and the other part I put next to the break. I picked up the strap under her and pulled it over the top, doing it up and gingerly cinching it tight enough hold the cloth and wing in place, plus tourniquet the wound, but I tried to leave it loose enough to not cause any more pain than necessary. I looked down at her leg, then up to her eyes. She nodded, knowing I needed to set that as well. I ripped another strap off the bag and slid it through the strap around her torso and ripped the cover off of the bag. I took a few moments and set her leg, accompanied by another scream, and she seemed to almost pass out this time. I started stroking her mane, trying to calm her down, and spoke softly to her. "It's alright, you can get through this, I'm going to take you to the hospital were you can get looked after and made more comfortable, just hang in there. . ." I continued reassuring her, and she whimpered as I wrapped her leg in the cover of the backpack. I wrapped the strap around that now, keeping it up and tucked against her body to prevent too much movement of it. I slowly helped her up to her other three hooves, letting her lean against my side. I draped a wing over her back to keep her against me, and we slowly made our way back to ponyville main.

Chapter 12

~Chapter 12: Can I Be Done With Hospitals Now? Please?~

We reached the clinic after about fifteen minutes; we had to move slowly due to the mare's injuries. As soon as we walked in the door the mare at the desk looked up smiling to greet whoever entered, but her entire expression fell at what she saw. Her horn lit up instantly and she used her magic to shout through the hospital, "EMERGENCY! INJURED PONY!' She rushed over to us, using her magic to lift the wounded pony up off the ground, reducing strain on her muscles that could cause more pain. "What is the extent of her injuries to your knowledge, Ink?"

"Broken right wing, broken left foreleg, head injury, likely concussion. That is as much as I know. When I found her I splinted her limbs and gave her a little bit to eat, then aided her in walking here. It has been about twenty five minutes since I found her, but I am unsure how long she has been like this. There was a small puddle of blood beneath her body."

The nurse shouted into the hospital again, but she cast a bubble around the patients head first, not wanting to give her a migraine, or at least worsen it. "MARE, BROKEN WING, BROKEN FORELEG, HEAD INJURY, BLOOD LOSS, ROOM 12!" The other two nurses flew around a corner ahead, equipment in tow. Nurse Redheart saw me and nodded slightly before disappearing into the room with the injured mare.

She came back out of the room after depositing her supplies and trotted over to me, hugging me. "Thank you Ink. This was very good of you to do."

I looked her in the eye. "I would like to stay at the hospital overnight, if you don't mind. It might be best for me to be there when she wakes up after you treat her, so there is somepony she will at least slightly recognize. And I want to be sure she recovers. If you need anything but are too busy at the time to grab it, let me know. I will do anything I can."

The nurse smiled. "Thank you again; I appreciate it. You may come into the room with us, but we will draw the curtain, and I will call to you if needed." I nodded and we rushed into the room. I took the chair to the side of the door and the nurse took her place with her colleagues, drawing the curtain magically into place.

They would occasionally call to me to grab them something or clean something, and I obliged with haste, but was still thorough. After about an hour and a half to two hours they finished, and Nurse Redheart came over to me. She explained that the mare would be asleep for a while, but that it would be alright if I stayed. I thanked her and kept vigil. Occasionally one of the nurses would bring in something for me to eat, which I was grateful for.

Eleven hours passed, and then the mare started to show signs of wakefulness. Her eyes started to open and she groaned, grimacing. I got up and walked over, sitting in the chair next to her. "Hey, are you alright?"

She looked at me and her surroundings for a second, panicking, but she calmed down a bit as she remembered the events of the night prior. Because of the blood that was matted into her mane, they had to cut it short, and they held it back with a yellow hair band. "I. . . I think so. For now. Thank you for your help." She smiled slightly.

I smiled in response. "Your very welcome, but no thanks are needed. I couldn't leave somepony injured and alone like that."

Her smile grew. "By the way, whats your name? I'm Chroma."

Now it was my turn for my smile to grow. "I'm Ink. It's great to meet you, but it would have been better under other circumstances, no?" I lightly joked, trying to ease the mood a bit. She laughed a little, so I got the desired reaction. We sat in silence for a few moments, and then I spoke up again. "You must be hungry, after all that time unconscious. Would you like me to get you something?" She smiled and closed her eyes, nodding lightly in affirmation. I smiled in return. "I will be right back."

I left the room and closed the door quietly behind myself and proceeded to the front desk. The mare on duty looked up to me, and I smiled to her. "She is awake again. I am just going to go pick up something light for her to eat." The nurse grinned and thanked me for the help before continuing with whatever it was she was working on.

I walked to one of the little restaurants in town and picked up a couple of daisy sandwiches and some orange juice to drink, with a side of oats. Despite being quite the carnivore as a human, I was growing to love Equestrian food in it's simplicity. I returned to the hospital and knocked on the door to room 12 with Chroma. "Come in." I heard her call out, and I opened the door.

I entered the room to see Chroma sitting more upright, Nurse Redheart next to her and talking to her. I walked up and proceeded to set out the food, removing it from the saddlebag Twilight lent me. By the time I finished arranging our meal, Chroma and the nurse had finished speaking and were looking at me with light smiles on their faces. "I got you a daisy sandwich and oats with a glass of orange juice. I hope you don't mind. Nurse Redheart, if you would like, you can have half my sandwich; I'm not hugely hungry."

"Thank you Ink, but I will have to professionally decline." The nurse said, nodding her head in appreciation to me. "Well, Ms. Chroma, Mr. Ink, I will take my leave and allow you two to enjoy your meal." She exited the room, leaving Chroma and I alone once again. I took her food over to her bed on her lap for her, which she smiled in appreciation for. However, eating it was going to be difficult; one hoof was encased in a cast. I unfortunately had not considered this.

I winced at the realization. "Sorry, I forgot that with a cast this will be hard to eat."

She shook her head. "It is not a problem. My left hoof and right wing are broken, but I still have my right hoof and left wing." She smiled as she unfurled her wing and then she pinched the sandwich between the appendage and her foreleg, lifting it to her mouth with ease.

This caught me somewhat by surprise. "Well, your wings are quite flexible."

She looked at me and swallowed her bite of the sandwich. "I am a painter, and I like to use my wings to carry stuff as I work, so I stretch them to increase my range of movement."

An idea came to mind. "Hey, you paint? I am an artist as well, but I spent a month in a hospital bed unconscious. Maybe you could teach me how to use my wings like that? I would love to start drawing again." I showed her my cutie mark of a calligraphy pen and she beamed.

"Sure! It's the least I could do for you helping me reach the hospital." I smiled at her in thanks and began on my food. We continued to eat in silence, comfortable with the mere presence of each other despite still being fairly new acquaintances. When we finished eating I picked up all the wrappers and waste and took them over to the garbage can, Chroma thanking me again for the food. When I dropped them in the receptacle I thought I heard her mumble something behind me, but when I turned around to ask, she was sound asleep. I smiled, and walked over to her. I helped her slide a little lower in the bed and pulled the sheets up. I watched her for a few more seconds, still smiling, and then I left the room quietly. I said goodbye to the nurses, and that I would likely see them later in the day. I plan to visit Chroma as often as possible.

After the hospital I went to my hotel room quickly, letting Mr. Ledger know about the reason for my absence. He smiled at me, thankful for letting him know, and approving of my actions the night before. I grabbed a few bits out of my room and let for the Carousel Boutique, picking up a new bag for Applejack and one for myself as well.

I entered the establishment, silver bell above the door ringing. I looked around and saw Rarity at one of her work tables, materials and tools floating in the air around her. "One moment please!" She called out, staring at one of her mannequins on the table which had a smooth, form-fitting white dress in the making, adorned with pale green lace and peridot gemstones in a fine vine-like pattern along the right side, with a bright orange padparadscha sapphire flower growing from the vine at the base of the neck. She spun the dress on it's stand around, to which I saw that the peridot pattern was only on one side, and this side had a series of buttons along the side to put the dress on. Hmm. Asymmetrical pattern, and a beautiful one at that. She quickly applied a bit more lace to the dress on the front left hoof, which was also the only fully covered leg, and made another vine and flower grow from there. I also looked down the length of the dress and noticed it swept over the back of the stand draped over the side to the left of the tail. The dress was actually breathtaking; I was completely shocked.

She nodded her head in satisfaction and turned to the door. "Hello, thank you for stop- oh! Ink! My, how are you? I haven't seen you in ages!" The fashionista exclaimed, exaggerating in her usual manner, and she trotted over to me. She then noticed how I was fairly awestruck by the dress. She turned back to it and beamed. "Yes, I am very proud of this one. It was special ordered by a friend for an event coming up that she is attending. I would love to go as well, and I was given a ticket, but I unfortunately have business to attend to." She turned back to me. "You wouldn't happen to be interested in going to an art show in a couple of months, would you?"

I look at the fashionista at this, grinning ear-to-ear. "I LOVE art shows. I would be delighted to go on your behalf." She grinned in return.

"Now, what was it you stopped by for, dear? I highly doubt it was to go dress shopping." She said with a light chuckle that I shared.

"No, I was going to buy a couple of saddlebags. I was going to pay for you to make me one sometime, and I have to get Applejack a replacement." Her look grew questioning at this point, wondering why I needed to reimburse the farmpony. I explained the events of the night before, to which her look grew more and more horrified.

When I finished my account, she finally spoke again. "Oh my! Is the poor dear alright? Of all the things that could happen to her, that is the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" I smiled a little at the expression she used.

"Yes, she is fine. I got her something to eat this morning, and she was asleep when I left not to long ago. Anyway, would I be able to purchase those bags now?"

Suddenly the dressmaker snapped into attention. "Oh! Yes! I have just the bag to replace Applejack's old one, and I went ahead and made your saddlebag the day before yesterday. I had a fit of inspiration! I will be back in a moment!" She trotted off into one of her storage rooms and the sound of moving fabric could be heard. She returned with a plain but durable looking brown bag first and deposited it on the table next to us. She went to another storage room now and shuffled more items. She returned again with another bag in tow, and this one, my jaw actually dropped on. So much it hurt.

"I took what you said during my measuring session and came up with what I feel to be the perfect bag for you!" She preceded to describe the bag. It was a dark grey colour, silk, close to the tone of my own fur. It had a darker grey trim and violet stitching. On the front side there was a celtic cross in a similar dark grey, part of it designed on the top flap as well so that open or closed the full cross was visible. It had a ruby in the centre of the left arm of the cross, sapphire on the right, emerald on the top, and onyx on the bottom. In the middle of the cross was an amethyst, my birthstone. The clasp for the cover of the bag was a nice, matte black, not too obtrusive. When one looked closely, the grey fabric was stitched with more grey thread in a tartan-esque pattern. It was perfect.

"Rarity, you are a genius. That saddlebag is incredible. I almost don't want to use it; I'm afraid it will get dirty or damaged." She laughed at this.

"Oh, you are too kind, Ink. But I made this for you to use. It will not be too expensive either; I had an abundance of these materials." She laid it on the table next to the one for AJ and put on her glasses, lifting a pencil and paper with her magic. She began to write something down, muttering numbers under her breath, so she was likely tallying up the price for the two items. "So, the bag for Applejack is a very bare-bones and practical bag, the kind she usually orders from me. That will be twenty-five bits. The bag for you, with the silk and jewels, plus extra stitching for the pattern, will come to seventy-five bits, so an even one hundred bits, please."

On Earth, that saddlebag would have likely cost me a fortune. In Equeastria, it cost next to nothing in comparison. I handed over the bits and commented. "I feel like I am ripping you off; that price is a steal."

She laughed once more. "It is not a worry darling. I am happy to offer it to you. Was there anything else dear?"

I shook my head, putting my saddlebag on and popping the farmpony's replacement bag inside. "No, thank you. I should head to work. Thank you again, Rarity! You aren't the element of generosity for nothing! I will see you again sometime. If I am going to that art show I feel I should get something appropriate to wear for it, if that dress on your table is any proof of how high class it will be there. Goodbye!" I waved, leaving the Carousel Boutique. I noticed a slight blush on the white unicorn's cheeks at the comment of her generosity.

Chapter 13

~Chapter 13: A Step Further~

I walked to Sweet Apple Acres and went hunting for the orange mare who ran the farmstead. She wasn't at the barn or main house, nor were any of the family, so I took to the air to scan the trees for signs of apple bucking. I did not see any shaking leaves, but I picked up laughter and splashing. I flew to the lake that Rainbow Dash and I played around in and found the Apple family enjoying the day at the lake. Day off I guess.

I flew down a little way in the trees and walked the rest of the way to the lake, appearing in line of sight of those relaxing on the shore. Applejack and Applebloom were playing in the water, and Big Mac was lying on the shore sunbathing, a piece of wheat hanging from his mouth. Granny Smith was off to the side, passed out on a foldable lawn chair. Applebloom noticed me first, and called out. "Hey there, Ink! How are yah'?"

I grinned as Applejack and Big Mac turned to me, also calling out in greeting. I continued over to them, stopping a few feet from Big Mac. Applebloom and Applejack swam to the shore next to us and shook the water out of their fur a little. I greeted them in return on the way. "I'm pretty good! Thanks for asking. Although, I have to apologize Applejack. I needed to replace your bag you lent me." When I reached that part she cocked her head to the side, a confused look clearly displayed on her face.

"What was that now, sugarcube? Why in tarnation didja' need tah' replace the saddlebag Ah lent yah'? That was a strong old thang."

I grimaced a little. "I had to shred it for bandages to help a pony last night." All of their faces showed shock at this, even Big Mac.

Applebloom was the first to speak up. "Are they alright? It wasn't too bad, Ah hope?"

I nodded in assent. "Yes, she's fine. I got her to the hospital. She will take a while to recover though. Here." I pulled the bag for Applejack and gave it to her, and then proceeded to explain the situation, leaving out Chroma's name. I was unsure what she would think about me spreading the event around town and giving out her name. I would find it embarrassing if it happened to me.

When I finished the story they were all shocked, but then Applebloom glomped my neck, surprising me. "Ah knew yah' were a good pony! Ahm' glad yah' helped her out!"

I laughed and hugged her back. "I would never have forgiven myself and been sick of me if I had simply walked past. I refuse to let any pony go without help."

Applejack walked over and gave me a hug as well now. "Ahm' glad there are ponies like yourself in the world, darlin'. It makes things look a lil' brighter."

I smiled and now hugged her back. "Thank you. I appreciate it. But if anyone is to be thanked, it's my mom. It's the way she raised me."

Big Mac walked over and raised a hoof. I lifted mine and we brohoofed, us nodding to each other in respect. "Now, I didn't want to spoil your day at the lake. I'll take my leave, then."

Applebloom clung to my leg. "Why don'tcha stay n' swim with us? It'll be fun!" She said beaming. Applejack nodded with a smile, and the corner of Big Mac's mouth lifted as well.

I grinned. "Well, I don't see why not. So. . ." I launched into the air with Applebloom still latched onto my leg, her screaming. I spun over and shot for the surface of the water, tucking my leg in to make me hit the water first and have her follow me in. I surfaced again and lifted my leg out of the water, her still on it. She was laughing like mad, her hair slick to the sides of her head and neck. Applejack was laughing on the shore as well, and Big Mac was chuckling.

We swam for a couple hours, reaching supper time. We returned to the Apple residence and I split off for town, letting them know that I was going to see the mare of the night before in the hospital. AJ nodded in understanding, wishing me a good night. I lifted off, deciding to take a nice and relaxing flight over. I stopped at the same restaurant I had earlier and picked up some salad and milk. I arrived at the hospital, greeting the nurse at the main desk quickly and asking if it would be alright if I visited Chroma.

After getting the green light to do so, I walked down the hall and knocked on her door. "Enter!" She called back out. I stepped in and she turned to me, smiling. "Hello, Ink! Nice to see you."

I smiled in return. "Likewise, Chroma. I brought more food!" I said, pulling the bag of food out of my saddlebag with my wing, and the bottle of milk with a couple of cups over the cap with my other.

She grinned. "I hope you are keeping a tab; I will have racked up quite the bill with you by the time I get released. Wait, scratch that, I actually hope you AREN'T keeping one. Means I don't have to pay you back." She said with a wink, and I laughed. I walked over sat in the chair next to her bed and laid out our meal. We began to eat, and after a couple of bites Chroma turned to me. "I am curious; you already took me to the hospital and helped me begin my recovery. Why are you still helping me, and feeding me as well?"

After she voiced the question, I actually stopped for a few seconds, thinking. I honestly didn't know why. "I. . . don't know, actually. I think I feel slightly responsible for helping you recover, and. . . I seem to feel a connection with you. Maybe it's just because of you being an artist as well, but. . . I don't think so." Both of us were a little taken aback by my response; for the response itself and how open I was about it.

We sat silent for another second before Chroma smiled. "Thank you. Not many ponies would say something like that. Hay, not many ponies would even do what your doing."

I smiled in response, and put my hooves out wide to the side. "Your very welcome, and thank you as well for the compliment. I was brought up to be good and caring."

Chroma's smile widened, and she surprised me by leaning over and embracing me tightly, face pushed firmly into my neck. She then silently said into my ear. "Let me say it again. Thank you, Ink."

My smile softened, and I hugged her back. Just as silently as her, "Your welcome, Chroma. Anytime."

We sat for a minute before separating, still softly smiling at each and looking each other in the eyes. We only broke the gaze to return to eating in a companionable silence.

A couple of weeks passed uneventfully, me working for AJ and visiting Chroma every morning and night. I would bring her books if she asked, and bring food every time. We grew to have a very strong friendship from this, and now, she was cleared to leave the hospital. Her leg is going to be in a brace, preventing her from bending it, and her wing as well, tucked tight to her body. She was not allowed to fly for a few more weeks until the nurses were sure her body had recuperated enough.

I asked AJ for the day off to help Chroma and got an okay, so I made my way to the hospital. I arrived and greeted the nurse at the counter like I have for the past couple of weeks. I have grown to be good friends with the entire staff of the building from my repeated visits. I walked to Chroma's room and rapped on the door, as has become habit.

"Come on in, Ink! You know you don't need to knock." Chroma called out with a giggle. I smiled and walked in to find her and Nurse Redheart. The nurse was in the process of putting the brace on Chroma's wing, and now that she was up on her four legs, I realized the height difference between us a bit more. She was a few inches shorter than I, head roughly reaching the base of me eye when she stood up fully. She had a little bit of a shy air about her, but held herself confidently enough that she was definitely approachable, and would come across as a kind pony, even if you had never seen her before.

I walked over to her on the opposite side of the nurse. "Anything I can help with miss Redheart?"

The nurse smiled and nodded. "Please grab this strap, if you don't mind." I took it in my teeth and pulled it over to my side and used my wings to lift the clasp hanging under her, cinching it together. The nurse nodded to me in appreciation and we both walked in front of Chroma, turning to face each other in a small triangle.

I looked to Chroma and smiled, her smiling back. We turned to the nurse, who was quickly checking over her clipboard, making sure all was well. "Well Chroma, everything seems to be fine. You are free to check out. I have some things to take care of around the clinic, so I will say farewell here." She gave us a quick nod which we returned gratefully.

"Thank you for the help miss Redheart." Chroma said, shuffling over and hugging the nurse lightly. The nurse hugged back, smiling. I took my turn hugging her and thanking her now, and she left the room.

Chroma and I looked at each other now. I spoke first. "Well, shall we?" The pale green mare smiled and nodded, and we made our way out of the room ourselves now. I kept a close eye on Chroma, keeping near until she figured out the best way to move with the cumbersome brace over her leg restricting her movement.

We reached the front desk and checked out, giving a quick farewell to the nurses present and left the building. Chroma looked up to the sky the moment she was out the door and sighed, enjoying the sunlight. We began to walk down the street, and then I thought it would be good to ask. "Where are we going anyway? Your place or mine? Or, do you want to stop for a quick bite to eat?"

Chroma looked at me, and the way the sunlight hit her face lit her up in just the right way, showing off the beautiful lines of her jaw and cheeks. "Lets eat first; I am a little famished." I nodded and we started down the street. I decided we would stop at the place I was frequenting recently to feed us both, thinking it might be nice to show her where the food was coming from for the past while and also thinking it would be better fresh.

We reached it and walked in the door. The brown unicorn stallion tending the kitchen just inside turned to the door at the sound of the bell above it ringing and smiled when he saw me. "Ink! Nice to see you. I take it this lovely lady here is the one I have been feeding the for the last while?"

Chroma blushed a little at this and I laughed lightly. "Yes, she is. She just got released from the hospital, so I took her here to meet you and have some of your food fresh."

He smiled back. "Great! Go ahead and seat yourselves wherever you like; I will be over with menus shortly."

We did as he said and grabbed a booth for two near a window, looking out at the main town square, seeing all the hustle and bustle of the little town go around. After a few seconds he appeared with two menus floating above him and a couple of glasses of water with lemon slices as well. "Here you go! Go ahead and call out for me when your ready, alright?" We nodded and he trotted off back to the kitchen.

Chroma opened her menu and began to scan the contents of it. I followed suit and perused the document, looking for something that caught my eye. After we found what we wanted I hailed the proprietor of the establishment and delivered our order. He nodded and told us it would be ready shortly. We sat and talked back and forth, myself mentioning how work went the day before and Chroma connecting it to something that happened to her in the past, simply bantering a little more and enjoying each others company. The chef arrived after a while and we got into our food, enjoying the flavours and textures. He managed to make a dish that compared to one of my favourite Indian fish dishes back on Earth while not using real fish, and I savoured every last bite of it. Chroma and I tasted each others dishes and continued our banter as we ate.

We finished and I payed for the meal, then we exited the building back onto the streets of Ponyville. "So, where to next Chroma?"

She smiled and looked up to me. "Do you mind if we went to my place? I would like to show you around, and it would be good for me to check up on it after so long." I nodded in agreement and I let her take the lead. We wove around through the streets until we reached a nice house, big enough for a couple, next to the Founder's Park and Maple Park. I found myself wondering if she was with some pony, or just doing pretty well on her own, because I knew artists often didn't get paid very well, unless they were masters at what they did.

We walked up the steps and Chroma stuck her head into the mail slot next to her door, pulling out a key and opening the door. She deposited the key on a small table just inside the door and proceeded into her house. I followed, and my jaw dropped.

She didn't just do well; her place simply screamed class, and my style as well. Stark white walls with artwork hung everywhere, and nice black faux-leather sofas with one red love seat in the mix. There was a beautiful and simple cast iron table with a glass top in the centre of the circle of sofas, and the ceiling vaulted up to the second floor. On the left side past the living room and under the second floor was a nice open-concept kitchen that contrasted the modern minimalist living room wonderfully. It had and old-fashioned fire-engine red stove, dishwasher, and sink, an island across from them in the middle of the room with multi-coloured pastel tiles, and a cast iron rack attached to the chilling above it with pots and pans hanging from it. The cupboards looked to be made out of salvaged wood that had the paint scraped off, and the dining room table and chairs past the island were made of driftwood.

Chroma wandered into the living room and flopped onto the red couch, sighing contentedly. "Oh, how I have missed this couch. . ." She looked at me over her shoulder smiling. "Well, do come in. Make yourself comfortable."

I brushed my hooves on the mat just inside the front door and walked over to the couch across the table from her, under the window. The sun came in through the window and struck her on the couch across from me, once again displaying how beautiful she was.

"Ink? You alright?" I snapped back to attention and shook my head. Apparently I zoned out staring at her.

"Uhh, yeah. Sorry." She giggled and shifted position on the couch to better talk to me.

"Well, how do you like my place?"

I chuckled. "It's the house I always dreamed of for myself. To a T."

She laughed. "Well, thats good then. Thank you." She thought for a second and then spoke again. "You know what. I have grown to really trust you over the last couple of weeks. Do you want to get out of that hotel and maybe use my guest bedroom?"

I was floored at the proposition. "Oh, uh, thank you! I would love to! Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing?"

She smiled and got off the couch. "Not at all! Here, let me show you around. You might want to know which room is yours, eh?" That little 'eh' at the end of her sentence I found oddly entertaining; my Canadian-ness was drawn to the little inflection.

She lead me down a hall with bright red walls, matching the living room couch, and opened up a door in the hall to a bedroom. "Here it is!"

The bed had electric blue sheets, and the carpet on the floor matched it perfectly. The walls were stark white like the living room and there was a black shelf next to the bed on one side, akin to the Expedit shelf from Ikea on Earth, and small vibrant yellow bedside table on the opposite side. The fan hanging from the white and flat ceiling- Thank god, no stucco!- was just as blue as the bed, leaving a very energetic feel to the room. The window was on the opposite side of the house as the living room window so that the sun would shine through in the morning, but had black drapes to pull across it.

I turned to the mare with a grin from ear to ear. "This is perfect. You have taste."

She laughed, a beautiful sound indeed. I was getting attracted to her more and more. "Thank you, Ink. We can go grab your things now, if you like."

I smiled and nodded. "You are very welcome. And I would appreciate it."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry for the delayed update. Been trying to figure out where to go with this chapter, but hopefully, updates should come a little smoother now, and more frequently. HOPEFULLY. :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 14

~Chapter 14: Moving In~

We walked over to the hotel talking about various art related things, mainly different mediums we used in the past and subjects studied. We enjoyed hearing about each others achievements, and by the time we reached the hotel, fifteen minutes went by when it should have been two, but it felt like seconds.

We entered the building and I turned to the desk seeing Bill at work going through papers and money. "Hey Bill! How are you?"

He looked up at me and smiled, waving. "Hey Ink! I'm doing great, thanks for asking! I just have a few things I'm working on here, nothing big, thankfully. Anything I can help you with? And hello, miss!" He went to walk around the counter and tripped over a box of files next to the counter, planting his face in the floor.

Chroma and I ran over to him, helping him up. "Oh no, Mr. Bill! Are you alright?" Chroma said, checking his face for any cuts or bruises.

He laughed and pushed us away, brushing himself off and smoothing down his ruffled fur. "Yes, thank you. Sorry about that. Forgot I left that there; meant to put it away, but I got distracted by some pony's paperwork. A slight underpayment in a letter. Anyway, like I said, anything I can help with?"

I smiled and shook my head in exasperation. "No, thank you. Just came to get my stuff and give you my last payment. Moving in with this kind mare until I get my own place." I looked to Chroma and grinned, and she grinned back.

Bill smiled and nodded. "Alrighty then! Go ahead and pack up, I will get your stuff in order for when you come back down." I nodded and gestured for Chroma to follow.

We went down the hall and upstairs to my room. Chroma looked at me curiously when I flared my wing and started digging into it with my mouth. "Are you preening? Why- oh!" She looked slightly startled when I pulled the key out and unlocked the door. I grinned at her with the metal instrument in my teeth and laid it on the table inside the door, walking in.

"When I first got the place I realized I needed somewhere to put the key, so I wove it into my feathers." I started putting my few possessions into my saddlebags, basically just money and books.

Chroma followed me in and looked around. "That is actually very smart. But won't it fall out in flight?"

I smiled. "I had the same worry the first time I flew, but I wove it enough that it stayed. Even after going for a swim with Rainbow Dash."

Chroma's head snapped to my direction. "Huh? What happened?"

I looked up, curious as to her reaction. "She taught me to fly recently- after I was bedridden for a month. We went for a swim to cool off. Why?"

She blushed a little and sheepishly looked away. "Oh, uh. . . Nothing. Sorry. So. . . This is were you stayed the past few weeks?"

I resumed packing, still confused. "Uhh. . . Yeah. It''s a good price, I think. Seventy five bits a night. Not to expensive, and comfortable enough." I put the last book in my bag and slid it over my back, shifting my wings around to make it sit more comfortably.

Chroma turned back to me. "Ready to go?"

I smiled. "Yep!"

We went back downstairs and I walked up to the desk. Mr. Ledger looked up and smiled. "Alright, Ink! All you owe left is last night and the day before. One hundred and twenty five bits please!"

I cocked my head slightly. "Don't you mean one hundred and fifty?"

He laughed. "I reduced the price 25 bits last night. I have been doing pretty well, making enough money from tourists and visitors to allow it. Ponyville is doing better and better; we are growing in population."

I smiled and opened my bag. "Well, I will give you the extra twenty five anyway. It isn't much, but it can still help you do something to attract even more people to your establishment, and I will recommend your place if I have the chance."

Bill beamed. "Thank you! I really shouldn't accept it, but I really appreciate it. I will get you a drink sometime as thanks. Well, that clears things up! You are free to head out." He walked around the counter and shook hooves with me, then Chroma. The three of us walked to the door and he opened it for us. "It was a pleasure having you here! I will see you around town perhaps then. Till next time!"

I thanked him as well and allowed Chroma to leave first and followed suit, making the trek back to her place. On the way back I noticed a new stand in the market, and glanced at it to see what it sold.

Dear Celestia, she sells drawing supplies there!

I turned to Chroma. "Hold up. Quick stop." She looked at me surprised and confused, and I grinned. I trotted over to the stall and glanced at the utensils on display.

The mare working at it looked up from her book to me and smiled. "Hello! How can I help you?"

I tore my gaze from the pens and pencils after a few seconds, and Chroma walked up to me, also appearing interested in the wares. "What range of sketch pencils do you have?"

She grinned and closed her book, putting it to the side and coming to the table quickly. She seemed to be pleased that some pony actually knew what they were talking about here. "Well, I have the full set; 9H to 8B-" YES! They use the same system as on Earth! My luck is getting better! "-and I offer a discount for buying it complete. Each pencil is two bits a piece, but the set of all twenty is thirty bits."

Chroma's jaw dropped at this; she must not draw much, because quality is costly with pencils. I nodded and asked my next question. "Alright, now, for pens; do you have a range for them as well?"

The stall pony's grin grew more. "Yes, I have .1, .3, .5, and .7." BUCKING BRILLIANT! Same sizes I used! "The pens are three bits a piece, ten a set."

My grin threatened to split my face in two. "Okay, I will get the pencils and pens, plus white, gum, and kneadable erasers, an eraser pen if you have some, a sharpener, and a sheaf of your highest quality paper." Chroma gapped at me for the sheer size of my order.

The mare in the stall was somewhat shocked as well. "Oh- uh- okay, so, that means. . . thirty, ten, four per eraser, six for the pen, ten for the sharpener, and. . . um. . . one hundred for the paper?"

I nodded and did some quick mental math. "Okay, gimme a sec." I turned to my bag and opened it, counting out the bits needed to pay. All the while, Chroma was nearly stuttering in shock. I turned back to the stall with a bag of bits in my mouth. "Okay, here is your one hundred and sixty eight bits!" I said and grinned. Both mares simply balked at the bag, before the mare in the stall pulled it over, counting it out herself.

Chroma turned to me with eyes the size of dinner plates. "How could you spend so MUCH?! I only ever spend eighty bits max when restocking my supplies!"

I turned to her, still grinning. "Yes, but getting my starter kit together? I need this."

The mare in the stall started gathering supplies from around her, loading it onto a tray. After filling it she turned back to me and slid it over the counter to me. "Okay, there you go. Thank you very much for your business!" She said, absolutely beaming with happiness at the massive sale.

I beamed right back. "Your very welcome, miss. . ?"

She nodded. "Yes, my name is Art Cache."

I quickly glanced at her cutie mark, seeing that it was a chest filled with paint brushes, pencils, and pens. I smiled again. "It is great to meet you Art. My name is Ink. I am going to be a regular for you, I think." We both grin and shake hooves, and then Chroma and I started off again for her place. We reached it and Chroma took the key that she left under the mat on her doorstep after we left, trying to hide it in a different place. After opening the door she stopped for a second, then lifted her wing and wove the key into her feathers. She looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back through the rope holding the tray of supplies. I brushed my hooves on the mat and walked down to my room and deposited my stuff, content to sort it away later. I turned around and was startled because Chroma was right in the door frame, leaning against it, right in my face.

"So, Ink, what do you want to do now?"

I stopped and thought. "I honestly have no idea. How about you?"

She looked up and to the side a bit, squinting and jutting her lower lip a bit in thought. Jesus. Thats what I do when I need to think. These similarities are becoming EERIE. "Well, we can get you started on drawing again. It's nearing lunch time now, so we could grab a bite to eat. We could simply go for a walk through the park. Your choice."

I pondered the options. "Hmm. . . actually, I am content to simply read, if you don't mind. I have been constantly doing things the past while; haven't had much time to get into my current books."

Chroma nodded. "Okay, sure. I have a few errands to run anyway, and you might not want to tag along. You know, girly stuff, like dress shopping." She winked and started to walk away. "I will be back in a few hours. Try not to ruin my place, hmm?"

We both shared a quick laugh. "Sure thing. I will see you later then." I went back into my room and put my stuff away. I then grabbed a book and settled into the bed, getting ready to immerse myself in yet another world.

Author's Note

So, a note I thought I should add after a reminder from my sister who is now reading my fic here:

There is a very obscure reference in this chapter. I don't even remember if it was intentional, but if you spot it, you had an amazing childhood. xD

Chapter 15

~Chapter 15: Gettin' Swanky, Meetin' Sparky~

I read for a few hours - or whatever method of telling time that ponies used in Equestria - before I heard a bunch of banging and crashing, followed by load exclamations. Curious, I put my bookmark in the between the pages and set it aside. I left my room, and my eyebrow raised.

There, in the foyer, was two stallions carrying a giant box with FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP red paint plastered all over it via a couple of straps wrapped around and under it, between their teeth. Accompanying them was Chroma with saddlebags loaded with groceries and various other items, and Rarity, a large sunhat draped over her head. She had a frantic look in her eyes, waving one of her hooves frantically at the colts. "Careful! Careful! Eeek! DON"T DROP IT! ! !" She turned to the side and saw me, face suddenly brightening. "Oh! Ink! Good to see you! I wou - CAREFUL! ! ! YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE A MARE A HEART ATTACK! AAAUUUGGGHHH! - would like you to stop by my boutique if you are free please!" Chroma and I could not help but smile at the fashionista's antics.

After a few more seconds the delivery ponies got in far enough and slowly lowered the giant crate - roughly a pony and a half in height - in the middle of the living room. Rarity trotted over to it and closely examined the entire container, and nodded in satisfaction after combing the entirety of it. She smiled and nodded to the stallions, handing them a handful of bits each as payment. They nodded and trotted out. Chroma and I walked over to Rarity smiling. "So, what was that about visiting your shop?" I asked.

She looked at me, eyes bright. "Yes! I finished that tux for you. And I must say, I took a bit of liberty with the entire arrangement. I think you will enjoy it."

I grinned. "Well, I wont be able to pay right away, so-"

"Not a worry! Pay at your convenience. I trust you to keep your word." She interrupted, beaming.

I smiled, closing my eyes and shaking my head in exasperation. "You know, you should stop doing that. I don't like being in debt." I give a quick laugh, but I nodded to her. "Thank you though. I appreciate it. How long till I need it again?"

She laughed with me and nodded as well. "You are very welcome. The show isn't for another month and a half, roughly, so you have time."

I beamed. "Alright. Thanks. Well, I might as well come see what you have. I was only reading. I will be back later Chroma, alright?"

She smiled and nodded, a crowbar held in her mouth. "Onkay. Shee ya then." Rarity and I laughed at her muffled words and trotted out.

We were walking down the street to the boutique when I turned to Rarity curiously. "So what do you mean by taking liberty with adding things to the tux? It's kinda hard, to my knowledge, to embelsih such a simple and staple style."

She grinned. "Well, I decided to use silk for the material, akin to the bag I made you, and I added gilding for your wings." I looked at her with a raised eyebrow at the mention of the accessory. "Oh! Right. Gilding for your wings is a series of metal plates that are wrapped onto your wings. They were created originally as armour for combat, but I feel they suit you, and I also have an inkling that they will be coming into style soon. I have been seeing an attraction to militaristic styles in the clothing world recently."

"Ahh." I nodded my head in understanding. "They sound interesting."

She shook her head emphatically. "Yes! I even used my magic to shape them. I got Twilight's help of course, because I didn't know a spell for it, and her raw magical prowess proved invaluable as well. They are chroma - like you mentioned - and have chrome chains to wrap into your wings to attach them."

I grinned. "They sound it." I looked forward to see that we reached our destination. "Well, why don't you show me now?"

Rarity's grin grew broader. "Yes! I would love to." She produced a key with her magic, from where I have no idea, and opened up her shop. We walked in and I closed the door behind me, scuffing my hooves on the mat as I did so to clean them. I turned around and smiled at what was in front of me.

Upon her raised working podium was a stallion shaped mannequin, clothed in a smooth, shiny black tux. Under the tux was a white dress shirt, also silk, and on the right side was a small pocket bearing a flower - akin in shape to the one on the dress I saw last time I was here - that was a matching blue to my eyes. there were two holes in the sides of the tux for wings, and on a mount behind the dressmakers doll made out of real feathers attached to wooden wings, were the gilding that the alabaster mare described. I turned to her smiling, and she was staring back at me with a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. "That. . . is awesome. Can I try it on?"

She broke out in the largest grin I had ever seen, nodding emphatically. "Yes! Please, do! I will help, if you don't mind. It is a very fragile ensemble, and you don't know how to put it on." We laughed and I agreed; I would most definitely rip it by accident.

After a minute of dressing up Rarity stepped down from the podium and turned to me, eyes positively beaming with pride and joy. "Oh! It looks better then I anticipated! My, I imagine you will be a hit at the show!"

I smiled and turned to mirror next to me. Reflected to me was a stallion appearing very refined, and very sharp. I spread my wings and admired the gilding. They were quite obviously inspired by something intended to be used for armour, but I could also foresee weapons being made of them if one were to sharpen them. I folded up my wings again and turned to the bearer of the element of generosity. "So, how hurt is my wallet going to be for this?"

She laughed. "Oh, this one I will unfortunately have to charge more for because I am short on black silk, and the gilding were quite the process to create, so seven hundred and fifty bits should suffice."

My eyes widen at the number. "Well, good thing I have over a month to pay for this. I will need it!" I laughed and shook my head. "Alright, I should take this off. It is perfect though."

She grinned yet again. "Well, I apologize. That price can't be lowered, unfortunately. But it is a shame that you need to take it off; it suits you perfectly, if I do say so myself. Ah, pardon the pun, dear." We share a chuckle and I undressed, placing the clothes back on the mannequin.

"I should be off then. I will see you sometime soon Rarity. It was a pleasure visiting again."

"Likewise, Ink. I look forward to our next encounter."

I walked back to Chroma's place and walked in the door. I looked to the living room and found the mare in question flying above and breaking down the crate, cleaning it up. She looked up at me and smiled. "Hey Ink! Back from Rare's?"

I smiled in response. "Yep! Just trying on a tux she is making me. Need help cleaning?"

She sighed in appreciation. "I would love some help, thank you. So you have something big coming up, eh?"

I nodded and flew over to her, taking the crowbar from her in between my forehooves. "Yep! Going to a show up in Canterlot."

Chroma was taken aback in surprise at this statement. "Wow!" Her eyes narrowed slightly and she grew slightly cool. "Do you have a date for it?"

I shook my head and broke a side of the crate, gently lowering it to the floor. "No. It was a free admission given to me by a friend."

She seemed to perk up at this. "Ahh! That was very kind of them."

I laughed a little. "Yeah, it was." I finished breaking the crate down and Chroma and I settled back on the floor. "So what was in the crate?"

She waved a hoof and proceeded to pick up the packing materials from around us. "Oh, just a dress I ordered from Rarity a while back. She finally got the inspiration she needed for it recently and was able to make it. It's already up in my closet on the ponnequin."

"Ahh." I nodded once in understanding. I picked up the sides of the crate on my back and spread my wings to balance them. "Where do I take the wood from the box?"

She gestured with her head to follow her and we proceeded into the kitchen and past it to the back door. Next to it was a closet and she opened it to reveal her recycling storage. "Just lean them against the wall next to the bin."

I nodded and deposited it where directed and looked out the window. It was starting to get dark out. "So, I dont really feel like sleeping yet. What do you-" Our stomaches cut me off, protesting a lack of food. We looked at each and laughed.

Chroma shook her head in exasperation. "Hold that thought, food first." We walked into the kitchen again, Chroma to the pantry, myself to the fridge. I pulled it open and looked around, trying to find something to munch on. I grabbed a bottle of milk and a few veggies, then saw something that really caught my attention.

Fish.

Real, beautiful, fish.

I picked it up and closed the fridge, turning to Chroma at the pantry. All that was visible of her was her rump sticking out the door, the rest of her inside. I couldn't help but admire her physique for a moment. "Hey, Chroma?"

"One moment please!" There was the sound of some packages shuffling and then she came out of the cupboard with a few packages of spices and other ingredients in her teeth. She saw the fish and her face paled. "Uhh- yeah, umm. . . Sorry. I know ponies aren't supposed to eat that, but. . . It's so good! You should try it!"

I smiled out one corner of my mouth. "I don't care that ponies aren't omnivorous. I LOVE fish. Got a deep fryer?"

Her eyes widened and she beamed from ear to ear. "Yes. . . What do you need it for?"

I grinned. Apparently ponies not only don't eat fish, they don't have many recipes for it. "You'll see." I put the fillets on the island and walked over to the pantry next to her and we both entered it. It was a good size; we had space for both of us to move and maneuver around. She grabbed the fryer off a shelf and some oil, I grabbed the ingredients for batter and placed them in a bowl, taking it into the kitchen and laying it out on the counter.

She looked at what I grabbed and cocked her head to the side. "What are you making?"

I grinned again and repeated myself. "You'll see."

She smiled out the side of her mouth and chuckled. I returned to the pantry and grabbed some measuring cups, a pan, and various other items necessary for us to eat. I was about to walk out of the pantry when I noticed something else. Grabbing them with a smile and returned to the kitchen and began my preparations, starting with plugging in the fryer and filling it with oil. She went around the counter and watched in interest at my ministrations, cocking her head every so often at the ingredients I chose and mixed.

She saw the last thing I grabbed and cocked her head a little more than usual. "What are the potatoes for?"

I laughed. "Well, you know your hay fries?" She nodded. I pointed to the potatoes. "They're better." Her eyes widened a little; even I will admit that hay fries are bloody awesome. The idea that what I was making is BETTER, surprised her.

I finished preparing the batter and proceeded to coat the fish in it and put it in the now heated fryer. The sound and smell that resulted was wonderful; Chroma got a big whiff of it and sighed in bliss. "Ohh, that smells good!" I laughed and started cutting up the potatoes. I chose steak cut and after cutting them I rinsed them off and set them aside. I returned to the pantry one last time and grabbed some vinegar. I put the milk back - doesn't go the greatest with vinegar - and grabbed some orange juice. Before closing the fridge yet another item caught my eye. I grabbed it and examined it.

Vodka.

This was shaping up to be the best meal ever. I took the two drinks and mixed us up a couple screwdrivers, not too hard. She cocked her head at the drink now. This must be a VERY interesting experience for her. I took the fish out of the fryer and deposited the potatoes in it now, putting a filet per plate. I waited a couple minutes before removing the fries, shaking them a bit to move them around and ensure and even cooking, and then put them in the fryer one more time. After another minute they started to float, so I removed them and poured them into a bowl I lined with paper towels. Shaking them a bit in the bowl to clean some of the oil of them I then poured half onto each of our plates and pushed Chromas plate over to her. I then slid her a fork and her drink, slid the vinegar over as well.

I pulled up next to her and grabbed my food. I poured the vinegar over everything and ate my first fry. It was perfectly done; great crunch on the outside, nice and hot but still moist inside. I looked over to Chroma and she tentatively poured vinegar over her food, then stabbed her first fry now. She bit into it and closed her eyes, sighing contentedly. We both finished our first fries and then moved onto our first bite of fish. I pressed my fork to it and it split apart beautifully, flaky and white fish on the inside, crisp batter outside with the slight sogginess form the vinegar. We both bit into it at the same time and simultaneously groaned in pleasure; after going for so long without eating this, and with her having never had it, we were both blissfully contented.

Chroma swallowed hers and turned to me. "How did you figure out how to make this?"

I swallowed mine now and took a sip of my screwdriver. "It's very common eating where I'm from; I'm from an ocean side area, so we eat a lot of fish."

She went through a few expressions at this. "Every pony ocean-side town and city I know of try to protect the fish; I don't know of one that eats it freely. Also, you never really mentioned your past before."

I stopped eating and grew slightly cold; crap. Slipped up there. I swallowed slowly and turned to her. "Yeah. . . it isn't a pony area. And. . . as for my past. . . I. . . Will tell you later. Sorry, not quite comfortable mentioning it yet."

Her look grew concerned. "Why? Sorry, I don't mean to pry. You can tell me when your comfortable. But what community did you live in that wasn't a pony one?"

"Well. . . That ties into my past."

She nodded. "Okay. Nevermind then."

I nodded in appreciation and we resumed eating. I had no idea how she would react to my being human. I will have to tell her soon, though.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was taking a casual flight back home from hanging out at Rarity's place for a bit when she noticed something odd on the ground below. She lowered her altitude and flew in a bit of a circle, trying to get a closer look. Her eyes widened at what she saw.

There, lying face first in the dirt behind some trees, was a unicorn stallion, purple fur and stark white mane and tale. He had a blank flank, which was incredibly odd for an adult pony.

She landed next to him and walked over cautiously. "Hey, you alright dude? That doesn't look to comfortable. Or cool. Seriously, you look kinda like a loser with your face in the ground."

The pony groaned and stood up. His eyes opened slowly and he shook his head to regain his focus. He looked at his hooves and gasped. His head snapped up at Rainbow Dash, surprising her, and then his eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. He stumbled back a few steps and plopped onto his rump, and the surprise caused him to loose a jolt of magic that exploded behind and under him. He shouted in pain and jumped forward, smacking his hiney to extinguish a fire in his tail which was now a slightly charred tuft sticking out in every direction.

After stopping the fire he calmed down some, but he still appeared to be freaking out. "How - what - fuck?" He said and turned back to Rainbow Dash, then fainted, falling onto his face again.

Rainbow Dash stood there for a few seconds, wondering what the hay just happened.

Chapter 16

~Chapter 16: A Proper Brohoof~

So, it seemed like it would be any old day. Sky would get up (carefully so as not to rouse his girl next to him; she didn't work till later), hop on his computer and work on some videos for Youtube, and sleep. He worked as a professional Youtuber, posting videos daily for various games, movies, and blogs. The only thing that was going to be special today was a severe thunderstorm near the end of the day, but that was not going to be a problem; he didn't plan to be online at the time.

So, he started up his day. He got out of bed and wandered into the kitchen and got himself some toast and a glass of orange juice. He pulled up some manga on his laptop at the kitchen counter, not bothering to sit at the table, and ate while reading. After he finished eating he cleaned up his dishes and hopped in the shower. Upon finishing he dressed and walked into his 'office'. It was really just a techie man cave; a few computers, three monitor set up on his main computer Ariadne, shelves of various video games, movies, and other technological devices. But there was another series of items littered across the room;

Ponies.

Just like the rest of his friends, he was a hardcore Brony, and proud of it.

This was where he spent the most time at home. It was a simple house that he shared with his GF; bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, cave, living room, and for her, a 'girly' room. It was still similarly tech-oriented, but had other things as well. She wasn't as technologically oriented as he was.

Speaking of her, after a few minutes booting his computer and getting all his equipment up and running smoothly she knocked on the door and walked in. They said a quick good morning to each other and she headed off to get ready for work, while he booted up the first game he would make a video of, Terraria. Him and another friend had planned to do a couple hour video of it today on live stream, but his buddy was in a different timezone and would be going to bed soon, so it was a first thing to do upon waking.

Now for a more in-depth description of this guy. He didn't spend much money on anything besides his games, computer and car. He had a fair sized collection of games; he was closing in on 500. As for computers, he ran his Windows tower Ariadne as his main, he had a Mac next to it for video editing and the like, and his laptop was the Razer Blade. Ariadne had a three-monitor setup, all fullscreen and 30 inches. He liked her the most of his computers. As for his car, he had a Chrysler 300 with a few tune-ups, granting it a fair amount of kick. His favourite thing about the car though, was the paint job.

Gloss white.

Offset violet stripe, matching 20-inch bike spoke rims, and matching grill.

Light blue tinted windows.

And three light blue diamonds for a vinyl in front of each rear wheel.

Thats right, his car was Rarity themed. In his group of friends, that was who he related to. He wasn't like his friend Connor used to be, having multiple vehicles. He didn't need that. His baby girl was good enough for him any day. But off of that, he still lived in his home province, as did everyone else. They liked to get together often and game at someones place, having a few drinks, laughing, and carrying on.

After a few minutes Ashley returned to say goodbye and head off to work, and he got back to his work on Youtube. He was pretty successful at his job as a Youtuber, and a few part time jobs here and there to add to his income every so often allowed him to support his collection. But his Youtube fanbase was around 3 million, which made him damn proud of himself. He did videos for games like Minecraft, Terraria, any Pony games that came out, the occasional Disgaea run, or a run for one of the games in the Tales series. Castlevania, God of War, Mario Kart. . . The list is long.

After three hours of the game him and his friend managed to go from completely restarting to having done everything; the best armour, best weapons for their combat style, and a boss mansion. They played enough over the years to have developed a great deal of skill and many habits that allowed them to fly through. His friend logged off and he relaxed for a couple minutes, grabbing a quick snack. He returned with a few of his veggie straws - a healthier alternative to chips - and transferred the recording to his Mac and proceeded to edit it. He left it at a full 3-hour run, not clipping anything out, but he added his trademark intro and outro and added a couple video links and annotations at important parts. He set it to upload after an hour of his touching it up and went back to Ariadne, deciding to surf the net a bit before doing some Minecraft bulk recording.

He finished up a few manga he followed, some fimfics, a few Youtubers he followed himself, and then checked the MLP news. And then he cursed himself for forgetting something and took off out the door, driving to his regular gamestore.

The new MLP game was released today, and he had to pick up his preorder.

After returning home with his game and popping it in Ariadne, he booted up his recording program and his livestream and got started. He had promised this to his subscribers - known as 'My Little Pupils' - and had said he would do a full-day marathon.

He intended to keep that promise.

He played the game on and on, completely losing track of time. It was a new turn-based RPG, with three party members on the field at a time, Twilight having to be included. It was hearkening back to the second season - god, the flashbacks it was bringing on - and the main villain was Chrysalis. You had to solve the mystery of Cadence's attitude, and upon discovering that, escape the underground, fight off the Changeling horde, get to the throne room, and defeat Chrysalis. Cadence and Shining joined your party at the end to fight off the Changeling queen, and then you beat the game with the wedding elaborated on more in the final cutscene afterward.

However, it was not completely linear. There were side missions to complete along the way, often long ones, and the mystery you solve in the beginning is fairly in depth and time consuming. The order you solved different aspects of it would grant you different powers and spells, making sure that not every run through would be the exact same. It may be a game made for a younger audience, but it was definitely intended to be a long one.

He paused every so often to go eat or use the bathroom, and by the time he actually checked the clock, he realized that the storm forecasted was starting and it was time for Ashley to be getting home. AS if on cue she walked in the front door, so he called an intermission and went to go eat supper with her. Upon finishing she decided to hop on her own computer for a bit and go straight to bed; work was hard on her today.

He returned to his game after they ate and once more became enthralled. He was getting close; he just entered the castle, and was now fighting his way to the sabotaged wedding to fight off the final boss. The storm outside was getting serious; thunder and lightning was going off constantly.

He made it to the main hall and after watching the second last cutscene he got straight into the fray; he had no idea how Shining or Cadence worked, but it appeared that she was a healer and he was a tank/defensive type of character. Alright, good, he kind of ended up turning Twilight into a glass cannon over the course of the game, relying on Applejack to hold up the defence.

The fight was getting intense; he stopped talking to his subscribers watching. He was trying to focus and plan his moves, because Cadence was down, and Shining was on his last leg. Twilight was sitting in the back, casting her overpowered spells, but one hit and she would be done. Suddenly, Shining Armour died, leaving Twilight defenceless. However, one more spell, no matter how powerful, would finish the fight. He saved some mana for the entirety of it, just so he could finish her off with Twilight Sparkle's ultimate spell.

He cast it, and after watching the mini clip with, bit his lower lip in anticipation. The queen flinched back from taking the hit, the damage number rolled up-

Twenty thousand damage.

Chrysalis had three hundred and fifty health.

He whooped in joy, and the queen began her animation of falling to the ground, just about to-

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning cam down from the sky in the storm.

It struck his house.

It ran through the house, into the electrical circuit-

And right through his computer.

It flashed off, fried. He jumped out of his chair and screamed; all those hours of footage lost, and he was so close to beating the game he could almost taste it.

Then, his computer started to smoke.

Then, it exploded.

All was white.

Then all was black.

"What - how - fuck?"

He found himself staring at Rainbow Dash - THE Rainbow Dash - a pony from a CARTOON - after realizing he was a pony, then exploding the bloody hell out of his own ass. They stared at each other in shock, him because he couldn't believe it, her because she was confused as to what the hay was going on. He passed out, and when he came to again, he was lying on a bed. He opened his eyes groggily to see himself staring at a wooden cieling, with the rings of a tree visible in it. What kind of ceiling is like that? Wait, WHERE THE HELL AM I?!

His eyes blew open the rest of the way and he stood straight up in the bed, then instantly regretted it, flopping back down and squeezing his eyes shut. He stood up so suddenly that he got light headed and dizzy, plus a rather uncomfortable headache.

"Oh, he's waking up!" He heard someone say to the side. He opened one eye slightly and he jumped back up again. To hell with what it did to him.

He was looking at Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash.

Then he began to remember the last time he woke up; in the woods, face first in dirt, meeting RD, detonating his derrière, and fainting again. He groaned as the sudden return of the previous events brought back the previous pains; his face was sore, his ass was KILLING him, and his headache was still not abating.

"Hey, are you alight?"

He realized he had put a hand - well, hoof - to his temple and was massaging it, grimacing in pain. "Y-Yeah, I guess. . . Where am I?"

Twilight walked over and sat next to the bed. "Ponyville Library."

Upon hearing this, he realized he should have known. The reason there were the rings in the wooden ceiling was because he was in a tree. "Well, shit. I'm in Equestria."

Twilight's head cocked to the side. Rainbow walked over, a confused look on her face. "Yeah. . . duh. Where else would you be? Your a pony."

Suddenly Twilight's eyes grew wide, and she stood straight up. "BebackinabitRainbowkaybye!" Then she teleported out of the house.

Him and RD looked at where she used to be standing, both wondering what the hay was going on and where she went, and turned to each other. They stared each other in the eyes for a few seconds, when Twilight abruptly returned, another pony next to her, a stallion, both with wide eyes.

He clutched his head much like he had been from his headache earlier. "What the hay Twilight, give a pony some warning before you do that!" the voice rang a bell for some reason, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Shit, hoof.

"Sorry, but you needed to be here before I asked this question!" She turned to him and asked a simple question. "Are you from Earth?" RD and the stallion jerked their heads to her in shock, and then to him.

"Uhh. . . yeah?"

The stallions rump dropped to the floor. "What. . . the buck."

All at once, he realized where he knew that voice. His heart stopped and his body grew cold. "C. . . Connor?"

The two mares were floored now, and looked from him to the one who he presumed to be his long-deceased friend.

His eyes grew wide in recognition now. "Wait. . . Skyler?!" Without warning Connor jumped Skyler, taking him by surprise and hugging him into the bed. "Jesus Christ on a pogo stick dude, how the FUCK did you get into Equestria?!"

Sky pushed him back a little and looked him in the eye. "I could ask the same."

He somewhat smirked at that. "True. Well, we will start with you. Your story is likely shorter than mine."

Skyler summarized what happened, and then Connor's expression fell a bit. "Actually, I have a question. How. . . How is everyone holding up about my death?"

Sky sighed a little. "Well, it has been a year and a half, so we kind of-"

"WHAT?!"

His voice thundered off the walls around us, shocking everyone present, and they heard a quieter shout above them and a thump. Connor was sitting there spluttering.

"Yeah. . . you got killed a year and a half ago on Earth. How long have you been in Equestria?"

He stopped spluttering. "About th. . . Three weeks."

All grew quiet. Sky broke the silence. "Well, fuck."

Connor smirked a little at that, but still looked flabbergasted. "Well, I kind of cut you off there. How are things back on Earth?"

He sighed again. "Well, pretty good, I think. After you died though, our crew of friends never really felt the same. There was just this. . . hole. After a few months a semblance of normality was back, and then we decided to name you after Luna in the crew, in honour of her being your favourite in the show." He blushed a little at this and Twilight and RD chuckled. "My girl became Rainbow Dash." Thinking about her made him realize he would never see her again, and she would have to deal with his death just down the hall from her. This caused him to choke up.

He cringed. "I take it you died just before coming here too?"

Sky nodded.

He crawled over and gave Sky a bro hug to comfort me. "Shit man, I'm sorry. Was she in the house?"

Sky nodded again, and a tear ran down his cheek.

He grimaced again. "Fuck man."

Silence reigned for a few minutes before Connor spoke again, and he tried to cheer Skyler up. He smiled slightly. "Meet fellow brony."

Sky smiled a bit too. "Raise primary hoof." He raised his right forehoof and Connor raised his left at the exact same time. They broke out into huge grins and in sync said;

"BROHOOF!"

They clapped their hooves together, and suddenly the joy of being reunited with one of his best friends after so long brought out a strange feeling in his forehead, and then sparks and fireworks abruptly flew across the room from it. All four of them staggered a bit in shock, and when the storm of bright lights and loud noises ended a voice other than any of theirs resounded.

"What the hay is going on down here?!"

They turned to the door to see a stunned Spike. They could no longer control themselves after all of the tension and they all burst into laughter. Spike's eyes shot around glancing at all of them.

Then Connor turned to Skyler after reigning in his laughter. "Well, now that your in Equestria, you ought to use an appropriate name. I'm Ink." He offered a hoof to shake, and Sky grinned accepting.

"Well, let's go with-"

"Hey, you got your cutie mark now!"

Skyler turned to Rainbow and then glanced at his hip. Sure enough, displayed on his violet coat of fur, just in front of his bleach white tail, was a cutie mark of fireworks and explosions. He grinned and turned back to Co- Ink.

"I'm Spurspark."

Chapter 17

~Chapter 17: Symptoms~

"Hey Chroma, I would like you to meet Spurspark!"

We walked back to Chroma's place for me to introduce her to my long-time friend, and were greeted comically. The last thing she new was that we had both gone to bed a few hours ago, and suddenly, here I am, wide awake, bringing a stranger to her door, when she didn't even hear me leave; there was a loud exclamation and a popping noise, and when she checked my room, I was gone. She panicked a little, wondering where the hay I disappeared to without telling her, in the middle of the night, and then there was a knock on her front door, leading to the present moment.

". . . Why the hay are you introducing me to someone so early in the morning, Ink?" She groaned, rubbing her eyes with a hoof.

I grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. . . His arrival here was kind of spur of the moment. Sorta like his name." Spurspark chuckled next to me. "Twilight and Rainbow Dash found him, and Twilight teleported me to her place to meet up with him."

Chroma groaned again. "And she couldn't wait until morning?"

Spurspark smiled slightly. "Well, I was somewhat out of sorts. Even managed to scare myself to the point of accidentaly blowing off my tail." He turned slightly to show off his seared rear.

Chroma's eyes widened. "Uhh. . . I don't know how to react to that."

Spark and I laughed at this. "Well, I think I might just hang out with him for a bit before returning. Get him set up in town and the like. Mind if I borrow a key for when I come back?"

She smirked. "Fine, fine. . ." She disentangled the one form her wing and passed it over to me, and I retangled it into my own. Spark stared at us questioningly all the while.

"Uhh, Ink, Chroma. . . Are you two. . . You know. . . A thing?" He said awkwardly.

Chroma and I blinked, and our eyes widened. "Oh, no, we're not-"

"I mean that would be weird-"

"Yeah, we hardly know each other-"

"I'm just lending a helping hoof-"

"Yeah, just in return for me doing so. . ."

An awkward silence stretched for a few seconds before Spark burst into uncontrollable laughter. Chroma and I blushed, trying to not look at each other. "Oh, man, Ink, that was good! Well, we should let you get back to bed, Chroma. I will catch you around town, then!" Her and I nodded, and we parted. We started down the road in Ponyville, heading to the hotel.

I turned to my friend. "That was kinda uncalled for."

He blinked and looked at me. "Huh? What?"

I looked forward again, the corners of my mouth turning down slightly. "I have never thought of her that way. That made me pretty uncomfortable."

He frowned. "Sorry man, you two were just kinda familiar with each other. Hell, you LIVE together. Kinda hard NOT to get that sort of idea."

I closed my eyes and sighed. "Yeah, I see that, but she is just paying me back for helping her. It is completely innocent." However, in my mind, ideas were churning, and opinions examined. How DO I feel about her. . ? Have I grown more attached to her than I realize?

When I opened my eyes again Spurspark was staring at me. "What did you do to help her that she is letting you stay with her?"

I stared forward again and walked silently for a few seconds, wondering how to put it. "Well, I found her injured in the woods. I splinted her and brought her to the hospital, and then visited her as much as possible for about two weeks. I wanted to make sure she was alright."

His eyes widened. "What kind of injuries?"

I turned to him again, looking him in the eyes. "Broken wing, broken foreleg, blood loss, head injury."

His jaw dropped and he abruptly stopped in the path. "Holy shit, dude."

I nodded. "Yeah."

We resumed walking again, continuing in silence, until we reached the hotel. I opened the door and let Spark in first, then followed. Bill wasn't at the counter, but the little bell was there. I walked over and rang it, resulting in a little peal of sound that announced our presence. I heard a slight groan and the shuffling of sheets, followed by the first door down the hall opening. Bill walked out, rubbed his eyes once, and then turned to us. He smiled when he saw me.

"Ink! Well, I didn't expect to see you here! Whats the occasion?"

I smiled in return. "Sorry for waking you. My friend here needs a room. Is the one I used still available? I will pay for his first few nights until he has a source of income."

He walked over and glanced at his book, sliding down the page for the room number. He stopped on one line and then looked across it, and smiled. "Yep! It's free."

I grinned and nodded, turning to my friend. He was smiling back to me. "Well, there you go. Come by and see me tomorrow at Chroma's; there are a few things we are going to need to work out, but sleep comes first. I will see you then, alright?"

He nodded. "Sounds good bro."

I turned back to Bill. "Do you mind if I stop by tomorrow with the first payment?"

He waved his hoof dismissively. "Not a problem Ink. I will see you tomorrow then." He turned to Spurspark. "So, shall I show you to your room, Mr. . ?"

My friend smiled and walked over, offering a hoof to shake. "Spurspark. And you are. . ?"

Bill smiled back and accepted the outstretched limb. "Bill Ledger. Great to meet you."

They nodded to me, and I nodded back. They started down the hall towards his room, so I turned and left. I needed to return to my interrupted beauty sleep.

When I woke up later that day, it was not a pleasant way to do so.

Explosions.

Very loud and obnoxious ones.

And they WOULD.

NOT.

STOP!

I snarled and jumped out of bed, rushing out the door of my room. I heard heavy hoof falls and turned down the hall to see Chroma storming down, a scowl to match my own on her face. We charged for the door and went outside, only to see my friend out on the path in front of her house. He was sitting on the ground, face contorted in effort, sweat pouring from his brow, and fireworks shooting from his horn at a constant rate.

"SPURSPARK!"

His eyes shot open in surprise and his forehooves pushed off the ground flailing, resulting in him falling backwards, hooves in the air. The fireworks stopped. Oh sweet, blessed silence!

"Uhh - hey Ink. Thanks for that."

"What the buck were you doing that for?!" Chroma yelled at him.

He got back up and grinned at us sheepishly. "Sorry. Can't control my magic yet; it kinda just started out of no where, and I couldn't stop it, no matter how hard I tried."

I groaned and facehoofed. "We need to get you to Twilight for training. Stat."

"OHMYGOSHTHATWASSOAWESOME! WHERE DID IT COME FROM?!"

A bright pink blur blew over and stopped right in Spark's face, nose-to-nose. "HEY! Was that you? I don't recognize you! You must be new! And you make FIREWORKS! Ohmygoshwearegoingtogetalongsowell!"

Then, just as quickly as she arrived, she was gone.

All of us stood there in stunned silence, until we burst into uncontrollable laughter. All the ponies nearby stared at us like we were insane while they trotted by, speeding up whenever they got close to us. When we recovered, the anger of before was completely gone.

I walked over to my friend and shook my head, grinning. "Well, let's take you over to Twilight."

He nodded, and we started off. I waved to Chroma and she waved back, returning to the confines of her house. We arrived at the library and I knocked on the door. She answered and smiled upon seeing us. "I was hoping you would stop by! Please, come in!" We thanked her and entered the hollowed-out tree, filled with books crafted from mutilated trees. I reflected for a moment on the irony of that; a living tree housing dead ones.

The three of us trotted over and sat around the table in the main room in a triangular formation. We sat for a moment silently, Spark looking between Twilight and I who were staring at each other knowingly. She sighed and turned to my friend. "We need to send you to Celestia."

He balked at her. "I - but - what?"

It was my turn to sigh. "When I arrived, I needed to be brought to Celestia. She needed to make sure I wasn't a threat to Equestria. She will need to do the same for you."

Spark began to protest. "But I'm not a threat! You know that!"

"Yes I do, but she needs to know as well, and she needs to come to that conclusion herself, not based on my word alone."

He sighed. "You're right. Dammit Connor, you are too logical."

We all shared a quick laugh, and I turned to Twilight. "Now, for the next thing, do you mind teaching him how to contain his magic? He woke Chroma and I with an obnoxious fireworks display earlier."

She laughed. "So that was what that was! Yeah, we should do that just after I send a request to Celestia for a meeting. It would not be very optimal to have you walk into the main hall spewing explosions from your horn like no tomorrow."

Spurspark blushed. "Yeah. Might not give the best first impression, eh?"

I nodded. "So, without further ado, I shall leave you two to get started. I need to get to Sweet Apple Acres and get to work anyway."

My friend looked at me mildly upset. "You arent going to help me?"

I tapped my forehead with a hoof. "Kinda can't. No horn and all that, yah know?"

He shook his head. "No, with Celestia?"

I shook my head now. "Not my place. I will not allow my presence to affect her decision in any way. Besides, AJ doesn't know about you yet, and she would be wondering why I missed a day of work."

He nodded. "Ahh. Okay. You know, you have a habit of being too honourable sometimes."

I laughed. "I wouldn't call that a vice, Spark. Anyway, toodles!"

We all waved to each other and I departed.

Later that day, up in Canterlot after Spurspark's meeting with the two Royal Alicorn sisters, Celestia was just finishing up day court when Luna trotted in, ready to begin her part of her royal duty. Celestia smiled to her younger sibling. "Good morning Luna. You slept well, I trust?"

She nodded. "Aye, sister. We feel most refreshed. However, we have been having a recurring dream that we wish to speak of in private, if thou dost not mind."

Celestia frowned. "Of course." She addressed her subjects that she would be stepping out of the room for a moment and took her sister to the meeting room off to the side designed for only a handful of ponies to be in at a time. She nodded to the guards and they stepped out. She locked the door behind them and cast a safety spell around the room, preventing anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation in any way. She turned to Luna now, but before she could say anything, she was tackled by the midnight blue alicorn, who hugged her neck forcefully and began to cry into her neck.

She was shocked for a moment before she hugged her sibling back, now incredibly worried. "Whats wrong, Luna?"

Her sister cried for a few more seconds before managing to get a few words out.

"It's the Nightmare again."

Chapter 18

~Chapter 18: Back to Basics~

A couple of weeks passed after Spurspark went to see the princesses in Canterlot, and they deemed him worthy to reside in Equestria. I continued with my work, and he soon got a job working with Twilight at the library, taking a bit of the load off of Spike's shoulders. This was beneficial for him as well, in that it allowed Twilight to easily teach him how to control and direct his magic. I continued my work at Sweet Apple Acres, and now that we finished loading the loft with bushels of apples we moved on to loading the barn's basement.

However, it is currently my day off. And after Chroma and I happened upon Zecora in the market, I decided it would be a good idea to meet her. We talked for a bit, and then I asked her about earrings. The two mares were somewhat taken aback by my question, but Zecora was willing to pierce mine. We are now returning to Chroma's place, and I bore a wooden spiral earring in my left ear, but it bucking hurt. I have a lot of nerve endings in my ears, unfortunately.

"Stop touching it! It will only cause more pain, and do you want an infection?" Chroma scolded me.

I sighed and lowered my wing. "Sorry, I can't help it. Once it heals it will be fine."

She huffed and shook her head. "Why in Equestria would you want that, anyway?"

I thought for a second, wondering how to word it. I had one for the longest time as a human. "I always wanted to have one. I thought they looked cool."

She sighed, shaking her head once again. "Confound you, colt! You're crazy!" We shared a quick laugh, and walked up the steps to the house. I unlocked the door, Chroma now trusting me to my own key, and I let her in first like a gentlecolt. She smiled and gave a single slow nod in appreciation, closing her eyes in appreciation. I followed suit and we approached the kitchen. She walked into the pantry and grabbed a few potatoes - she has fallen in love with my fries - and I sat on one of the dining room chairs, looking towards the kitchen and watching her prepare a quick snack.

I broke the silence first. "So, after having a quick bite, do you mind teaching me to draw again? It's been about five weeks now. I would love to start using those supplies I bought." I grinned.

She let out a quick peal of laughter. "Of course. It would be very relaxing for us to begin working on art together." We ate and chatted, about nothing too particular, and I did the dishes after, allowing her a few moments to sit and relax. Upon finishing the cleaning we left the kitchen, the jade mare holding the front. I stopped at my room and grabbed my tray of utensils, balancing it on my back with my wings. I nodded to her after leaving the room and we continued down the hall to what was presumably her studio. We stopped at a deep violet door, starkly contrasting with the red walls. She opened it up and I gasped.

The studio was just as large as her living room, the walls bleach white, and there was a smooth white tile floor. Everywhere I looked there were finished or incomplete paintings, unused canvas, easels, buckets of paint, opened and new, brushes, everything. There was a rail around the ceiling with a ladder off it, also connecting with a track in the floor. This allowed the ladder to roll around the room so you could hang art up high when completed to dry and display. It was truly a marvel.

After a few moments I snapped back to attention and looked at the grinning pony in front of me. "Like what you see?" I could only nod dumbly, jaw slack. This amused her greatly. She moseyed into the middle of the room, pausing to drag a hoof across one of her paintings in development. She sighed contentedly. "I have never been more at peace then when I am painting. To simply tune out the rest of the world and focus on the direction, pressure, and colour of your stoke, and then to look at your finished work. . . it is a magical feeling all on it's own."

I finally pulled myself together and strode up to her, looking at the art she was working on. The canvas was roughly as wide as the length of a pony, nose to flank, and just as tall. The entire outside, or 'negative space' as I learned to call it, where there was no solid subject matter or no focal point, was completed in pastel colours ranging from violet to cool green, blended smoothly. The centre, however, was blank. I turned to the mare at my side. "What will you do to finish it?"

She closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't know. The inspiration hasn't hit me yet to finish this piece. I know the colours I wish to use, but I don't know what I will paint in those colours. I have been working on others in the meanwhile, but I need to finish this piece soon. I have a deadline."

I nodded, understanding the feeling. We turned back into the middle of the room and walked the rest of the way. She trotted up to one of her tables and retrieved a few of her own pencils, obviously rarely used, and grabbed a sheet of paper and a couple of cork boards. She leaned the boards against two of her easels, and pinned her paper to one. She gestured for me to do the same.

I approached the wooden stand and deposited my supplies on the table next to it. Taking a sheet of my own paper I mimicked her, and grabbed my favourite pencil, the 2H (a harder lead then your standard pencil - from 2B, to B, HB, F, H, and then 2H), in my teeth, careful not to dent the paint or wood. I turned back to my companion, and she smiled. "Okay, for now, put the pencil down on the easel. I'm going to give you a few stretches, and we will see what the maneuverability of your wings is." She spread her wings straight out to the sides, and proceeded to lift them straight up into the air, completely rigid and unbending. I stepped away from my easel and started to do likewise. Straight out, and then with a bit of concentration, because the muscles weren't designed to move that way, I began to lift my wings. My joints protested mildly, a slight burn from the stretch, but the burn disappeared after a couple seconds holding them up.

"Alright, now, we will go forward." She spread to the side again, and then started tilting her wings forward. She kept all of her feathers perfectly horizontal, and had both her wings going perfectly parallel in front of her. I mimicked the movement again, and discovered again that I was very flexible. It didn't surprise me; as a human, my flexibility was always my strong point in my Martial Arts training. We proceeded to do numerous stretches, teasing out my limits and strengths. After about a half hour, with a pleasant burn in my limbs and endorphins coursing through my veins, she called a halt to the stretching.

"So, you are incredibly flexible. This is good. I can get to teaching you my methods right away, rather then take a few weeks to build up your maneuverability." We grinned in unison. "So, lets get to it on the next step." She showed me how she gripped the writing utensil with her primary feathers, and I worked to mimic. I we were both interested to note that the other was a lefty; a pair of southpaws - er, southwings, I suppose it would be - practicing art.

She showed me the how to tighten your hold of the pencil so it wouldn't slip from your wing, how to watch the pressure at which you apply it with on the paper, and general tips and tricks to making things smooth and graceful. I got into the groove of it fast; my cutie mark didn't lie, I had a talent for this.

Once we were both satisfied with my dexterity at handling the instrument, she turned to work on some of her paintings. I pulled a fresh sheet of paper, sharpened my pencil, and thought for a second about what to draw first. I thought back to one of my favourite things to draw; hearts. Not those silly cartoon ones, of course not, but full, anatomically correct, human hearts. I began by gesturing the base shape of the heart, simple sketchy lines. If you had no idea what I was drawing, it would be a complete mystery at this stage. Following this step I went and refined the contours. Then I did a general toning; basic dark areas and highlights.

I decided I would work with my pens now. I put down the pencil and grabbed my 0.3 felt pen, and went over my contours. After that I went and began toning. Now, with pens you can't do the same smooth toning you are capable of with a pencil. It simply becomes a black blob. Instead I used topographical lines; lines that followed the curve and form of your subject matter, and the darker the area, the more lines you add. To make this even more effective, I used the 0.7 pen in the darkest area, moved onto the 0.5 by overlapping the 0.7 and going further up the heart. I followed with the 0.3 and 0.1 similarly. After I felt satisfied with the toning of my subject I put the pen down and stepped back. It looked perfect; the toned black heart on the white page, and the leftover pencil in the background granted some interesting depth. I was very proud of myself. I turned to Chroma, about to ask her what she thought, but stopped.

She stood there, staring at my paper, wings dropped to the floor, paintbrush leaving a giant glob on the floor, and jaw down to her chest. I grinned sheepishly, hoping that was a good reaction. "So. . . what do you think?"

She looked to me and closed her mouth, swallowing. "Ink. . ." She croaked out, and a single tear ran down her cheek.

It was my turn to swallow now. "Is everything alright. . ?" What happened next took me by surprise.

She tackle glomped me - but that wasn't all.

She kissed me.

After a few seconds of me standing there, shocked into rigidity, she pulled back and looked in my eyes.

"That. . . Is perfect. I have never seen a better pen drawing, and I have seen a lot." She dropped her hooves from my neck and walked over to my art, slowly drawing a hoof down the page. She closed her eyes and sighed. "You can feel each pen mark. . ." She opened her eyes and looked at it again. "The pencil in the background. . ." She sighed again and stepped away from it, back to my side. I continued to stare at her stupefied. She turned to me. "You will have a very successful career in this."

My shock slowly turned into a grin. "Thank you. I really appreciate."

She smiled back. "You are very welcome. I have few connections, so I will get a few portfolios reviews set up after you have completed a few more pieces." My grin grew. "Now, as for what we do next." She looked up at me, a gleam in her eyes. "Want to go for dinner? Your skill was the last straw that made me realize how attracted I was to you."

The sudden and rather forward query caught me by surprise yet again. However, I beamed. Hearing this from her was making my heart thump hard and fast in joy; my feelings for her had been developing so much up to that point. Now it was my turn to surprise her.

I kissed her in response.

"I would be delighted to."

Chapter 19

~Chapter 19: Fine Dining~

We left the house that evening - so, about an hour later; we really got into working on art - and headed off to one of the better restaurants in town. It was called 'The Shire'. I noticed the connection to the breed of horse on Earth. We approached the front door and I held it for her, repeating my gesture from before, but there was more meaning to it then before. Chroma also took it this way. She looked at me slyly with a crooked grin and nuzzled me on her way in, and playfully bumped flanks with me. I grinned and followed her in.

It had a wonderful atmosphere, reminding me of an Irish pub on Earth; the furniture was made of twisted trees, from roots to trunks to branches. The flooring was tile, and the tiles designed to resemble leaves. The room was round, and each quarter of the room they were designed to match different seasons, fading into the colour of the next season when you reached the border. There was white tiles to the right, green tiles at the front, auburn tiles at the far side, and the left had tiles were green, brown, red yellow, every colour you could find a tree leaf in. The walls and tables cloths were even matching their appropriate seasonal areas, and the circular bar in the middle was wood with a black paint finish. However, the paint did not hide the grain of the wood; in fact, it somehow managed to make the grain pop more.

I allowed Chroma to choose our table, and I was delighted to find her choosing the bar in the middle, next to the winter season. The monochrome colour scheme allowed Chroma to be the only colour for me to gaze upon. We took our places and the bartender approached, a unicorn stallion, who actually appeared to be of the Shire breed I mentioned, with tufts of fur around his hooves, barrel chested, and a thick, muscly neck. His coat was black, mane and tail dark grey, and his hooves were ivory white. Green eyes, and his cutie mark was a beer stein and wine glass crossed over each other. He greeted us, and had a very gruff, scratchy voice, akin to one of those commercial speakers that sound like they have been smoking for fifty years. But, it didn't sound unhealthy; it was natural. "Hey, welcome to my pub. What can I treat yah too?"

I looked to Chroma and smiled. "May we have a couple of menus? As for drinks, what do you offer?"

Chroma nodded. "Yes, what is available?"

He smiled and levitated a couple menus from behind he counter, which we grabbed with thanks. "Well, we have everything from beer to wine. You know, hence the cutie mark." He said with a wink, tilting his hips to the side, giving us a clearer view.

I laughed. "Yeah, I suppose that makes sense. Tell me, do you make whats called a Crown Float?"

He tilted his head to the side. "That's the one with dry stout and cider, right? It isn't ordered very much, so pardon my foggy memory on it."

I smiled further and nodded. "You got it."

He grinned and turned to Chroma. "And for you miss?"

She smiled. "A rum and coke, and a shot of Goldschläger, to start please."

We were both taken aback by her choice, being an interesting drink to start the evening with, but I recovered first and grinned. "Actually, I will have the shot as well." It looked like we had similar tastes in liqueur so far. I loved that stuff.

The bartender recovered right after me, and nodded. "Alright, lemme get that for you, and maybe you will have chosen what to eat by the time I'm back." He trotted into the centre room filled with alcohol to make our drinks.

We opened our menus and perused their contents to see what caught our eyes. I noticed right away that the menu was split for races as well; there was the standard pony fare of course, plus some finer options. But what I was drawn to, was the Griffin menu; upon seeing this I glanced around the room at the other patrons, and sure enough, among the ponies was a small group of said creatures. I returned to the menu and looked at the options for them, one capturing my attention the most; pork chops. Oh, lordy, pork chops.

He returned with four drinks in tow, floating on a tray. He levitated them onto the counter in front of us. "So, made up your mind?"

I turned once again to my company to see if she was ready. She smiled and ordered. "I will have the vegetable stew with a side order of hay fries please."

He nodded and turned to myself now. "As for you, sir?"

I grinned. "Well, I would like a salad and hay fries please, plus some barbecue pork chops." The ponies in the few seats around me and the bartender all stopped dead, and a few of the griffins actually listening to their surroundings perked up, wondering what pony would eat red meat.

The bartender stuttered for a moment. "Uh- I'm sorry?"

I smiled. "I'm not from around here. Meat was standard fare where I'm from, be it pig, cow, chicken, fish, or a plethora of other creatures."

He blinked, but still appeared unsure. "Oh-kay. . . Sure thing." He trotted off to place our order in the kitchens.

I turned to Chroma who sat there smiling at me, amused. "Really? In public?"

"What can I say? It's been ages since I had a good pork chop! I couldn't resist!" We laughed, and the ponies around shuffled away a bit, obviously disturbed. This made us laugh all the harder.

After we quieted back down to a few chuckles, Chroma shook her head and threw back her shot. I followed suit. The two of us exhaled in contentedness; the burn was wonderful. I could already feel the effect it was having on me, lightening my disposition somewhat. We sat in companionable silence, waiting for our food to arrive. I decided to take the calm for a bit of reflection.

How did I end up attracted to her? Her personality, creativity, kindness, and general disposition. Thats the psychological. How about physical? Well. . . she is definitely well-toned; not beefy, not frail. Curvy in all the right places, to my tastes; not too thin, not too thick. How about eyes and flesh/hair tone? I looked at her for a second, examining her. The pale green of her coat was relaxing. It didn't explode in your face or fade into the crowd. Her mane and tail being a fairly vibrant orange was a tone I always found attractive for hair as a human - had a thing for Irish and Scottish girls, after all - and the cut and style of her mane was pleasant as well, being about jaw length and swept over to one side of her face, and held back slightly by a yellow hairband. After the incident she had to cut it, and appeared to enjoy the shorter length as well. As for eyes. . . there was intelligence incredibly visible by the inquisitive gaze of hers, but reserved enough that she wouldn't let her curiosity take over. And the deep violet of them was incredibly unique; they were nearly black. Now for a more important question:

How did I become attracted to a mare? On Earth it would be considered zoophelia, or in crasser and more judgmental terms, bestiality. This gave me more pause.

I nursed my crown float, sinking deeper into my reflections. Well. . . she simply doesn't come across as an animal. I mean, I know she's a horse, but. . . the ponies in Equestria, what with their human-level sentience, don't feel like the classic view of an 'animal'; when someone says animal, they mean feral, or running on basic instincts and what we teach them. I don't look at the fact of her being a pony; I just look at her as a whole. But it could also be the fact that now, being a pony myself, the chemistry of my body and brain made it easier for me to look past the physical in the species sense.

I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye and turned to see Chroma staring back at me. She appeared to be studying me as I had her moments ago, and she had a small, sideways smile. My own lips began to turn up at the side as well. She appeared to be just about to break the silence, beginning to open her mouth to speak, when the bartender returned, plates levitating over his head. "Alright, vegetable stew for you lass, and. . . pork chops and salad, for you sir. Anything else I can get the two of you?"

I shook my head. "I am good for now, thank you." I turned back to my date to see if she needed anything. She mimicked my gesture.

The host nodded. "Go ahead and give me a holler if you do need something." He trotted off to assist the next patron.

We turned to our food and began to eat. After the first few mouthfuls I turned to Chroma again. "So where you about to say something before our food was brought over?"

She stopped eating for a second then swallowed her current bite. "It's. . . not important." I raised an eyebrow quizzically. She changed the topic. "So how have things been at Sweet Apple Acres? Job going well?"

I was still curious about what she wanted to say originally, but I pushed it to the back of my mind for later. "Good. Still a lot of trees to buck and apples to store, but we have harvested a good seventy to seventy five percent so far. How about you? Art sales doing well?"

We talked back and forth for a while, from topic to topic. At one point I noticed we had finished eating and were simply nursing our drinks, and then at another point later I noticed that the alcohol was starting to hit harder. I looked at the counter next to us and saw several empty glasses, from highballs to shot glasses. A LOT of shot glasses. When did we have all them?

We were giggling uncontrollably by this point, and I decided we ought to head back to Chroma's place. "Alraght, whe shud git goin'." I stumbled out of the chair over to the counter. Wow. It's been years since I've been this drunk! "So haw menni legs are ye takin off meh?" I slurred to the waitress, and Chroma giggled at me, leaning against my side.

The mare across the counter shook her head in exasperation. "One hundred and twenty-four bits, please."

I turned to my bag - wow, forgot I was wearing that - and pulled out the money. Counting it was a pain. I pushed them onto the counter and the waitress counted them out. "I'm sorry sir, there are forty-six bits extra here."

I waved a hoof. "Take em as a tip. Night!" Chroma and I began to stumble the rest of the way out of the establishment, leaning on each other and draping our wings across each others backs to prevent each other from falling. We hobbled our way home, taking forty five minutes when it should have been seven. I fumbled with the lock for a minute and after finally getting it open, I held it for my date - only barely, though; almost faceplanted on the door mat - and gestured for her to enter first after recovering from my stumble. She grinned with half lidded eyes and bit her lower lip - DAYUM, that looked seductive! - and she hobbled her way in the house. She appeared to be trying to swing her hips seductively as well, but being in her inebriated state, it came across as somewhat comical, but then, in my inebriated state, it still looked hot.

We flopped on the red sofa, my back against one arm of the couch and the back of the couch itself, and Chroma sprawled across my lap, looking up at me grinning. I grinned back.

She broke the silence first. "That wush fun."

I only nodded in response before shifting position, snuggling up against her in the classic spooning arrangement; I was the big spoon, her the little. It was only seconds after that we passed out.

Ahh, FUCK.

I awoke the next day on the couch with Chroma, lying on my back, head hanging over the side of the couch. Chroma was on top of me again, but somehow managed to slide down my body, between my hind legs, forelegs on either side of my body, and face firmly planted in my stomach. One of her hindlegs was also up against the back of the couch, sticking straight in the air. Her mane was horribly mussed up, tail too, and I noticed that mine wasn't any better.

Of course, the thing I noticed the most,

Was the MIGRAINE.

I groaned, and discovered that Chroma stirred at the same time as myself; we groaned in unison. She went to roll onto her back and clutch her head, but rolled off the couch, thumping against the floor. She grunted upon landing and stayed there. I was in too much pain myself though to register this; all that I was thinking, was;

FUUUUUCK!

After about ten minutes I finally went to extricate myself from the couch, and tripped over Chroma, only noticing her new location now. I flew forward and dropped face first into the wood floor, grunting. We both lay there for another five minutes.

Chroma went to get up first this time, but I got up with so that there wouldn't be a repeat of what I did. She looked at me with baggy, bloodshot eyes, and said a few simple words. "Drugs. Bath. Come."

We lumbered into the kitchen, grabbing some migraine pills each, and dry swallowing them. Before following her to the bathroom I went to the fridge and grabbed a jar of dill pickles and a couple forks. We went upstairs to her bathroom and she filled the tub with hot water. I went to sit outside the bathroom, content to wait for her to finish, but she pulled me in with, and we dropped into the tub. The shock of the hot water was painful at first, but after growing accustomed to it, felt wonderful. I popped open the jar and we started eating the pickles, and upon finishing them, we shared the juice. My favourite hangover cure; a good soft solid in your stomach, and the the juice was good for replenishing your salt.

We lay in the tub for a few hours, relishing the warmth and relaxation. By this point the pickles and pills had their desired effects, and we felt less like beaten shit; more like plain shit now. We looked at each other for a few seconds before nodding to each other in understanding.

Fuck the world. We aren't doing ANYTHING today.

Chapter 20: Part 1 of 2

~Chapter 20 (Part 1 of 2): Colours. . .~

AUTHOR'S NOTE: So, yeah. Been a while. Finally finished this chapter, and it is a lot bigger than I originally anticipated. Also, next chapter will be my usual length I'm thinking, not another 10k. As a note regarding the end of this chapter, it gets a little graphic. Not for the faint of heart. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Now, ONWARDS, ALONSY! (no, I don't watch Doctor Who.)

About a week later and our relationship was pretty cemented. We did everything together, went everywhere together, worked on more art together, and simply enjoyed everything more. There were of course days we spent apart though; we did need SOME space, and some errands to run. Like, you know, my work. But we went at life pretty hard, now that we were together.

It was about a month from the upcoming art show, so I was getting fairly excited. Chroma was also getting pretty excited, because she had some sort of event to attend in Canterlot, with a few of her works on display. In fact, she is packing for her trip now.

"Oh buck, oh buck, oh buck, WHERE DID I PUT THAT?!" She was running around the house like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to pack her bags. She had a taxi ride on a larger sized cab to fit her stuff, what with her going away for a month. She had a couple of crates holding artworks of hers, from special orders to things for her to sell on the market, to display items.

But as she sprinted around the house at an appreciable amount of the speed of sound, enough to impress Rainbow Dash I think, I simply sat on the couch, sipping a glass of juice, and watched her, grinning. "It's in the guest bedroom, stored in the closet." I offered my tidbits here and there if I remembered where something was.

She stopped on a dime, eyes widening, and clapping her hooves together grinning. "YES! Thank you!" She darted off again and darted back with the object in question, depositing it in a suitcase. Most people would consider what she was packing excessive, but this sounded like an important event for her, and she had a LOT of orders to deliver. This was simpler then spending a couple of legs on mailing them, and much more safe.

She looked at a checklist that Twilight Sparkle made for her - I went and asked if Twilight if she wouldn't mind; Chroma was getting more and more nervous about it every day for the past three or four days - and Chroma checked off an item. After giving the list a once-over, she grinned and collapsed on the floor with a contented sigh. "Finally. Done. Packing."

I laughed and extricated myself from the sofa, going over to her and lying down next to her. "Good. Now I have you to myself the rest of the day."

She giggled and snuggled up to me, wrapping her forehooves around my neck. "Mmm. Or, I have YOU to myself the rest of the day, hmmm?" This time both of us giggled.

I downed the last of my beverage and placed the empty glass on the table next to the couch and turned to the mare next to me, who was staring up at me from her slightly lower vantage point, eyeing me dreamily, and I grinned at her. "I have no objections to that."

We stood up and walked down the hall towards the studio - passing a crate similar to the one that Rarity came with three weeks ago - and settled onto a couch in there, staring around the room. The couch was a recent addition, what with there now being a couple living here, not just my special somepony - I simply HAD to say that to myself at some point! I couldn't pass up the chance!

After examining the walls for a few minutes, enjoying each others company, Chroma turned to me. "Hey, want me to take one or two of your works of art with me? I have a few connections up in Canterlot; might be able to get you your first couple of orders."

I found myself slightly taken aback by this, pleasantly so. "Oh, thank you! I would love that!" We got up and went over to the small section that was my artwork and looked through it a bit.

"Hmm, this one is good. . ."

"Maybe this one? . . Nah, not one of the best. . ."

"Ooh, definitely this one! . ."

"How about this one? . ."

We looked over them all, picking out my most noticeable ones, and eventually stopped on my first work in Equestria; the heart. I stared at it for a few seconds before speaking. "You know how I feel on this one."

She laughed and took it down, placing it with the rest. "Of course, I would have smacked you if you didn't want it to come with!"

I grinned. "I would LET you do that if that were to happen!"

We laughed together before packing my art - twelve pieces - and she slipped them into the crate of her artworks; there was a gap the perfect size to fit them without risking damaging them. Upon completing this we went upstairs to our room and dropped on the bed; it seemed like a good time for snuggles, a tickle fight, and spooning.

Four weeks later, a week from heading off to Canterlot, I found myself beginning prep for the trip. Compared to Chroma I travelled incredibly light; I had my art supplies stuffed into a rucksack to throw over my back - didn't plan to draw this week - and threw all the bits I saved for the trip, plus the admission for the show in my saddlebag. I didn't have to worry about my tux; I sent it up with Chroma because it was easier to take that way. I didn't pack my toiletries yet though because I would need them for the following week, but just before I leave Im throwing them into my bag.

I was just minding my own business, reading a book a borrowed from the library, when there was a knock on the door. I got up and walked over to the door and opened it up, delighted to see Rarity on the other side. "Rarity! How nice to see you. How can I help you?"

She smiled. "Thank you, dear, likewise. I was actually going to ask you something; the girls and I are heading up to Canterlot tomorrow for a meeting with the Princesses, and I knew you would be heading to Canterlot soon, so I thought I would see if you might like to come with us? I know it's earlier then you likely planned, but I thought you might appreciate the company, no?"

I smiled even more. "Thats not a problem, thank you! I would love to. When are you leaving tomorrow?"

She nodded, positively beaming. "Wonderful! We are boarding the train at twelve sharp. That is not an issue, is it?"

"Nope! I get up around seven or eight everyday anyway. I will see you there!"

She laughed. "Oh, good! Although, the girls and I are free today and were going to spend it on the town. Would you like to come with? I assure you, you wont be intruding on anything."

I beamed. "I would love to."

A day later, here I was, in Canterlot castle. With the rest of the mane six. Borrowing a room for my stay.

With all of them.

That took a little adjusting to. Sharing a room with six attractive females? Yeah. My self control became a virtue here. Especially when they started a massive pillow fight.

No, wait. War. Pillow war. Yeah, that pushed me to my limits. But I survived.

But that was only the first night. *Sigh*, this is going to be HARD.

After the train ride, which took us into the evening, we left right for the castle. I would have seen Chroma first, but she was busy with a client that day; I remembered her talking about him. So, castle first, and we met up with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna - Still looking fine! - but she appeared worse for wear, despite the air of cheer she put on. I could barely notice it; in order for it to be visible at all though, was a sign that something was amiss. Horribly so.

They took us into the castle, providing me a quick tour and the others followed, talking to the princesses and I about various things. At the end of the tour we reached our room, and they ushered us inside for the night. The meeting with the mane six was scheduled in a weeks time, just after the art show, so they were free for a while. After that - stressful on my part - night, we went out into Canterlot proper the next day, browsing the shops and taking in the sights. This wasn't entirely new for Twilight or Rarity, but they enjoyed doing it all with their friends.

"So, Ink, dear, how have you been adjusting to life in Ponyville?" Rarity asked of me after we exited a small book store. Twilight noticed it and wished to take a peek inside.

I looked skywards for a few seconds, thinking. "Well, pretty darn well, If I say so myself." I look at each of them in turn. "Got myself some awesome friends." They all d'awwed, except Rainbow making a gagging noise. We all laughed. "Got a good job." AJ blushed a little and tipped her hat down. "And got the best marefriend I could ask for." They all stopped in their tracks, but I took a couple steps before noticing the lack of hoofsteps behind me. I stopped and turned to them, frowning. "Whats wrong?"

Twilight broke the silence first. "When. . . When did you get a marefriend?"

I realized I hadn't told them yet. They knew I was spending a great deal of time with another mare, but not that we actually started a relationship. "Yeah, the mare that is letting me stay at her place? Our feelings for each other grew."

"OH! OH! Who is it?" Pinkie exclaimed, bouncing up and down on the spot.

I chuckled. "Her name is Chroma. Kinda forgot to mention that to you guys previously, I suppose. Sorry."

Rarity's jaw dropped, and she plumped down onto the spot. "Chr- Chroma?"

I looked at her, eyebrow raised. "You know her?"

She shook herself out of her stupor. "Sorry, only a little, eh heh heh! . ." She said sheepishly, obviously avoiding the topic.

Rainbow was looking at her, eyebrow raised herself. "O-kaaaaay. . ?"

I shrugged. "It's alright. I assume you know her for her art?"

Rarity nodded. "You could say that, yes."

I still found myself suspicious, but let it slide. "Anyway, I suppose I am doing well in Ponyville. Now, where do you girls want to go next?"

Later that day the girls and I split up, them going to have a girl's night, myself going to visit my mare. She had told me which hotel she was staying at, and which room, so I made my way there. It was a short trip from the castle which was nice, and was a fairly high-class one I discovered upon reaching it.

The hotel was located at the edge of Canterlot, close to the edge of the mountain and nestled against the wall. It was about ten stories tall, the top most floor only taking up around half the roof of the ninth floor, leaving a sizeable balcony. The walls on the tenth floor, obviously designed as a penthouse, were all glass. When I entered the building, the walls were a slightly beige colour, and the furniture was crimson and gold. A few stallions and mares done up in fancy dresses and tuxes filled a few seats. Wow. Cliche luxury colours much? I approached the front desk and smiled at the pony behind it in greeting. He looked me up and down for a second before smiling in return. When he spoke, he did so with slightly feminine tone and inflection. "Hello, welcome to the Scarlet Overlook. How may I help you, hun?" He followed his greeting up with a wink. OH-KAY. Definitely gay. I couldn't help but laugh to myself in my mind; this was kinda funny.

"Hi. I am hear to meet up with my marefriend?" His eyes obviously fell a bit at this. Sorry bro; I'm claimed.

"And who might this lucky mare be?" he asked, leaning on his forehooves against the counter.

"Her name is Chroma?"

His expression blanked, and I heard a few conversations stop behind me. "Um. . . Your name please?"

I looked around a second, wondering what was going on. "Umm. . . My name is Ink."

His eyes widened, and my mentioning my name elicited a few gasps behind me a well. He hesitated for a second before acting. "Uh. . . Yes. One moment please." He turned to a door behind the counter and exited through it, and I could hear him pick up a phone. After a few more seconds of me nervously waiting at the counter and hearing his muffled voice through the door he returned. "If you don't mind waiting a few minutes, she will be right down to verify. Thats not a problem is it?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Not at all. Thank you." I nodded to him and trotted off to the sitting area, choosing a seat separated from the other fancy ponies around me. I pulled my sketch pad and a pen from my saddlebag, deciding to draw a bit while waiting. I noticed a couple ponies leaning towards each other and whispering while staring at me from my peripheral vision. This was somewhat unnerving.

After a little bit I heard a ding across the room and looked up to the elevator, in unison with the other ponies around me. The doors opened to it and one green mare, covered in paint, stood inside, staring out wide-eyed. "Ink!" She called, galloping towards me and tackling me out of the chair. She hugged me into the floor and I laughed.

"Well, hi. How are you?"

"Your early! I thought you were coming in a couple more days?!"

I grinned and pulled away in order to give her a peck on the nose. "Twilight and crew came to see the princesses, so I tagged along. I'm staying with them in Canterlot Castle." This brought even more gasps from around me, and thought I heard a thunk, like somepony fainted. "I remembered that you said you were going to be free this evening, so I thought I would stop by and surprise you."

She squee'd and glomped me to the floor again. "Come! Lets go to my room, up top!"

I stopped. "Wait, you have the penthouse?"

She grinned at me and winked. "You know it. Come." We got up and headed to the elevator. I looked to the side and noticed that yes, a mare did faint. She was very long-limbed and lean, a unicorn with an alabaster coat, pale pink mane and tail, a cutie mark of three symbols that I couldn't recognize from this distance besides one being purple and two being yellow, and violet, drooping eyes, still recovering from her mishap.

I smirked as the elevator doors closed, but then I remembered something. "Hey Chroma, why is it every time a pony in Canterlot hears about our relationship they go crazy?"

She blushed and scuffed a hoof on the elevator floor. "Well. . . I'm a bit of a hit up here. Sure it's nice to make a living off my art, but I would rather avoid the fanatics of it. Thats why I live in Ponyville; they don't care for it as much down there. I get to work in peace and quiet."

The elevator dinged and we looked up. We weren't on our floor yet; it was floor seven. The doors opened and revealed a pony on the other side. He had a fur coat as white as the mare downstairs, with a slightly cooler tint to it, a blue, wavy mane, tail and stache, a tux, three crowns for a cutie mark, a monocle, and blue eyes. He had a slightly panicked look in his eyes. "I'm sorry for the intrusion; I need to go to the main floor." he said hurriedly.

Chroma and I looked at each other and back to him. I replied. "Thats not a problem. We are heading up first, though."

He nodded. "Thats quite alright; up is not to far from here." he said with a quick laugh before stepping into the elevator. The rest of the ride up was awkwardly silent, Chroma and I not really sure what to say with this guy here.

We finally reached the top, and the door opened. His eyes widened and he gasped, spinning to look at us. "You. . . Your Chroma and Ink?"

We grinned sheepishly. "Yes, we are."

He grinned back. "Oh, this is good! I was hoping to place a commission with the two of you, if it is not a bother? When would you be free for a meeting?"

I looked to Chroma and shrugged. "Her call. I'm free all week, so whenever she is, is fine by me."

She looked up for a second and bit her lip. She turned to me. "Would you be free in about a week and a half?" I nodded. She nodded in return and turned back to the stallion. "That fine with you?"

He nodded eagerly. "Yes! Perfect, thank you! Oh, I can't wait! This will make the perfect gift! I will see you both then!" He waved and shut the elevator doors.

Then we realized he didn't give us a name or place.

I turned to my mare friend smiling. "Well, he will probably remember sometime soon he missed giving his name, and will drop a letter off for you at the front desk with his information."

She chuckled. "Yes, I hope so. Now, onward!"

We spent a few hours together enjoying the hotel - which was beautiful, I must say - she needed to get to bed, and I had to return to Canterlot Castle. I walked out onto the balcony of the hotel, hugged Chroma goodbye, and flew off. I landed at the main gate to the castle, proved my identity, and went inside.

I walked down the halls casually, making my way to the room I shared with the others. Everything was very quiet, what with it being the hour separating Day and Night court. No ponies were around except the guards holding their posts and making their rounds on patrol.

Until I heard soft crying.

I made my way to the sound, and found a corridor blocked off by Night Guards, from Luna's charge. I noticed in the middle of the hall was the large, black and blue doors bearing the cutie mark of the moon princess, signifying her room. Something was very off.

One of the guards, a male unicorn, extended a hoof towards me, barring entry. "Sir, you can not come this way. The princess asked for a wide birth around her quarters."

I felt a lightbulb go off in my mind, formulating the perfect excuse. "Sorry, I kinda got lost. I was hoping somepony might be able to direct me back to my room?"

The guard nodded. "Yes, sir. Do you happen to know what wing it was in?"

I shook my head. "No, but I'm sharing it with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Do you happen to know what room that is?"

He nodded once more. "Yes, sir. Right this way. Morning Star, I will return in a couple of minutes." He said to the earth pony that was sharing his post with him.

The other pony saluted and set her hoof down again. "Yes sir, Blitz!" She went motionless once more after that. Blitz, apparently, took the lead, drawing me away from the night princess' quarters.

I reached our room with the guard in tow. He knocked on the door to the room hard and fast five times, and I heard Applejack call out. "Hold yer' horses there! Ah got it!" The door opened to reveal the orange earth pony, and she seemed taken aback by the night guard in her face. He turned to me, nodded, and trotted back off to his post. AJ turned to me. "What was that about?"

I smiled. "Got lost on the way. Still new to the castle."

She burst into a couple of peals of laughter before pressing a hoof to her mouth. "Sorry sugarcube, kinda slipped out there."

I laughed in response, shaking my head. "It's alright. Anyway, is entrance permitted, by chance?"

She grinned and stepped aside. "Sure thing there, hun. How was-"

She was silenced by a pillow flying across the room, nailing her in the face with a soft whump. She stood stock still as it fell away, and she glared at Rainbow Dash. Her frown slowly turned into an evil grin before she did anything. "Oh, yer' gonna git it, girl."

Oh god. Not again.

"Rarity, do you mind lending a helping hoof? It's hard to get dressed without magic, especially into a form-fitting tuxedo."

The rest of the week went by smoothly, enjoying it with all of my friends - marefriend very included - and it was now the day of the art show. I was currently preparing for it, getting myself dressed and stylish. Chroma would be at her own show this evening, and with the number of shows going on every week in Canterlot, the chances of us being at the same show were slim to none. I wasn't holding my breath on seeing her this evening, at least not until after our respective shows.

"Yes darling! One moment, please. Need to apply this last stitch here, and. . . There! Another order complete." She nodded in satisfaction at her most recent creation and trotted over to me. She looked me over, seeing how I was faring with the garment, and clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Dear! Your going to wrinkle the thing. I won't have it!" She exclaimed, stomping her hoof. Suddenly I found myself airborne and spread-eagle, with clothes flying around me rapidly and applying themselves.

I plopped back onto my hooves with a grunt and looked at myself in the mirror. Awwwww, yeh. Still sharp! I turned back to Rarity grinning. I gave her a small bow. "Thank you, milady. Your generosity shall not be forgotten."

She waved a hoof and batted her eyelashes, sighing dramatically. "Oh, think nothing of it, dear. Now, please, you are too flattering! Away with you! You have a date!"

"Oooooh, Ink's got a thing for Rare!" Rainbow Dash said suggestively, and we all laughed in good natured fun. I said farewell to the rest of the mane six in the room and left our room in the castle, heading toward the Canterlot market district where the location of my excursion for the evening was.

I headed towards one of the castle gardens, deciding to fly to my destination rather than walk. A leisurely flight would be nice at the moment. I reached the main garden and gently lifted off, turning in the direction of the market main of the city. As I flew I stared down at the streets below, watching the ants that were my fellow ponies go about their evening business. I saw couples returning home, shop owners closing for the night, the more rowdy ponies laughing and carrying on, steering towards the bars and nightclubs. I even noticed a few were already drunk; they couldn't walk a straight line and were constantly tripping on their own hooves. Well, they certainly don't feel like wasting the night away. Among the mix, however, I saw some ponies in finely crafted clothes, walking regally, or in some cases, making their way in carriages, to other events.

I saw a theatre promising a live ballet, an opera over there, a couple of standard theatres, and then, I saw a few art shows. I lowered my altitude somewhat, hoping to get a closer look to make sure I didn't over shoot my mark. Before leaving, Rarity gave me a tip about the location, saying that I would know it when I saw it due to its vintage architecture, ivory paint, and accents of shimmering gold and regal violet - to use her words. I flew for roughly ten minutes, continuing my pony watching the entire way, and glanced up for a second, hoping for a glimpse of my destination. And, well, Rare didn't kid when she said I would recognize it right away, based on her description.

Spread out in front of me, off to the left, was a large white building, and as for the antique? I would say more ancient architecture. It reminded me of a Greek Acropolis back on Earth, with tall columns that narrowed towards the top, shallow angled roof, and carvings of ponies in various activities around the outside of it. There were purple carpets with gold detailing on the ground, leading up to the front doors of the building - although door is an understatement, being that the entrances were archways that had to be ten ponies tall - and gold leaf glued onto some of the carvings decorating the exterior of the building. There were also long, flowing purple tabards attached to the roof in the same style as the carpet below.

My eyebrows shot up, amazed at the building in front of me. Rarity certainly DOES have her connections to get a free show here, doesn't she? I descended towards the road at the base of the stairs leading up to the building and started to walk up them, admiring the architecture even more. As I ascended the stairs and admired the building I also did some more pony watching, gazing at the elegant equines around me. I even noticed the stallion Chroma and I encountered in the elevator, accompanied by the mare that fainted.

I reached the top and was met with a line of ponies waiting for admission. I frowned a bit and walked up, resigned to waiting in line for a while. I thought I heard my name being called out and I glanced to the side, wondering if I was hearing things. Sure enough, the pony from the elevator was trotting towards me. I smiled and waved at him.

"Ink! Why ever are you waiting in line?" He said upon reaching me.

I blinked. "How else will I get in?"

He laughed and shook his head. "You probably don't need to. Here, let me see your invitation."

Right. I never bothered to check it. I pulled it out and glanced at the front of it and stopped.

~ VIP ~

I looked up at the stallion in front of me, and looked to the front of the line, then to the people behind me. He began to laugh. "See? I didn't think you would have to wait, considering your connections." He said with a wink.

I continued to stare and blink dumbly. "Uh. . . okay. Thanks for getting me to check that." I stepped out of line, the other ponies in line around me staring at us with envy in their eyes.

He spoke up again. "By the way, I apologize for being so rude in the elevator the other day. My name is Fancy Pants, and my beautiful mare here is Fleur De Lis." he said, gesturing to himself and to her in turn. She offered a curt nod in my direction, but proceeded to avoid my gaze. Oh-kay. Rude much.

We proceeded to the front doors and stood next to the giant unicorn stallion tending to the line. He turned from inspecting the next pony's admission to speak to us. "May I help you?" He said in an incredibly deep, graveley voice. I heard a few ponies down the line shout for us to not skip the line or waste their time, calling us rude and inconsiderate. One glance from the over-sized pony in front of me stopped them short.

Fancy Pants spoke up first. "Yes, we have VIP tickets, if you would please."

He looked down at each of our procured invitations and levitated them from our grip. He cast a quick spell on each, I assumed he was testing authenticity, and granted them back to us. "Yes, right this way please." He said, and drew back the rope barricading us from entering. The mare in line that he skipped checking her ticket to see ours glared daggers at us.

We entered the building, and I stopped in my tracks. I now understood why Fancy Pants walked up to me. The connection he talked about?

My relationship with Chroma.

She was standing right there, amidst her artwork on display, talking to ponies about one piece or another, explaining her inspiration for it, and. . .

She was wearing the dress that I saw Rarity creating. The white and green dress with peridot and padparadscha sapphire flower detailing.

My jaw dropped at how beautiful she was in it. The green matched her fur perfectly, and the gems matched her mane and tail.It accented every curve of her body perfectly, and to my eyes, she appeared simply radiant. She laughed, likely at a joke the pony in front of her made, and glanced towards the front door. She suddenly stopped moving, staring wide eyed in my direction. We made direct eye contact, and I slowly made my way forward. She recovered, and excused herself from those around her and began walking towards me as well. As we got closer, we got faster, until the end when we were trotting towards each other and stopped, nose to nose.

She stared at me, eyes the size of dinner plates. "How did you get in?!"

I smiled. "Rarity couldn't make it, so she offered me her admission."

She continued to stare, and then suddenly stepped forward and embraced me. I reciprocated, and we buried our faces in each others necks. We stood like that for a few seconds before separating, and I broke the silence between us. "By the way, that dress. . . I have no words for how beautiful you are in it."

She blushed and scuffed a hoof across the ground. "Thank you. You look mighty handsome yourself, hun."

I grinned. I decided to glance around the room for a second, and realized that everypony was staring at us, slack-jawwed. Feeling bold, I decided to call out. "Hey, can't a couple have some privacy over here?" They all jumped and went back to admiring the art, talking in hushed voices, but they still threw furtive glances towards us periodically.

I turned back to Chroma, still grinning. She was grinning back. "So, hun, want me to show you around my gallery?"

For an hour she gave me a tour of the art room, some pieces I recognized from being with her while she worked on them, most completely new thanks to being stored away before I met her. There were roughly fifty to sixty works, and all of them had high price tags. As in, ranging from fifteen hundred bits on her simplest and smallest work, to twenty thousand bits on the most expensive. All had a list of ponies next to it scheduled to attend the auction for the piece at a later date.

We were now walking towards another wing of the building, a smaller gallery to the side of hers featuring another artist, but she set her signature piece for the show in there instead of the opening. This confused me, but I didn't ask why; I trusted her to explain when she felt like it. I had time.

Chroma was currently detailing various things about how the show has been going - I arrived two hours after it started, and it was scheduled for a six hour showing - and things had been eventful. "There was another pony who flat out offered thirty thousand bits for the canyon landscape; it was only marked as fifteen thousand bits, but my works have been known to more than double my starting price at the auctions, and I don't like giving ponies free reign to simply buy out my art. I auction them off to give more ponies a chance to buy them, not just the ones who buy whatever they want, whenever they want."

I nodded. "Makes sense. I would probably do the same under those circumstances. I will likely have to take what I can until - or, if - I reach your level of prestige."

She giggled. "That might be sooner than you think."

I turned to her, eyebrow raised. "Oh? And why might that be?" She looked at me with a smug smile before gesturing ahead with her chin.

I turned ahead to find we had passed under the arch leading into the other artists wing, and stopped. It wasn't just for some other artist to display. It was for my display. The art of mine she brought with her she mounted in here as a separate gallery. And then I saw the two centre pieces.

My first work, the heart.

And hers; the giant one I saw mounted in her studio that she hadn't finished yet.

Depicting me.

I simply stood there, staring at it. She had repainted the entire thing. It no longer had the pastel background; it was a landscape. We had gone for a little picnic at one point, up on a cliff near Ponyville that overlooked the lake. She must have really remembered the day, because I sat there staring at the lake in the painting. She had also set it at the same time of day; sunset. In more detail, I was lying at the edge of the cliff, staring out at the lake, forehooves crossed, and the setting sun was being reflected off the water. The colour palate was mostly yellows, oranges, and reds, thanks to the sunset, but my eyes were the only other colour for contrast; bright blue. I looked at the plaque just below the canvas with the information about it and read it:

In Dedication
~ Ink ~
My Muse
NOT FOR SALE
This signature piece is to be displayed in my personal gallery
~ Chroma ~

I'll admit, it was a bit cheesy. But I liked it. I nuzzled my emerald mare in appreciation, and she nuzzled back. We looked each other in the eyes and shared a kiss. "Chroma. . . Thank you. This is way more than I ever hoped for, much less expected."

She grinned. "I like to book a hall extra every show, in case I get a creative boon and have too much art and too little space to fit it into my main show. In this case. . . I felt it more appropriate to accommodate your works. It will get you some recognition to start, and my pieces I wanted to put in here this time aren't finished anyway."

I grinned back and gave her a peck on the nose, to which she giggled. "Again, thank you." I turned to begin examining the gallery, seeing how she arranged my works. My first piece was directly next to hers, and I had among my other works a pen and ink wolf, an abstract in paint and a desert landscape in paint - I enjoy branching out of my comfort zone every so often - a couple contour line drawings. . . And next to each one was a sheet, like the ones next to Chroma's works to be auctioned, and I walked closer to one - the one for my desert - to see what it was.

~ TO BE ANNOUNCED ~
The creator of this work, Ink, has not thought about selling this piece, but please leave your name and a method of contacting you if he decides otherwise. You may also leave your projected price by dropping a ballot in the box next to the focal pieces of the gallery.
Thank you

I looked at Chroma to find her still smiling. "You never said anything about selling your works, but I didn't want to discount the possibility. All you need to do is say, and I can have one of the staff announce it."

I grinned even more. "I love the way you think ahead, love." She giggled and blushed at my comment, and I turned to the centre pieces, noticing that yes, a box was between our two works with a small table covered in quills, ink pots, and paper. The box was already filling up with slips of paper. I returned to the sheet for further inspection. My jaw dropped when I realized that there were twenty five names listed, and a note to flip the sheet for the next page. I lifted with a hoof, and saw yet another seventeen names on the list. I blinked and looked back to Chroma. "Forty two ponies already expressed interest in my landscape?"

She nodded. "But there are a great many other names for your other works. One mare, a friend of mine in fact, loves your work so much she asked if she could leave a note to buy the collection of pen works."

My left eye twitched. "Thats. . . seven pieces. Not counting the heart."

She chuckled. "Exactly." She walked over to me and whispered into my ear so nopony else would hear. "She offered one hundred thousand bits."

I'm pretty sure my heart stopped for about ten seconds, and all I managed in that time frame was a copious amount of blinking, twitching, and sputtering. I grew somewhat faint, and actually had to sit on my rump for a few seconds to steady myself; my legs felt like jello.

Chroma laughed at me, but she still had concern in her eyes. "Yeah, I very nearly had the same reaction. I got her information personally. I will tell you about it later; maybe you will even meet her here."

After a minute I recovered enough to stand again, and looked around my gallery. My gallery. I turned to Chroma once more. "I'm going to mark which pieces I am willing to auction and which to sell, then look through a few of those ballots to get a ballpark estimate on what everypony values my work at. You should get back to your show, but I will find you soon, okay?"

She smiled and nodded. "I will see you in a few. Here -" She took my invitation for the event and a pen from the ballot table and wrote a note on the back of it. She signed it and returned it to me. "Give that to one of the security guards when your done marking, and they will find a unicorn to make the announcement, and it asks to call the mare from earlier too, alright?"

I nodded in thanks. "Okay. Now, get going." I gave her a quick kiss then bumped her flank forward with my own. She laughed at me and winked before walking off for one of the exits of the room, swinging her rump side to side seductively.

I turned back to my art and let out a heavy sigh. Buck. Let's figure this out, then.

After another half an hour I had finished, and boy, was I impressed. There were offers ranging from seventy five hundred bits, to fifteen hundred bits on my works. I had decided to let all but my pen and ink heart and my painted desert - I loved them way too much, despite how hefty the offers on them both were - and a few ponies even approached me, remarking about the similarities between myself and Chroma's signature piece. That led to a few interesting conversations. I left my gallery and turned to the hulk of a unicorn stallion guarding the exit I chose. "Excuse me, if I may have a moment of your time?"

He looked dow at me and nodded.

I coughed into my hoof. He came across as very menacing. "I was directed to deliver this to a member of the security team -" I pulled the invitation out of my pocket with my teeth and grabbed it with my wing, "- when I finished with marking my art for auctions."

His eyebrow raised in disbelief, and he glanced at the invitation held up with my wing. He levitated it up closer to his face, obscuring it from my view, and read it. When he lowered it back down into my pocket, he was grinning ear to ear. He spoke, and the tone of his voice surprised me; it had a very silken, and smooth tone to it. "Of course, Master Ink. If you would kindly come this way." He looked up to the guard across from him and nodded before we trotted off.

We reached the security room and entered. He nodded to a blue unicorn mare in front of another door, and then looked to me. "Officer Cobalt will assist you from now. Have a wonderful evening, Master Ink." With that he turned and left the room to return to his post.

I walked up to the mare and stuck a hoof out to shake, and she accepted. Her voice was also surprising; it was just as refined as the stallions, but where his voice seemed full of charm, hers held intimidation in the cold, clipped method of speaking she chose. "A pleasure Master Ink. The name's Cobalt. I'm second in charge of security at this establishment, but for this evening, I am the top of the chain of command. My superior is taking this evening off. How may I be of service?"

I smiled to her. "Hello Officer Cobalt; it is likewise a pleasure. I was hoping you could arrange for a unicorn to make an announcement as to which of my art will be going on auction, and to ask for the presence of a certain somepony I would like to speak with."

She nodded. "Of course; I will do the honours myself. Do you have a list of the pieces to sell, and the name of this pony?" I pulled out the invitation and a sheet of paper I wrote which pieces I would auction and held them out for the officer. She levitated them in front of her and walked towards the door to the main room. I followed and stopped next to her. She cleared her throat and lowered the pages a bit. Her horn grew brighter for a moment, and when she began to speak it filled the entire complex.

"Good evening fillies and gentlecolts: Master Ink, the supporting artist for Master Chroma, has decided to leave some of his work for the upcoming auction. . ." She proceeded to list off the works I wrote down, and then she looked to the invitation and began the second announcement. "Second, would Miss Morning Star head to Master Ink's gallery in front of the focal pieces for a meeting with him. Thank you, everypony. Enjoy your evening." Then I realized; I never looked at the name of the pony who left the offer. I didn't expect to recognize it at all, so I didn't feel I needed to. But I did recognize it, and I couldn't put a face to the name. . .

I turned to the officer and she handed back over my papers. "Thank you Officer. I hope you have a great - and uneventful - night."

She smiled out of one corner of her mouth. "Likewise. Farewell." She turned and walked back to her post, guarding the chief of security's office.

I trotted back to my gallery, and waited in front of my pen and ink heart, watching the other ponies examine my art. I answered a couple of questions while there, and before long, I spotted one young earth pony mare with a light grey coat and decent length, straight, silvery white mane, a matching tail that was pretty poofy, stark green eyes, and dressed in a black, tight dress - I noticed it was actually a corset - that cut low down her chest. A gold necklace with an obsidian moon pendant was also draped around her neck, and she had a slightly thicker body, well muscled - more so than Applejack. She didn't come across as chunky though, just pretty damn buff for a mare. She was approaching me, and her eyes widened slightly when she reached me. "Wait! You! You were at Canterlot Castle with Twilight and her friends!"

I blinked. "Uhh. . . Yes? And you are, may I ask?"

She laughed. "Right, sorry, I'm not exactly the most formal of ponies. I'm Morning Star, member of the Honour Guard for Princess Luna. I was posted at her quarters when you got lost?"

My eyes widened, remembering the guard Blitz mention her name. "Yes! Thats right! Sorry, you don't look the same without your armour."

We both laughed. "No, I suppose I don't." She said. "So! I assume I am here to speak with you about the offer I made for your work?"

I nodded. "That was a hefty chunk of cash, and big order there. I was wondering why my work caught your eye so much."

She touched the pendant around her neck. "Princess Luna loves your work."

I blinked, taking a few seconds to process this, and she laughed. "She loves art in all its forms, and she got me to attend this gallery in her stead. She gave me this necklace to allow her to see what I see, and hear what I hear. Also -" She walked over to me and touched a hoof to my shoulder.

Evening, Ink.

My jaw dropped. The Princess. . . is communicating through the necklace, using Star as a conduit?

Hah! Correct. We have not been feeling well of late, and thus asked of one of our most trusted guards to attend this outting in our place. We must say, we never expected such beautiful works from thine hooves.

I blinked once more. "Well. . . I thank you, Princess."

She laughed, a rich and comforting sound. It is our pleasure, Ink. Now, as to our offer - dost thou accept?

I laughed at this. "I would not feel right declining, your Majesty."

She chuckled. We appreciate thine feelings, Ink. But please; we never liked being referred to with such terms as 'Princess' or 'Your Majesty'. Titles grow tiresome.

I nodded. "Very well. However, I now find myself at a loss as to how to address you."

She laughed once more. Very well, my little pony. Simply refer to us as Luna.

Yet again, blink. "Would that be right of me, Pri - Luna?"

Yes, please. We would ask thou to do so, if only to please us.

I gulped. "Very well, Luna." Then I remembered. "Oh! I apologize, but on your offer. . . I was hoping for my pen and ink heart to stay within my possession; it is my favourite piece, and first work."

I could feel the smile in her voice, and yet a hint of sadness as well. Very well. It is well within thine right to deny sale of thine own art, as much as we wished to display in our own collection.

I smiled. "Thank you, Luna. I shall make another for you, if you so wish."

I heard the delight in her voice. Oh! This would be most wonderful! We appreciate thine offer, Ink. When would thee like thine pay for thine other work?

I smiled. "Well, due to the redaction of the heart from your offer, I would be more than happy to reduce the cost to seventy thousand, not one hundred thousand, and whenever you find it most convenient, Luna."

The joy in her voice was growing incredibly noticeable. We appreciate thine offer, Ink, but we would not feel appropriate with a measly seventy thousand bits for thine beautiful works. We will deliver eighty thousand bits in the form of jewels for easier storage. Where dost thou reside? Within one of Miss Chroma's hearths?

I grinned. "Yes, Luna. I am living with Chroma in her house in Ponyville."

She gasped. Oh, WITH her? We will need to speak to her about the storage of thine property, then. She stores her capital in a vault within Canterlot Castle - We are a personal sponsor of hers.

My jaw dropped at this. "Oh. . . Well, this is an interesting development. I will speak to her about it then."

Thank thee! In the meanwhile, Morning Star, please divulge our second pendant unto Ink. We wish to speak with him more in the future. You have our blessing, Ink, and we shall speak with thee anon. Farewell! Enjoy our evening, as it pleases thee.

With that, there was brief flash from the necklace around Star's neck, and it let out a small chiming sound not unlike a bell, and Luna was gone. Star blinked, having heard the entirety of the conversation, and smiled. "Well, you obviously left a good impression on the Princess. She only lets those she trusts most have one of these pendants." She reached into her dress and pulled a second chain, made of silver, dangling a similar crescent to that of Morning Star's, and offered it to me. I took it from her reverently, treating it as if it were a sugar sculpture and could be crushed with a breath.

"Th. . . Thank you. I don't know what to say." I used my wings to attach it around my neck and I slid it under my tux, out of sight. It felt slightly warm against my chest, and I felt something at the back of my mind when it made contact with my bare flesh, like it itched for a couple of seconds.

Star nodded. "Dont worry about the feeling you get from it in your head; it is establishing a connection between you and the Princess's collar. Now the necklace is bound to you; only you may use it, or those you touch, if Luna perceives them worthy."

I looked at her. "Oh. . . Kay. I will take note of that." I looked around, and saw that since the announcement, I was seeing a bit more activity in my gallery, not just ponies passing through and admiring my work onto Chroma's signature painting. I turned back to Morning Star and smiled. "I will go mark those works for the Princess, and then I should find Chroma to mention the news to her. Thank you very much for your time, Miss Star."

She laughed. "No problem, Ink. You know, you seem cool. Next time your free up at the castle during daylight hours, ask for directions to the Lunar Lounge. I would like to hang, and I'm sure Blitz will like you too. The rest of the Night Guard, in fact. Later!" She waved a hoof and trotted off, leaving me somewhat confused. Lunar Lounge. . ?

I quickly marked the pieces as sold, much to the chagrin of the viewers, and walked out of my gallery to search for Chroma, finding her talking about one of her still life works to a few ponies near the entrance to the building. I trotted over to her, and she finished her little explanation before addressing me. "Hey hun. I noticed the announcement. How was the meeting?"

I smiled. "She was one of Luna's Honour Guard. Luna talked to me through her, and bought my seven pen and ink pieces. For eighty thousand. She was hoping to speak with you sometime soon about your opinion on where to store my pay."

The ponies she was with were completely flabbergasted, jaws on the floor and pupils the size of pinpricks. Chroma herself didn't look too much different. "Eigh. . . Eighty thousand? Princess. . . Luna?" She was silent for a few more seconds before squealing and jumping me. "Thats awesome! Your first sale, seven pieces, to the PRINCESS?! Oh my Celestia, this is amazing!" We both laughed, and then she calmed down a bit, extricating herself from me.

I smiled at her and then remembered. "Oh! Also, I have a way of contacting her later. I am figuring around when the show ends?" I pulled the necklace out for her to see, and her jaw dropped again.

"You. . . She gave you a pendant?"

I smiled. "Yeah. And apparently she personally sponsors your work? When where you going to tell me you had Royal backing?" I said this with a grin and a wink.

Chroma reached up and pulled another pendant from her neck, this one with a gold chain, like Star's. "Yeah, she does. And you do already now as well, thanks to the necklace."

She slid her pendant back into her dress, and I blinked, standing there for a second. "Wait. . . This means I'm sponsored?"

She nodded. "Now, you will get a five hundred bit grant each month for supplies. Also, you can ask for a gallery showing anytime, anywhere. It gets covered by the Crown."

I froze, shocked. "Uhh. . . Wow. Okay."

We stood there silent a moment longer before she hugged me again. "I don't believe how well your doing, love. I can't express how proud I am of you."

I chuckled. "You're the one who deserves the praise. You gave me the opportunity for this."

She blushed. "Well, yes, but, your skill allowed you to impress the princess, not I. It was her choice to lend you the support."

I rubbed the back of me neck. "Well, this back and forth praise is getting us nowhere. How are things doing on your end?"

She smiled. "Well, all of my art thats for sale has a guaranteed fifty ponies attending each auction, so I will sell out. Then, I will sell a few of my properties and buy a few rooms in the castle to make contact with the Princess easier."

I stared at her. ". . . Woah. Buying a part of the Castle? You can do that?"

She laughed. "Yes, you can. Actually, the money you get from this show should allow you to buy an adjoining couple of rooms to mine, so we can both move in."

I grinned. "Awesome! Although, were you planning on selling your Ponyville property? If so, I will buy it off you."

She laughed even richer than before. "No, I cherish that house with my whole being; my mother grew up there. I inherited it when her and father moved off to Las Pegasus."

I nodded with a smile on my face. "Good. I love that house, despite not being in it very long. Now that I know it has family history, I don't have to smack you if you were going to sell it." I said with another wink. We both burst into even more laughter, and then we toned down a bit. "Alright, I suppose I should return to my display and keep an eye on things. I will see you later, love." I took a step forward and hugged her, then kissed her before walking off to my area.

The last two hours of the show went smoothly, and after all the visiting ponies left we got to work taking our art down. I removed my two to keep, setting them aside to take with me. I took the three for the auction, and left them at the security office where they asked us to. And the last seven. . . I set aside to take with me as well. What with my currently staying at Canterlot Castle, after all.

Now that I had packed up, I spread my wings out and slid the art onto my back, supporting it as I left. I walked out of the side gallery and watched all the staff busily taking down Chroma's artworks, and Chroma directing them as they did so from above, making sure none of them accidentally damaged her creations. I trotted over and under her, and she looked down at me and smiled. "Hey hun! Whats up?"

One corner of my mouth turned up in a slight smile. "Well, I could say you, but thats a bad pun, isn't it?"

She laughed and lowered herself down. One of the unicorn staff ponies trotted over as well, and not to me. "Excuse me sir, but shall I assist in delivering your creations to the castle?"

I smiled normally now and nodded. "I would appreciate it. Thank you." He nodded in response and activated his magic, levitating the stack of art off my back. I flexed my wings bit before returning them to my sides, and returned my attention to my marefriend. "Now, how are things going on your end?"

She looked around and smiled. "Well, everything is pretty much ready, and now that everything is loaded up for transport, I don't have to hound over them to ensure the safety of my paintings. Yourself?"

I jerked my head slightly toward the stallion walking off with my art. "He's just about to deliver my stuff to the castle, for the princess to get her prizes and leave my two back at my room."

She nodded. "Sounds good. So, we are both free for the evening, and the night is still fairly young. What say you to a date?"

I grinned and kissed her. "Lead the way, love. You know Canterlot better than me." We trotted towards the main archway and exited the building, descending the steps a bit before Chroma spread her wings, gesturing to go airborne. I followed suit and tailed her, wondering what kind of restaurant she would choose. We drifted in companionable silence, enjoying the quiet and each others presence. Feeling a little bit energetic, I did a barrel roll in the air over Chroma, moving to her other side, and we both laughed. She suddenly flashed me a grin however, and tucked her wings flat into her sides, diving for the ground. I smirked back and narrowed my eyes in a competitive manner, and dove as well. I stuck my forehooves straight out in front of me, trying to reduce the amount of air resistance, and with my larger weight I quickly began to catch up to her.

I reached her side just in time for us both to pull up before hitting the ground, sprinting to a stop on the road. We startled the other ponies around us, one mare even screaming as I shot past her, wing tip grazing her ear lightly. We were laughing uproariously when we finally made it to a stop, and panted heavily. The adrenaline from the dive and the exertion from stopping quickly left us short for breath, but a good rush of endorphins coursing through our veins. I walked up to her side as we continued walking and nuzzled her gently, to which she responded with a gentle sigh and return nuzzle. She then looked up at me and burst into laughter.

Curious as to what she found so entertaining, I looked into one of the shop windows and at my reflection. My mohawk was completely slicked back, resulting in a bunch of completely straight spikes sticking out of the back of my head. I couldn't help but laugh myself, and I extended a wing to push my hair back in place.

I looked back at Chroma, both of us still smiling. "So, love, decided on a restaurant yet?" I asked, very curious. We had already been traveling for about ten to fifteen minutes, and were heading to the other side of the city, slightly further away from the castle based on a straight-line return flight.

She smiled. "Yes, as a matter of fact. I know that Morning Star was off work tonight. Princess Luna asked her to go to the show for her on overtime, but Star did it free. She loves my work as well, and wanted to be able to see me. So, the first thing she usually does on her nights off; a visit to the Lunar Lounge."

I laughed. "Well, that gets that out of the way then."

Chroma looked at me questioningly. "Mmm? Whats that?"

I looked at her smiling. "She asked for me to visit the Lunar Lounge when we met about my art; she wants me to meet the rest of the Night Guard." I looked ahead and noticed a metal gate at the opening to a small alley between two buildings, with a black sign mounted to it with a white crescent moon on it - Luna's cutie mark. I nodded my head towards it. "Is that the lounge there?"

Chroma looked ahead and saw it. "Yes, thats the Lounge. Get your pendant out; it's your mark of admission."

I blinked, interested. It must be a Night Guard only place - well, at least a place for only those Luna trusts most. I stuck my wings forward and pulled my tux out a bit with one wing, then slid the other down and lifted out the amulet. I looked down at it, and saw it in comparison with my wings. Hmm. The silver chain matches the gilding on my wings, and the black stone, well, that matches anything, and I'm wearing a black tux. Nice accent, if I do say so myself.

I looked back up and stopped with my other half, in front of the gate. A Night Guard stepped out of the shadows from behind the gate and looked at both of our necks in quick succession before nodding. He looked back up at our faces and smiled. "Welcome! And hello Chroma, it's been a while." He lifted his helmet a bit, and the magic surrounding the armour that made all ponies wearing it look alike slipped, showcasing what he actually looked like for a second.

He had dark, dark red fur, the colour of blood, and he had a short cropped mane, messily styled, in a steely grey colour. His eyes were icy blue, and his cutie mark was of three magical darts. He also had a chunk out of the tip of his left ear. He grinned at us and winked before slipping his helmet back, masking his appearance. "Well, yeah, I've been busy preparing for this major show." Chroma said just after he slipped his helm on. "And it's good to see you, Blitz."

He turned to me, and proceeded to chuckle. "Well, you didn't waste your time getting here. Morning Star just got back from the show after changing into her armour at home, and she mentioned you might come in a couple of days." He unlocked and pulled open the gate to allow us entrance as he said this.

I laughed. "Well, yeah. It was Chroma's idea to come over for a little date after the show. The names Ink." I said, offering a hoof after he closed the gate behind us.

He accepted and chuckled again. "Now, heres to hoping your directional skills improved, and you will remember this place's location when you leave later."

We both laughed, and Chroma looked at me with a smirk. "Directional skills. . ?"

I looked at her and laughed. I continued the little white lie. "Yeah, I got lost in the castle the other day. Blitz led me back to my room while he and Morning Star were on duty."

Chroma burst into laughter as we walked down the little alley, Chroma and Blitz taking the lead while a lagged a little behind and between them, following. There was a little round courtyard like area at the end,with a cobblestone path around the outside of it it and a small garden in the middle. Off to the left was a single, heavy wooden door set into the wall, and Blitz walked towards it. He pulled it open and one could suddenly hear the noises of a pub. Blitz stepped aside to allow us entry. "Welcome to the Lunar Lounge. Unfortunately I have to keep an eye on the gate for the next fifteen minutes till my shift with it ends, but I will be in after." Chroma and I nodded in appreciation and understanding, heading in, immediately confronted with a stairwell down. He closed the door behind us, and we descended. When we reached the bottom, I was dumbfounded.

Inside, at the very bottom level, was the bar off to one side, semicircular, and the ceiling was gone to allow one to look up at the balcony that made up the second floor. And up higher, to see the third floor. And finally, the skylight ceiling. The roof of the building was a giant, glass dome, allowing one to see the night sky. I looked around the bar now, to get a feel for decor and the company it kept, and a small smile spread across my face. There were little pegs all around the wall with nameplates below them, and hanging on the pegs were Night Guard helmets. Some were vacant, and I assumed it was just the ones on duty. Looking even further though, I noticed that for some of the decor of the place, hanging on similar pegs around the top of the bar were antique helmets, going through multiple variations. Huh. Must be for all the different styles of her Guards uniform over the ages.

Around the room were ponies of various colours, and the only thing uniting them was a good cheer, and matching armour. Colour wise no two ponies were alike, and my eyes instantly set on the grey coat and silver mane of Morning Star, over on one of the barstools, talking with a fellow Guardsman. Now that she was out of the dress I could see her cutie mark as well; I must say, not what I expected for her name. It wasn't a literal version of her name, in the idea of 'morning' and 'star,' but the weapon. A black ball with silver spikes and a silver chain.

Chroma and I made our way over to her, with ponies calling out to her in welcome. Everypony that saw me, though, shot me glances with a wide range of expressions. Most in curiosity, others looking slightly annoyed, and a fair number looking at me with glee. The reasons behind the glee, however, were not visible to me; I was unsure if they wanted to make a new friend, were going to try and make fun of me, or at finding out that Chroma was with somepony now. My imagination was running wild.

We reached her, and she turned to us after finishing her story. She burst into a massive, ear to ear grin. "Chroma! Ink! You came tonight!" She dropped of her bar stool and hugged Chroma, to which Chroma responded in kind. She then looked at me, shrugged, and hugged me as well. I blinked, a little taken aback, but I liked her so far, so I hugged her back with a laugh.

Chroma responded. "Yeah, we both finished up at our show, with huge success - " She said this with a wink, "and after he showed me the pendant, I figured for our date after, to get him acquainted with his new friends early."

I smiled. "I just followed her lead. I had no idea where the place was, and she didn't tell me this was the destination either."

Star laughed. "Right! Sorry! Told you about it, but not where. My bad."

I shook my head. "It's no problem. I would have found a way here eventually." I looked around for a second, and noticed all the other ponies in the room were throwing glances our way and talking to their fellow guards in hushed voices after. "So, I must say. This place is pretty damn awesome."

Star nodded. "It has actually been around for about one hundred years in dedication to what Princess Luna was before she became Nightmare Moon, and once she came back and was returned to normal, the owner proposed to the court that it become the official off-duty locale for the Night Guard. After getting approval, he bought out a few buildings next door and did some renovations, adding the other buildings as more rooms. The guards don't just drink here; we live here when off duty."

I blinked. This was an interesting bit of information. "Huh. Thats pretty damn cool. You have a room here?"

She nodded. "Don't use it for anything other than storage though. I live in Blitz's room with him just down the hall."

Chroma spoke up again. "How is he by the way? Haven't had much chance to see him lately, outside the couple minutes we talked on the way in here."

Star smiled. "Hes been great. We decided to make our relationship official; getting married in a couple of months, once we have saved up enough vacation time for our honeymoon."

Chroma squealed, clapping her hooves together and glomping Star. "Ooh, this is great! I hope I'm invited to the wedding?"

Star balked. "What, would you expect otherwise? Of course you are!" She hugged Chroma back, and they laughed together. They separated and turned to me, the third wheel. Star coughed into her hoof, embarrassed. "So. . . whats up, Ink?"

I laughed. "Not much. You?" We all laughed, awkwardness gone. "In all seriousness though, despite us barely knowing each other, congrats."

She blushed, but she smiled brightly. "Thank you! So, what do you guys want to do?"

I awoke in my bed at the Castle, and I must say, ugh. I have to drink less. Chroma, Star, myself, and later Blitz, all had fun last night. Or, this morning. Whatever. We hung around, drinking, getting to know each other, and catching up on each others adventures. They also took the opportunity to introduce me to most of the Guard in the bar at the time. We where up till around four or five, so around two or three hours of chatting.

They were still carrying on when I left, feeling exhausted. I may have been pretty boozed, but my body could still tell me, SLEEEEEP. I said my farewells, and took a very disjointed flight back to the castle gates. I was admitted, and I stumbled my way down the halls to my room. I managed to stay relatively quiet entering, so I didn't wake up the others, and I plopped on top of my bed, not bothering to get out of the tux or get under the sheets.

Which leads me to waking up.

I hate mornings.

I awoke with an ear-splitting headache, the foul aftertaste of copious amounts of alcohol at the back of my throat, and the soreness of sleeping in an awkward position. I slowly got up and stretched, and when I looked at myself, I still wore the amulet, but the tux was gone. I looked up again, and there was a ponnequin next to my bed wearing the suit. Well, Rarity must have undressed me. I thought with a snort. I turned to the table next to my bed, and there was a note. I walked over and read my name written on the back of it. I unfolded it with my wings and strenuously read it, headache making focusing on it difficult.

Ink~

Your presence is requested in the great hall at your earliest convenience. Please take your time in making yourself presentable.

Twilight Sparkle

I blinked. Okay, I guess I am to be included in the meeting with the Princesses? I walked over to our bathroom and hopped in the shower, letting the hot water roll of my back for about a half hour to help relax my muscles and dull my headache slightly with the steam and relaxation. I finished my shower and left for the dining hall, grabbing a small jar of pickles from them, and upon completion of the jar, I brushed my teeth to attempt to cure my likely godawful morning breath.

Feeling rejuvenated enough, I grabbed the note and walked down the castle to the great hall, presenting it to the guard posted at the doors. He read it, nodded, and knocked on the door to the room. We waited a few seconds before it was answered by Twilight. She opened the door looking incredibly grim, and when she saw me, she nodded. She opened the door further, granting me entrance, and what I saw after walking in caused my mind to go blank.

The rest of the mane six were sitting in a semi circle on the carpet at the base of the dais to the throne, gazes downcast, with Celestia sitting likewise in front of the them. And under her wing was a weeping Princess Luna.

I gulped, and walked in. Twilight walked over to the side of Luna opposite Celestia and sat close to her, offering her comfort. I walked over and took a seat on the outside of the semicircle, nearest to Luna, and waited.

The only sound that filled the room for the next few seconds was that of the Princess crying, until Celestia sighed. "Ink." I turned to her. "What we speak of here must not leave this room. Are we clear?" She said in a short, clipped tone that brokered no argument.

I nodded, and she nodded in turn. "Good. Princess Luna. . . my dear sister. . . has been having Nightmares. But. . ." She sighed. "She is the Princess of the Night, and under her care is that of dreams. If she didn't wish to dream of something, she would simply choose not to. These Nightmares. . . are of Nightmare Moon." My blood cooled, and my skin crawled. This was not good news. "As you know what Nightmare Moon is, you do not require an explanation of the problem this poses. However, I find myself in the unfortunate position of asking for your help."

I blinked. "Pardon me, but what help would I possibly be of here? I would love to lend a hoof in any way imaginable, you know this, but. . . I feel powerless in this situation. The Elements of Harmony," I said, gesturing to Twilight and the others, "are right here. Can they not dispel Nightmare Moon like before?"

Twilight grimaced. "That's the problem. She has not yet fully developed, and this time, she is doing more than just use Princess Luna's body as host. She. . . seems to be holding Luna captive somehow. Every thought, every action, has a minor amount of influence from the Nightmare. As long as the Princess does nothing she cannot be affected this way, but her resolve against the Nightmare is growing weaker. There is no telling when she will break."

After Twilight said this, Luna broke into even deeper tears. The sight of this seriously hurt me. I tried pulling into my mind, reaching for the connection made with the pendant I was given, and I tried communicating with it.

Luna.

I felt her get somewhat startled, and there was a hitch in her tears. She looked up at me, streams down her cheeks, wide and red eyed. You. . . You figured out how to speak back to us.

I stared her in the eyes right back. Yeah. I know that in your physical state speech is very difficult, but I needed to talk to you. Seeing you like this is very painful for me. If there is absolutely ANYTHING I can do to help, please, tell me. I want to help cure you of this. . . Parasite, as soon as possible.

Her crying died down to sniffles, and she closed her eyes. Thank thee, Ink. We greatly appreciate thine offer. Unfortunately, we are unsure as to how thee may be of assistance. My hope began to dwindle. The reason we believe thou might be able to assist us, is thine unique ability to separate thine very soul from the material plane and still reside in it.

I blinked. What use can that provide, Luna?

She smiled slightly. The Nightmare cannot attack that which has no physical form. If it proceeds to possess us, we ask, please see what thou art capable of in dealing with her. But we do not know what thou may accomplish in this form; our only knowledge of it is thine ability to separate oneself from their flesh.

I nodded. I promise, I will see what I am able to do. I sent as much of my feelings of care and worry across the connection to Luna as I could, and her tears subsided.

She opened her eyes and met my gaze. "Thank thee, Ink."

The others were looking at the two of us, confused. Only Princess Celestia seemed to understand what had transpired. "I see Luna bestowed upon you a Pendant."

Twilight gasped. "That was what was around your neck? When did you get it?"

I nodded. "Yes. Her guard Morning Star gave it to me on Princess Luna's behalf at the art show last night." I turned back to Celestia. "We just spoke, and I shall see what I can do, your Majesty."

She smiled. "Thank you, Ink. I will be in your debt."

I shook my head. "I think of it as repaying a debt to you, Princess. You could very well have denied me the ability to live as I pleased in Equestria. You saw my life from my own mind; you know I have made questionable decisions often, yet you chose to trust me based on decisions alone. This will be my way of thanking you."

She smiled in genuine happiness and thanks. She leaned her head forward, and I walked forward. She nuzzled me. "Again, thank you. I can never thank you enough."

I nuzzled her back, but softly spoke into her ear. "Don't thank me unless I save your sister. If I separate from my body to help and somehow get trapped out of it, or I stay away too long, it will die, and I have no idea how long I could survive as a spirit, if at all."

She separated, and grimly nodded. "Lets hope it never comes to that.". I nodded in solemn agreement.

Suddenly, Luna's eyes grew wide, and she became frantic. "No, no, NO! Dont! Get out of my head! Get out! GET OUT! ! !" She started running around and shaking her head wildly. Her mane was thrown every which way, and started becoming more ethereal. She began to scream, and tears were once more pouring down her face. She stared at me in horror as her fur turned black. Her pupils started shrinking to that of cat eyes, and her iris spread to consume the entire white of her eyes, leaving them completely teal with a black slit down the middle. She let loose one last scream, and as the transformation into the Nightmare finished, the scream stopped. She stood there, at the other end of the room, staring at us. We all sat there horrified, but my condition was the worst of them all.

My connection with the Princess through the pendant resulted in my feeling everything she felt during the transformation. All the pain, the agony, the sorrow, the fear, and hopelessness, passed over to me. I could do nothing but stand there, world grey through my eyes from fear, staring at the one that just caused all of these emotions. My legs were shaking, and I collapsed, lying on my belly, but my gaze never left Nightmare Moon.

Twilight and the others recovered before I could and they focused. I saw the elements form around their necks, and Twilight began to draw power from her friends. At the same time, Nightmare Moon prepared a counter attack, the glow at the tip of her horn starting blue but turning black as the spell gained in power.

"No! Twilight! STOP! RUN!" I heard Celestia shout next to me, and she tackled her student, knocking her to the side. Twilight's spell was cancelled, but Nightmare Moons spell had not. It reached the desired power and fired, but instead of striking the purple unicorn, shot out and struck Princess Celestia.

There was a black flash, everything growing dark for a few seconds, and when light returned to the room, Celestia had been thrown into the throne. She sat there, slumped against the back of the chair and the arm, small burns scattered across her body, and one wing appeared broken. Her chest was barely lifting with her breathing.

"Awe, I was hoping to kill the Element of Magic, preventing any resistance later. Thanks to you being an Alicorn, dear sister, you survived. But not after this next blow. Twilight will be next.". She shot a quick, black bolt at the aforementioned Element of Magic, throwing her across the room into the wall. Her head slammed into the wall and she fell to the floor, unconscious. Her friends screamed, rushing to her. Applejack and Rainbow dove at the Nightmare in rage, but were likewise struck down. Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy sat there, clutching Twilight and each other, completely and utterly terrified.

Celestia came to again, and she looked at the Nightmare, exhausted and terrified. The Nightmare began to charge another bolt, and Celestia looked at me, fear plainly visible in here face.

As soon as I saw that look, I completely calmed. No. It's not ending like this. You are NOT going to win, fiend. My world slowed down, and I rose to my feet. I started to run towards Nightmare Moon, reaching a full gallop as fast as I could. She turned to me in surprise before smirking. She began to speak to me, but I heard nothing. I leapt at her when I was halfway across the room to her, using my wings to grant extra speed. Midair, I separated from my body. No longer being constrained by a physical body I covered the remaining distance in a flash. Nightmare Moon's eyes widened in shock, and then I reached her.

When I passed through her, I felt hers and Luna's souls in her body. I attempted to grab them, and found I could. I separated from their body bearing them with me, and I saw Luna's neck in one human hand and the Nightmares in the other. Before I managed to separate though the spell fired, and a black missile began it's flight toward my body. The slow motion I was perceiving everything in allowed me time to think.

I knew the spell would hit my body, no matter what, and there was nothing I could do about that. I made a split second decison. I pushed Luna back into her own body, and flew towards my own, passing the magic bullet. I pushed Nightmare Moon into my own body, and it slowly began to change to accommodate her. My fur darkened a couple shades, and my wings twisted and popped, growing to the size of Celestias.

Then the spell struck.

All Luna could do was watch.

She was trapped inside her own mind, seeing through Nightmare Moon's eyes, and all she saw was the glow from another kill spell charging inside her own horn, aimed for Celestia. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ink running towards her. No. No, don't do it! Nightmare Moon saw him as well, and she redirected the spell towards him. NO! PLEASE, NO!

Then, she saw him jump. Following that, his spirit split from his body, and she felt this weird sensation like she was getting grabbed by the throat, and yet, she felt Nightmare Moon get hit by the same thing.

No.

She separated from her body, and was suspended there, staring at Nightmare Moon who was in a similar situation, and at Ink, looking like he did as a human. All three of them were spirits floating in the middle of the throne room now. He looked at everything in the room in a split second. She felt him push her back into her body, and she had control once again. Her body began to revert to ts original form, and then she saw him push the Nightmare into his own body.

Then she saw the spell.

It had already fired, and it plunged into the chest of his body. The room went black for a second, and when light returned, his body was at the foot of the dais to the throne. However, it did not resemble him anymore. It was broken and charred, bent into horrible and grotesque angles, and his spirit was nowhere in sight. The pendant from around his neck was gone, chain vaporized, and the obsidian jewel was at the far side of the room, glowing purple under a table next to a column.

All was still.

Chapter 21: Part 2 of 2: Epilogue

~Chapter 21 (Part 2 of 2): . . . And Crisis~

It is a week after The Incident, and the funeral for Ink was about to start. It was to be held in the graveyard behind the castle, at a cliff that overlooked Equestria. All relevant ponies where present: The mane six where standing in groups of three in a line on each side of the grave, with Princess Celestia and Spurspark taking up one side, Chroma and Luna on the other. All were mourning, Luna and Chroma the most. The two of them were crying into each others shoulder, barely able to watch the approach of the open casket. He was not visible though; they completely bandaged him. The sight of him would have been to much.

Why. . . Why did you do it. . . Luna thought to herself. There must have been something else you could have done. . . Her thoughts were interrupted by more racking sobs.

The casket reached them, and was lowered onto two beams of wood spanning the hole below, suspending the coffin over the pit. The pony official in charge of the ceremony stepped to the head of the grave and began to speak, but Luna heard none of it. She looked up, staring at the bandaged part of Ink that was his head. How could you. . . How. . . How could I. . .

Luna. . .

She blinked. It sounded like Ink. What was that?

Luna. . . The throne room. . .

She was startled by this, and she couldn't react. What. . . Who art thou?

Please. . . The throne room. . .

Her emotions were completely scrambled by this point, but if this was Ink. . . If he somehow managed to survive. . . Tears began to pour from her eyes again, but they were tears of hope. She startled everypony around her, taking into the sky as fast as possible, sobbing, racing for the castle. She heard Celestia call after her, but she paid no heed.

Hurry. . .

She redoubled her efforts and reached the throne room in short order, descending through the window into the main. The carpet at the base of the throne had been removed, damaged by the fight and Ink's. . . body. . . but she looked around frantically. What? Where?

In the corner. . . Under the table. . .

Luna spun around, directing her gaze towards the table. Lying under it, unnoticed till now, was the jewel from Ink's amulet. But it was not in the same state as when given to him. It had a faint, violet pulsing glow, similar in it's beat to that of a heart. The tone of the violet was also similar to the colour of Ink's spirit form. It was faint, though.

She charged towards it and gingerly picked it up with her magic, staring at it. Art thou. . . in the gem?

Yes. . . Please. . . Give me some energy. . .

Luna did not hesitate in the slightest, charging up a healing spell in her horn and touching it to the obsidian crescent, dispelling the magic into it. Slowly, as the seconds passed, the rhythmic strobes given of by the gem grew brighter. After what felt like hours to Luna, it was pulsing strongly.

Thank you.

Luna began to cry again. Art thou truly alive?

Yes. I somehow managed to bind myself to this stone after defeating Nightmare Moon. But I did not have the strength to reach out to you.

She burst into even stronger, more joyful, tears. Oh, we dost not know how to express our joy at this!

She could feel faint mirth coming from Ink. You don't need to. I can feel it. She felt his own emotions reaching for her through the stone, the joy of surviving, and seeing Luna happy again. My body. . . what happened to it? Luna tried to suppress the image of his physical form, but it was too late. He saw it in her mind, and she felt his revulsion. I. . . don't think I can return to that.

Suddenly, Luna got an idea. Wait! We know what to do!

She burst out of the window of the throne room again, flying full tilt back to the graveyard. As she neared it, she noticed that they had begun to lower the casket into the grave.

"WAIT!" Luna cried out, using her full volume with the Royal Canterlot tone of voice, and the ponies below were startled. Celestia turned around, fuming.

"How dare you, sister! This is not -" Luna cut Celestia off by projecting her own thoughts to her sister.

Sister, he's alive!

Celestia scoffed. This is not the time, Luna-

WE ARE SERIOUS!

She landed on the ground next to Celestia, moving so fast that her hooves dug furrows into the turf. She procurred the stone to her sister. He saved himself by binding his soul to the amulet!

Celestia sighed and shook her head. "Luna, again this is not-" This time, she was cut off as Luna pressed the stone into Princess Celestia's chest. Her sister was startled once again, but before she could say anything, she froze. The stone made a connection with Celestia at Luna's request, and Celestia felt the presence of Ink inside.

Hello, Princess. I'm. . . sorry.

Celestia's eyes were wide, and a single tear of joy ran down her cheek. "I. . . I can't believe it."

Luna turned to the other ponies gathered around, who were staring at them with various emotions plastered on their faces, from confusion to rage. She activated the magic in her horn and projected Ink's presence from the gem to them all.

Hello.

They all stopped, and as recognition reached them, they all began to burst into tears of joy. "Everypony, we know how to bring him back. At least, we hope so."

They all stared at her wide eyed. She turned to Celestia and Twilight. "We will need the combined magic of the three of us. We must repair his body and bind the stone to it."

Celestia and Twilight turned to each other and back to Luna, somewhat skeptical. Twilight spoke first. "But, something like this has never been done before-"

"Because there never was reason to! Nor a method! Because his soul has been stored within this vessel, we may be able to transfer it back to his body!"

They still looked unconvinced, but then Ink spoke up. Please. It's my only chance. Just then, a crack formed in the stone, shocking them all. If your going to do it, hurry. This stone can not continue to bear me like this.

Twilight and Celestia set their faces, determined, and nodded. Celestia lifted Ink's limp body from the casket and laid it on the ground between her, Luna, and Twilight. They rested the stone in the middle of his chest, next to his heart. Luna and Celestia decided that with Twilight's magical prowess, she would be most able to pull the spell off, so they channeled their power into her. The other ponies of the mane six gathered around and focused, and the Elements of Harmony formed around their necks. Twilight realized what they were doing, and summoned hers as well. Using the Elements she channeled more energy from her friends, further enhancing her spell.

Her horn began to glow purple, and as the spell grew more and more powerful, the light at the end of her horn grew brighter and brighter, turning white with such high power. Her eyes shot open, and they were the characteristic flat white like when she was casting an overpowered spell.

The drain of energy from the other ponies began to take its toll; Rarity was lying on the ground, out of breath; her, Pinkie, and Fluttershy cut off their supply of energy to stop themselves from fainting. Rainbow and Applejack were sweating and shaking, pouring as much power as they could into Twilight. Applejack collapsed, barely conscious, but Rainbow held out for a couple more seconds until she fell unconscious, lying in a heap on the ground. Celestia and Luna were beginning to feel the toll of the spell as well; they were starting to pant.

Twilight stood there, charging the spell for over a minute, and all the while, the stone containing Ink was cracking a little more, bit by bit. It was just about to shatter when Twilight finally took one last pull of power from the Princesses, charging the spell to the point of flaring with the brightness of the sun. She released the energy into the stone and Ink's body, causing them to glow white.

They began to levitate, and the stone distanced itself a few centimetres from the body, and suddenly, it burst into a few fragments that shot forward, piercing the flesh and embedding itself inside. There was a little spurt of blood, but part way through the air, it stopped. Slowly, it began to withdraw back towards Ink's flesh and absorbed into it. The bandage wrappings vaporized, and floating there was the charred husk.

But, as the spell worked it's way through, the burns and breaks repaired themselves, starting from the tips of the hooves and working its way towards his head. It finished by repairing his eyes, and there was another flash of light. Ink dropped to the ground, the changes caused by Nightmare Moon still present in his oversized wings and darker fur. Twilight passed out, Luna and Celestia collapsed, crawling over to the still motionless form, and Chroma sprinted over, dropping to all fours and wrapping herself around him. She watched him, waiting, hoping for any sign of life.

Luna rested her head against Chromas side, wanting to see their efforts come to fruition before she too blacked out. They sat there, impatiently awaiting Ink's return to them. "Come on, come back to me! Don't leave me!" Chroma cried into his chest, dropping her head against it. She tilted her head back up, and she kissed him, long and hard. She pulled back, staring at him once again.

Slowly, his eyes opened.

~END: THE FIRST JOURNEY~

Authors Note

6th September, 2012

So, I suppose an update is in order for those who follow my story.

I have the next chapter about half done, but it might be a while until I finish it. I am working full-time now, so my time to write is sparse. Also, inspiration is slightly waning at the moment. I know what I want to do, and how to do some of it, but the flow of words in my brain to do so is slowing down for the moment.

I will also stop this story at 21 chapters, but a new story will start off of it, continuing from where I leave off.

I apologize for the lack of updates from me. Till next time,

Ink

2nd October, 2012

So, I apologize again. The next chapter has undergone a few major revisions, so it is still only about half done, but I think I have gotten back into the groove of writing. I have been keeping a constant rate the past couple of weeks, getting about 500-1500 words per week, so at this rate I should finish it in 3 or 4 weeks. Sorry. :(

Ink

14th October, 2012

So, I have another update for you.

The next chapter is done, I just need to edit it. I am currently typing this on an iPad, so I could not properly format it, and fixing typos/improper autocorrects, is near impossible. I can't even properly format this journal update. I should hopefully be able repair it tomorrow and publish it tomorrow night. :)

Ink

15th OCtober, 2012

Well, as a little bonus, I have the second pillow fight typed up. Enjoy!

-=-

"Sorry, I kinda got lost. I was hoping somepony might be able to direct me back to my room?"

The guard nodded. "Yes, sir. Do you happen to know what wing it was in?"

I shook my head. "No, but I'm sharing it with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Do you happen to know what room that is?"

He nodded once more. "Yes, sir. Right this way. Morning Star, I will return in a couple of minutes." He said to the earth pony that was sharing his post with him. The other pony saluted and set her hoof down again. "Yes sir, Blitz!" She went motionless once more after that. Blitz, apparently, took the lead, drawing me away from the night princess' quarters.

I smiled. "Got lost on the way. Still new to the castle."

She burst into a couple of peals of laughter before pressing a hoof to her mouth. "Sorry sugarcube, kinda slipped out there."

I laughed in response, shaking my head. "It's alright. Anyway, is entrance permitted, by chance?"

She grinned and stepped aside. "Sure thing there, hun. After you. How was-"

Oh god. Not again.

I was more prepared this time, however. Also, I decided to get in on the action. When my friends and I on Earth had our parties, there was the occasional time it would devolve into a pillow fight, and with about twenty people present sometimes, it became intense. So, I bolted to the edge of the door on the right side, pressing myself against it. I inched to the doorway, and peeked in. I had to duck back out of the way as three glowing blue pillows flew out of the door, barely missing a couple of guards walking on patrol. One of them was actually caught by surprise so much that he instantly lashed out, jumping into the air and striking the pillow with his wings and hooves. He dropped beck to the ground and sighed, while his partner simply couldn't hold himself back. He plumped onto his rump and laughed uncontrollably. The startled guard appeared to take affront to this and struck the laughing one with the pillow hard enough to knock him over before returning to his patrol.

I turned back to the room, grinning, and dove in to the left side, flipping mid-air and swatting one of my wings forward, batting a pillow out of the way, and shot for my bed. I rolled over it and dropped to the other side, out of the line of fire, and grabbed the pillow off of my bed. I rolled to the side, out from behind the bed, and kicked off the floor, switching back the other direction and into the air, then pressed myself flat against the wall above the bed.

This gave me a chance to see the state of things in the room, and I got an idea of the allegiances made. Fluttershy was next to Rarity, at the far side of the room from the door, directly to my left. Straight across the room from me was Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie, with Twilight knocking incoming pillows away with four pillows she held aloft using her magic. Okay, not fair. In the centre of the room was Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the former sitting atop the latter's chest, beating her mercilessly with a pillow. No matter how hard she tried, Rainbow simply could not knock the earth pony off thanks to the weight difference.

This all took two seconds for me to process before I used my wings and legs to leap off the wall. I shot straight towards the pair in the middle of the room and smacked AJ across the head with the pillow I held. This surprised her enough to cause her to loose her balance, giving RD the opening she needed. Bucking her hips she pushed Aj off, and following the motion, flipped over and pushed herself into the air off of the orange mares back. She flew next to me, landing behind the bed next to the door. She had grabbed a pillow mid-flight, and appeared to be gunning for me.

Grinning, I rolled when reaching my destination, placing my pillow directly in front of me. Her own weapon whumped against it and deflected off, taking her with it. I reacted instantly, clutching her in a bear hug after she spun off, and dropped to my back, two pillows slamming against the wall where our heads had been.

She struggled in my grip, laughing, and I spoke. "Hey, how about we team up? Both of us have the speed to avoid their shots, and get in close to nail them. Deal?"

She stopped, grinning all the wider. "I normally don't take on a sidekick-" I scoffed at this and laughed "- but you make a pleasing offer. Let's do this!"

I let go, and she spy off, grabbing her pillow again. I grabbed mine and we stared each other in the eyes. We waited a second and nodded to each other, understanding the others goal. To outside viewers, it would have seemed like we created a plan telepathically.

We jumped at each other, and upon getting close enough, we put our hooves together. We pushed off each others hooves, and she pressed her wings down, creating a gust of wind to push herself harder. I pushed my wings back, propelling myself forward, to add more to the momentum, and she shot to the other side of the room in a split second. Reaching the wall she spun around, pushing her wings down to slow herself, and she kicked off it, launching back to the other side towards Twilight.

This caught her attention, and she raised her pillows into a magical wall in front of her, blocking the path of the rainbow mare. However, I used this opportunity to launch myself straight at her from the side. Mid flight I had to do some fancy dodging though; Pinkie was like a machine gun with pillows, firing dozens of them - where the buck did she get all them?! - and I got clipped in the shoulder by one, spinning my flight out.

Luckily there was a bed below me, so I hit that and rolled off to the floor. I then pressed flat to the floor and my momentum caused me to slide under the bed to the other side, right up against the party pony's legs. She jumped into the air with a screech, startled, and when she came back down, I was gone. She looked around, and then I descended. While she was airborne I jumped into the air behind her and hovered above her, preparing to strike. I smacked her right on top of the head with my pillow, and this caught her by surprise again. it plowed her face into the bed in front of her, and she fell to the floor, giggling uncontrollably. I jumped back again, barely dodging a flying Applejack, who collided against a pile of pillows next to the wall with a grunt.

I grinned even broader, and dropped behind Twilight, out of any ponies range. She was in the midst of drowning my partner in pillows. I tapped her on the shoulder, and this scared in a similar manner to the way I had just snuck up on Pinkie. She shot into the air, screaming, and when she came back down, I grabbed her in a bear hug, and rolled her over so I was on top. I smacked the side of her head with my pillow and jumped off the ground to leave her laughing behind me.

Now for the last two. I flew through the pile of pillows above Rd, knocking most of them away, and she leapt into the air, hitting all the pillows knocked upwards towards Twilight, only realizing after hitting about five that the purple pony was already down. Frowning she turned around, suddenly meeting a pillow face-to-cloth. This knocked her back down onto the pile, with a grunt similar to how AJ grunted.

As for myself, I had to take to cover immediately. Rarity had seven pillows levitating in a shield in front of her while launching other pillows like a cannon at me - body pillows, no less - and Fluttershy-

Wait. Whered she go?

I was waiting behind my bed in cover when I suddenly got dragged under it, and all light disappeared. The tender, loving mare, had pulled me under and covered all the sides with pillows. Then I heard some shuffling, and I found myself pushed back out from under, with the yellow mare holding me down. I stared upward in shock at her soft, slightly smiling face, before getting rapid hit with a pillow she held in each forehoof and one in her mouth. I threw my hooves up in defence. "Alright! Alright! I give!" I called out, laughing uncontrollably.

"Oh. Okay." She said quietly before getting off my chest. She then got nailed in the face by a flying pillow, and all that remained was RD, and Rare. Before that registered though, the first thing that I thought of was that I held a hell of a lot more respect for Fluttershy - she not only had the Stare, but she was a mother bucking ninja!

I rolled over to watch the last of the fight, and saw RD deftly flying around, dodging all of Rarity's projectiles. Every so often Rainbow would kick a flying pillow back, causing Rarity to loose one of her pillow shields. She would recover a new one after a few seconds, but it always left an opening in her guard.

Dash noticed this too, and kicked two flying pillows simultaneously, knocking out Rarity's wall right in front of her face, and dove straight for the hole. After Rare pulled the pillow off her face, she stared in shock at she rainbow blur plummeting towards her, a pillow held in each forehoof, one between her rear hooves, and two in her mouth. All five pillows converged on one location; the bleach mares head. After hitting, she spun a quick circle, spiralling around the fashionista. Once she dove away, Rarity's mane stuck out in every direction. She noticed instantly, and screamed, dashing for the bathroom at a speed that even impressed Rainbow, and the door slammed shut. The six of us left in the room all looked at each other and burst into roaring laughter.

THAT. Was fun.

Bonus: Pillow Fight

"Sorry, I kinda got lost. I was hoping somepony might be able to direct me back to my room?"

The guard nodded. "Yes, sir. Do you happen to know what wing it was in?"

I shook my head. "No, but I'm sharing it with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Do you happen to know what room that is?"

I smiled. "Got lost on the way. Still new to the castle."

She burst into a couple of peals of laughter before pressing a hoof to her mouth. "Sorry sugarcube, kinda slipped out there."

I laughed in response, shaking my head. "It's alright. Anyway, is entrance permitted, by chance?"

She grinned and stepped aside. "Sure thing there, hun. After you. How was-"

Oh god. Not again.

She struggled in my grip, laughing, and I spoke. "Hey, how about we team up? Both of us have the speed to avoid their shots, and get in close to nail them. Deal?"

She stopped, grinning all the wider. "I normally don't take on a sidekick-" I scoffed at this and laughed "- but you make a pleasing offer. Let's do this!"

Wait. Whered she go?

THAT. Was fun.

Author's Note

6th September, 2012

So, I suppose an update is in order for those who follow my story.

I will also stop this story at 21 chapters, but a new story will start off of it, continuing from where I leave off.

I apologize for the lack of updates from me. Till next time,

Ink

2nd October, 2012

Ink

14th October, 2012

So, I have another update for you.

Ink

15th OCtober, 2012

Well, as a little bonus, I have the second pillow fight typed up. Enjoy!

2nd December, 2013

Moved the pillow fight bonus scene and AN to its own chapter. :twilightsmile:

24th December, 2014

. . . Did I never actually publish this chapter? My bad.

Yes, suddenly. . . somewhat active again. Trying to force myself to start writing again.

Chapter 10

~Chapter 10: The Party Ponies Perfect Portal Pour Ponyville (And an Elevator)~

Rainbow Dash and I spent a few hours to try and get me to learn the basics; keeping myself steady in the air, slow movement, turning, ascending, descending, basically all the standard stuff. We got all that down, but then Applejack came over to us at one point, letting us know that they didn't have quite everything, and would need some metal shaped into the appropriate types of hooks and the like, so her and Big Mac were heading into Ponyville for a few hours to get everything.

This left us a few more hours to train, and Rainbow seemed to be enjoying it immensely, getting to show off her skills and have another emulate her. She decided to try and teach me some more advanced techniques, now that I could fly well enough. "Okay, thats good. . . Alright, try and tuck your wings a bit more on the rise, . . Yeah, you got it, now arch your back in more. . . Yeah! There! Try one more time!" She got me to perform a perfect backwards loop, in a circle tight enough to wrap me around another pony. I spun around her playfully, and she giggled at me. "Heh, nice. Alright, that should be good for now. If you want any more training some time, come get me. But your shaping up to be a natural."

We both landed now, me panting and sweating from my exertions, but I never felt happier. The freedom granted from flying is incomparable; I suddenly find myself shocked at how I was able to go for so long as a human, not being able to fly. My appreciation for this new way of life skyrocketed at the same time as I flew up into the clouds with my training.

We walked for a while, simply talking about the tricks I was taught, how Rainbow figured out the finer points of them, other modifications I could learn later after I got more experience, more types of tricks, and just anything to do with flying. She seemed ecstatic to have found someone she could talk to like this about flying. We eventually reached a lake on the apple farm, and I jumped into the air, pulling the tight loop the cyan mare taught me, twice in quick succession, then diving straight into the water below. I used my wings as fins under the water, speeding in a couple circles before surfacing with a grin from ear to ear. Rainbow Dash was laughing, and she flew straight up into the air, taking it as a challenge. She went high up, then proceeded to fly straight down. About halfway she turned herself over into a ball, flipping over herself repeatedly. She continued to flap her wings to speed up her spins, and by the time she reached the water, she was a rainbow ball, perfectly spherical.

She hit the water, and I simply stared in awe at the effect. Because of how she spun before hitting the water, she was like a buzz saw. And the water split like it was a piece of mouldy wood. There was an actual fissure for a second, and the water sprayed up in an arc behind her, her spins throwing it up. The water suddenly filled in the gap again, creating tidal waves that threw me into the middle of the lake and under water. I got a full breath before hand, and stayed under for a second, turning around to try and see the mare in the water. I saw her swimming like I had, going at a casual pace around in circles.

I swam up for a new lungful of air, then ducked back under and swam next to her, keeping pace. She looked at me and smiled, and we both surfaced again. Both of us gasping for breath, we swam to the shore and laid on the grass, hind legs dangling in the currents of the body of water. We simply stared at the sky, enjoying the day.

The peace was broken a few minutes later when we heard Applejack calling for us. "Rainbow! Ink! Where in tarnations did you two disappear to now? Git over here!" We turn to each other and grin mischievously, both planning to have some fun with this. We both sprang into the air, RD going straight for the farm pony calling for us. I, however, circled around, to behind her.

Rainbow landed on the ground, and I could hear their conversation. "Hey AJ! Sorry, went for a dip in the lake. Whats up?" I smile at the little hint.

"Well, we got the things we need tah' make the lift, so we were join' tah' git Ink tah' help put 'er up. Where is that pony anyway-- WAAAAAAAAAAH! ! !"

I dove straight for the ground, pulling up at the last second, buffeting Applejack with a wall of wind. her hat flew off into one of the trees next to us. She turned around and up, a scowl on her face, but a grin in her eyes. "What the heck was that fer, yah' little runt?! Why, I have half a mind tah' beat yer' little head in!" We all burst into laughter, falling to the ground clutching ourselves. I guess we were all a little giddy; AJ gets her lift, RD gets a fellow speed demon, and I get the freedom of flight. When we finally got ahold of ourselves again, I flew up to the tree, grabbing the stray stetson stolen by the wind. I returned to the two mares and gave the hat back to the farmer, who inclined the hat to me in thanks after donning it again.

"Alright, enough ah' that. Lets get this here thang up and running'. RD, wanna help?"

"Yeah, sure. I still have to give Ink a few pointers on flying with a heavy load anyway."

"Alright, then, hun, thank ye'. Lets git to 'er."

We walked into the barn, where Big Mac had already gotten to work. He had a sheet of paper pinned on a post next to my sketch, and held a pencil in his mouth, re-drawing it in an easier to read format. We walked over to him, AJ and I looking at his new version. It was a great deal cleaner-- Heh, mine was dirt- cleaner? Get it? Oh, never mind.-- and had the measurements of each rope written next to it. He must have been the builder of the barn to know every measurement by hand.

When he finished, he deposited the pencil in a bag on the wagon of supplies next to him, which I now looked into. Numerous metres of good, strong rope, wooden blocks shaped to hold wheels on axles with enough space to fit the rope, said wheels and axles, metal hooks, and a wooden platform, sturdy enough to support the massive stallion, with rings to tie the rope to. Everything needed to make an elevator.

We looked at the plan again and divvied up the work, Rainbow and I splitting the airborne stuff between us and Applejack taking the general work and aligning on the ground, with Big Mac being our heavy lifter, as expected. We got to work, setting the whole thing up in no time. Upon completion of the job, we all sat back, looking at our handiwork.

The elevator was in the middle of the barn, enough space on each side for two full-grown stallions to walk abreast, and when raised, would meet the loft platform perfectly. "Alright, fellas, why don't you two hop on to give 'er a whirl?" Applejack said to Big Mac and I. We nodded and stepped onto the platform, lying down to distribute our weight better.

Applejack walked over to the winch we installed to control the contraption and rested her fore hooves on the handle. She started to push it forward, and we saw the ropes grow taught. When it reached the bottom of the spin of the lever she slid her hooves over and pulled it towards herself now, completing the turn. Now the platform lurched, beginning its assent. Applejack continued her operation of the winch at a steady pace, and we ascended at an equally steady pace. When we reached the top, the farm pony mare hit the lever next to the one she was turning, engaging the lock to prevent the lift from plummeting to the ground with us on it.

The giant stallion Big Mac and not-so-giant stallion myself stood up, stepping off the platform onto the loft floor. We all can't help but grin at a job well done, but this was only half the process. We stepped back onto it and laid down again. Now, Applejack hit another lever, switching the gear of the lift, allowing it to lower again. She started to crank the winch again, the clicking of the lock matching our pace of descent. When we touched the bottom we all couldn't help our shout of glee-- Big Mac excepted, of course. He doesn't shout.

We all step back again and admire the creation one more time before leaving the barn. "Well, Ink, ah don't know how tah' thank yah' fer that. You just made our jobs-- all oh' our jobs, including yerself-- a heck of a lot easier. Ah' think it's safe tah' say ye got the job, hun."

Big Mac turned to us, and simply stated, "Eeyup!"

I grinned in response. "I can't thank YOU enough. Giving me the job is all the thanks I would ask from you."

Applejack walked over and offered a hoof to shake. "Well, I gotta say, yah' should be valuing' yer work and yer smarts more. Yah' could make plenty of bits on yer own with it."

I continue to smile at the compliment. "Thank you. Is there anything else you would like help with today?" I noticed the sun was about halfway to the horizon from noon now-- the day went quickly.

"Nah, thanks though. We may be behind the schedule fer' today, but usin' this thang tomorrow will bump us ahead of schedule, ah figur'. You more than earned yer' keep today. Here." She walked to the wagon that carried the materials for the lift and grabbed a bag out of it. Walking back over, she dropped it down and counted out some money from it, transferring them to another bag. She slid it over to me. "Here. Yer' keep fer' now is six hundred' bits." My jaw dropped at this. "Seein' as it gotta tie yah' in fer a week, what with rent n' food, plus a little fer yourself as spending' money, you need it." She smiled, nudging the bag again.

I pick it up, slinging it across my back. "Well, thank you very much! I never expected this."

She slugged me in the shoulder. "Well ya' shoulda'! Look at what ye' did fer' us here on the farm! I owe it to yah', fair n' square! Anyway, I ought tah' let ya'll go now. I'll see yah' tomorrow! Later Ink, RD!"

Rainbow and I wave back, and then look at each other. "Well, Ink, want some company back to Ponyville main?"

I smile. "Sure. I'm stopping at Sugarcube Corner before heading back to the hotel, though."

She grinned. "Awesome! Same! Lets get going then!" She hopped into the air, and I followed suit, taking a leisurely pace back to town.

We reached the sweet shop after a minute of pleasant flying, and touched down on the confectioneer couple's doorstep. We walked in, a little silver bell ringing over our heads. We looked behind the counter, seeing Mrs. Cake working the till. She looked at us and smiled. "Hello Rainbow Dash! It's great to see you. And I take it you are Ink? Pinkie has been going crazy planning this party for you."

I smiled as I reached the cash. "Hello, it's great to meet you! And yes, that is what I came here for. Where might I find the pony in question?"

She raised a hoof towards the kitchen. "She is making up a few more batches of treats for me. Go on in."

I waved in appreciation. "Thank you!" I trotted over to the door, Rainbow Dash stopping at the counter to buy some sweets. When I stepped in, I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

There was Pinkie, zipping around the kitchen in her usual incredibly fast manner, four different types of food being cooked at once. There was a cake in the oven, a batch of cookies waiting to go in, cheesecake being deposited in the fridge, and finally, yet another tray loaded with, you guessed it, cupcakes. She went to pick it up, but stopped and jumped into the air, flying around the counter with a squeal upon seeing me. She tackle-glomped me, knocking me on my back. "INK! YOUR BACK! Are you out of the hospital now? How are you? OH! OH! CAN WE HAVE THE PARTY NOW?!?"

I smile up at the explosively energetic mare, shaking my head in exasperation. "Yes, Pin-"

"YAAAAAY! 'WELCOME INK TO PONYVILLE PARTY' OFFICIALY ANNOUNCED!" She took off up stairs, and flew by again, streamers and balloons and other bright and colourful party decorations billowing behind her. I got up off the floor, walking into the kitchen and grabbing the cupcakes she forgot about, taking them into the main room and placing them down for Mrs. Cake. "Sorry, didn't realize she would decide to set it up THAT quickly; I knew she would want a good start on it, but this was faster than anticipated."

Mrs. Cake smiled, taking the tray of cupcakes over to a table and starting to arrange them on the display. "That is quite alright. I had a feeling this would happen. If you just wouldn't mind helping me with the rest of the cooking it would much appreciated. Do you know how to cook?"

I shrug. "A little. Enough to help you at least."

A couple hours later, the cooking all finished up, Pinkie pie burst back into Sugarcube Corner. "Hey! The party is all set up! Let's get going!" She said with an ear to ear grin that I was surprised didn't split her head in two. I laughed and agreed to come, with Mrs. Cake waving goodbye and thanking me for the help. Pinkie disappeared into the kitchen for a split second, and I heard a fridge door open and close in a flash. She returned with a giant platter across her back loaded with treats for the party. It looked so heavy it would have made Bic Mac cringe, and she was just hopping up and down with it, all the food flying into the air and landed exactly where they were before. We made our way to the party like this, and it seemed to be back at Sweet Apple Acres. We went into the barn, and this was quite the sight.

The entire room was covered in decorations, giant tables on each side, some already stocked with food that other ponies brought, punch, apple juice and cider in giant kegs with cups next to them, a disco ball hanging from the lift we installed, and a fair gathering of ponies already. The rest of the mane six, the Apple family, the Cutie Mark Crusaders (who I realized I had yet to meet), Zecora even, Cheerilee, Derpy Hooves, and a few other ponies I did not recognize, likely just coming over for a Pinky Party.

As we walked in, Pinkie bounded over to an empty table and began to deposit her delicious load of munchies. The other ponies around saw us and welcomed us, me especially, and the party went into full swing. There was dancing, games, socializing, eating, . . It was incredible.

At one point I was standing by the tables of food and grabbing myself something to eat, when three little filly heads popped up on the other side of the table- the heads of the CMC, grinning broadly. "Hey mister! Your Ink, right?" Said Sweetie Belle.

I smiled. "That I am. It's a pleasure to meet you three."

They giggled in unison. Sweetie Belle spoke up again. "I'm Sweetie Belle, this is Applebloom, and then this is Scootaloo!" The other two waved when their names came up.

"So. . . How'd yah' git yer' cutie mark?" asked Applebloom.

"Yeah! Tell us about it!" Exclaimed Scootaloo, and all three nodded their heads in glee.

I laughed a bit. "You might be disappointed there; I have no idea how I got. I woke up in the hospital about a week ago, and have no memories of being a pony."

Their expressions fell. "But what is it for?"

"The one thing I know, is I am an artist."

Their faces brightened. "Hey! Can yah' show us how tah' draw like you sometime?"

I nodded. "Sure. It will take me some getting used to drawing again though; my first few attempts are likely going to suck."

Scootaloo just waved a hoof dismissively. "Nah. It doesn't matter. Once you get the hang of it again, come let us know." The three fillies looked at each and shouted in unison. "Cutie Mark Crusader Artists YAY!" And clapped hooves before taking off again to go play. I can't help but worry about what that might mean for me if I give them paint, leading to a slight shudder.

Twilight walked up next to me, grabbing a treat and taking a bite of it. She chewed for a second and swallowed. "So how are you adjusting so far? Did your day turn out well?"

I smiled. "Sure did. Got a lot done." I gestured up to the lift. "Designed and helped build that for Applejack and her family to make their jobs easier."

Twilight stared at it for a few seconds before looking back at me. "You designed it? Do you have an understanding of advanced physics, by any chance?"

I nodded. "More or less. I studied it sometimes in my spare time. Plus, I played with construction toys the majority of my life." My wings were starting to get a little itchy. I guess after getting a work out with them earlier in the day, my body was telling me it wanted back in the air. I flapped them once and looked back at Twilight. "This too." A wicked grins spreads across my face for a second, and then I push my wings down hard once, thrusting myself straight up into the air and buffeting the lavender mare with wind. She yelped in surprise and covered her face, but that didn't stop the gust of air from completely dishevelling her mane. After the wind dissipated, I stayed in the air keeping myself aloft, beaming with pride in my flight abilities and slight prank on the pony below me. She took her hoof away from her face and saw the state her mane was in, and huffed.

She used her magic to fix her mane and looked up at me with a small smile. "Well, you can fly now. I assume Rainbow taught you?" I continued to smile and nodded. She nodded back. "Figures. Anyway, get back down here. Talking up like this hurts my neck.

I gently settle myself to the ground with a laugh. "I'm sorry. It was too good to pass up."

"Yeah, yeah. . . HAH!' Suddenly, a bolt of energy launched from her horn, capturing me and lifting me into the air. I yelp in surprise as she flipped me over and rubbed the top of my head on the floor. Not enough to hurt me, though. "How do you like that? Lets see what YOU think of your mane getting messed up!" She laughed and quickly righted me.

My mohawk mane was sticking out in every direction now, like an afro stripe going down my neck. I laughed and tipped my head down, rubbing a hoof in it to clean it out and fix it. A few seconds later, it was completely fine again. Twilight huffed at the failed attempt of humiliating me. "Darn. Your stupid short cut mane, so easy to fix." We both laughed, and then another pony trotted over.

"Did I hear something about easy to repair manes? Why would one need to repair their mane?" Rarity said, looking between the two of us.

"Oh, just having fun trying to prank each other a little." Twilight and I smiled at each other, turning to Rarity. She had a look of mild shock on her face, but one could tell it was a feigned reaction. Somewhat.

"Why, whatever would you do that for? The nerve, to mess up another ponies beautiful mane!" We all laugh a bit.

"Well, anyway, I will let you get back to the party Ink. See you in a bit." Twilight said, waving off and trotting over to another group of ponies. That left Rarity and I at the table, but Rainbow soon showed up to.

"Hey, did you just mess with Twilight by hitting her with a gust of wind?" I nodded, grinning again. "Nice!" The cyan mare lifted a hoof and I did likewise, brohoofing with the mare. We continued to chat for a while, and the rest of the evening went smoothly. At the end of the party the last of the treats were divvied up between the remaining ponies and we all went home in great spirits. I returned to the hotel, suddenly realizing that I was doing all of that hard core flying, and worried I might have lost the key in my wing. I was delighted to find it was still securely wound into my feathers. I entered my room and deposited the food in my fridge and dropped into the bed.

Today was a good day.

The Second Journey

~Linky~