Firefighter living in Equestria

It’s a brand new day in Ponyville. The sun is high, and the birds are singing that I should probably wake up soon. Looking at the clock, I saw that it was around ten o'clock that morning. Back in my world, I never work up later than eight o'clock in the morning, so I shocked myself that I slept in so late. The last time I did that, it was at a particularly eventful party a few years ago, where I had to drag a friend’s drunken body home.

I walked downstairs to see Twilight sitting at the couch, reading a book about Botany, whilst eating a sandwich of some kind. She looked up at me with a smile.

“Good morning Noah.” she said, “Sorry I didn’t wake you up sooner, but you seemed rather out of it.”

“That’s okay.” I said. I turned to the table, to see some recently purchased supplies. “What’s that over there?”

“That’s your toiletries. I noticed back in your world that you had toothbrushes like us, and I figured you could use one. So, I went down to the store and bought one for you. There’s also razors for that hair that’s growing on your face, and some soap for your baths.”

“Wow. Thanks, Twilight.” That was awfully kind of her to do.

“There’s also a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for you in the fridge, I didn’t think you would be ready for Dandelion sandwiches yet.”

“No. I don’t think so.” I chuckled at the thought of eating such a sandwich. The PB&J she made was very good. Just like what I used to make back home, when that was all I had to make food.

“So, what’s your plan today?” she asked, “I’m sure it’s not just hanging around the house all day.”

“I’m not sure.” I responded, “I suppose that I’ll take a look around.”

“Anywhere in particular?”

"No not really."

Walking through Ponyville to get to the path to was strangely different from last time. Many ponies took to looking at me, whispering at one another. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about; for all I knew, they were probably saying how weird or funny I looked. Nevermind that now, as I walled more throw Ponyville I walked the path that lead to fluttershy's house, and I went on my merry way.

Stepping up to the door, I made sure my hair wasn’t a disheveled mess, and my clothes weren’t too wrinkly, and then knocked on the door three times. There was no response, but I heard the sound of hooves walking on the wood floor inside. Just to make sure, I knocked three times again.

“Just a minute…” I heard Fluttershy’s soft voice say. A couple seconds pass, and the door opens. The instant she saw me, she ducked her head down in a slight blush. “Oh Noah, it’s you!” she said in slight surprise. “W-what are you doing here?”

“Hi, Fluttershy. I…I came to see you.”

“You did?” she wondered, “How come?”

“I realize that we didn’t talk much, back in my world, so I thought that I’d come here, to get to know you better.”

“Oh, I-I see. I figured you’d be busy, with twilight and all, helping you with learning about Equestria."

"She and I were sharing each others history yesterday."

She looked at me blankly, she then motion me to come inside.

Her house is nice, very much in tune with nature, along with the added surprise of some animals hopping around the place, Squirrels, chickens, bunnies. While most would find the sight cute, I looked at all of them with suspicion that they were going to attack me at any moment.

"this is a really beautiful place flutter…ah…” My complement too Fluttershy halted by the pain in my shoulder. I move it around, in hopes of trying to straighten it out or something. Fluttershy took notice.

“Oh my. Are you hurt?” her tone is almost motherly.

“My shoulder and back have been killing me recently.” I rub my shoulder a little bit.

“Sit on the couch.” she says. I do so. “Now, tell me where it hurts.”

“It hurts around this area.” I point at the center of my shoulder. She gently places her hooves on me, and starts to feel around the pained area. “So, are you going to give me some tea or…”

POP! She jerked my shoulder in a quick fashion, effectively letting off a loud popping noise. My eyes widened, and my mouth agape at the feeling of my bone cracking.

“AHHH!” I said. “What did you…” When she let go, I moved my shoulder around. “Wait a sec…” There was no more pain. In fact, I had no trouble moving my shoulder at all. “Hey, this…this is great! How…”

“I know my way around a strained shoulder. It just needed some chiropractic help.” She gets up off the couch. “Follow me. We’ll do something about that back.”

I follow her upstairs to her bedroom. Already, the warning signs in my brain went off like a fire alarm. She wouldn’t be planning what I think she’s planning…would she?

“Lay down on your stomach.” she said calmly.

“Are you sure about this?” I hesitantly asked.

“Of course, I’ve done this many times.”

I could’ve just said no, and booked it on out of there, but the more sensible side of me was convincing in its argument that Fluttershy meant no harm. Besides, she was a shy pony who not minutes ago, blushed upon eye contact.

I lay down on the bed, like she wanted. It didn’t take long to feel her move her way on top of my back. All four hooves were on by back. She moves them carefully, like a cat kneading a blanket to get comfortable. Then, she moves to a sitting position, with her back legs pressing against my waist, and only her fore-hooves on my back. I’d be lying if I said my face didn’t become crimson red at this point.

“Oh my, you look red. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Totally fine. Don’t worry about me.” I said. Trying my hardest to be as straight faced as possible.

It seemed to work, as I felt her forelegs move their way around my shoulders, beginning the massage. She was gentle to the touch, with a twinge of forcefulness to it. I felt the straining in my shoulders beginning to fade.

“Oh…my goodness…” I said quietly.

“You have a lot of tension in your shoulders. When was the last time you had one of these?”

“Last time?" I think back to when I broke my back during a call 3 months ago. "About 3 month ago."

“I see. You should have come to me much sooner.” she said, as she moved her hooves down my back. She hit the spot where the pain was coming from, and I visibly winced. She caught on. “There we are. You might feel some pressure.”

I felt her massage my back, and a series of pops were heard. The pain began to subside, and all I could feel was relaxation at the feeling of her massage. Pretty soon, it became one of the most comfortable things I have ever experienced.

“There we go. All better.” she said with confidence, as she got off my back. It took me a little bit to realize the massage was over. When I did, I got up off the bed. Miraculously, I felt nothing in terms of pain when I moved around.

“Woah. Thanks Fluttershy.” I said, “Now I know who to go to, next time I end up in pain."

“You’re very welcome.” she smiled, “Now that that's over with, do you want to meet my friends?”

“I think I already did.”

“Oh, not Twilight and the others, I mean my animal friends.”

Considering that the ponies themselves are technically animals, my eyebrow rose ever so slightly. Instead of bringing up the minor technicality, and in the interest of being nice, I chose to follow her out to the backyard, where I saw many animals of different kinds frolicking about. There were birds, bees, turtles, squirrels, raccoons, chickens, and a bear. Wait…a BEAR?!

“Fluttershy, what’s a bear doing here?!” I screamed and pointed at the creature.

“Don’t mind him. He’s very friendly. Aren’t you Mr. Bear?” The bear growls a friendly growl, as she patted him on the snout.

“So, is this some kind of animal sanctuary?”

“No. I just have a way with animals. They come to me if they want any help, be it food or shelter or…massages. And I am more than happy to oblige them. The only permanent residents are my chickens, and Angel.”

“Angel?” I asked. The moment I did, I felt something kick at my leg. I looked down to see an angry looking bunny, furiously kicking me.

“Angel! Don’t try to harm our guest!” Fluttershy asserted. Angel grumbled and hopped away. “I’m sorry about that.”

“That’s okay. He didn’t hurt me. It’ll take more than an angry bunny to…”

“LOOK OUT BELOW!” A voice called out.

WHAM! I was soon tackled to the ground by a tremendous blue force with a rainbow mane. This was obviously Rainbow Dash. As she shook her mane of any dirt, I just laid there in disbelief that I have been hurt…again.

“Sorry about that.” Rainbow Dash said, standing up on top of me. “I told you to move.”

“Don’t be silly.” I joked, “I was merely providing you cushioning for your landing.” I made no attempt to hide my sarcasm.

“Ha ha, very funny Noah" rainbow dash rolled her eyes.

“Can you get off me now, please?”

“Why? Feel like making out with me?” she chuckled.

“Oh, in the name of…!” I angrily sighed. Yet another one that has read the paper. “No! I do not feel like making out with you!”

“Don’t be so grumpy, Mr. Grumperson. I was only kidding.” she gets off of me, “Hey Fluttershy, did you forget what day it is?”

“Oh! I almost forgot! Thanks for reminding me.”

“What’s today?” I asked, sitting up.

“Fluttershy here cheers me on, while I train in the fields every Friday. Today, I want her to cheer me on extra hard, now that the Wonderbolts say I have a shot! I have to do my absolute best!”

“Right, Twilight mentioned the Wonderbolts yesterday. What are they exactly?”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes beamed.

“Are you kidding? The Wonderbolts are the greatest team of Pegasi flyers in all of Equestria! It is my absolute dream to be on their team!”

“Well, I wish you luck.”

“I don’t need luck! I have speed, style, and awesomeness! Come on Fluttershy!”

“Can Noah come with us to? you could show him how cool you are."

“Hmm….” she thinks for a few moments, “You have a point there. Everypony has to see how cool I am once in awhile. Come on, Grumpy. Time to show you a lesson in coolness!”

A little while later, I was sitting in a wide open field with Fluttershy, watching Rainbow Dash doing all kinds of aerial acrobatics that would make jet pilots shake in their books. Flips, spins, barrels rolls, dives, shooting through clouds, spinning the clouds…it was all very impressive.

The problem was that she had been doing these tricks for more than a couple hours. It was around four in the afternoon, and she showed no sign of stopping. To keep myself from becoming dizzy from all the flips, I looked over at Fluttershy, to see the look of happiness never leaving her face.

“How long does she usually spend up there?” I asked.

“She could be there all day, if she wants to.”

“And you just sit down here, and watch the whole thing?”

“Oh yes, I can never get tired of watching her fly.”

“Sounds like you two are pretty close, I reckon?”

“She’s my best friend. We’ve known each other since flight school.”

“How did you two first meet?”

“Well, you wouldn’t have known this, but I was a really shy pony back when I was a filly.”

“Really? I never would have guessed.” I feign surprise.

“These colts were bullying me for my clumsiness, when she came in and challenged them to a race to defend me.”

“How did the race turn out?”

“I don’t know. I was knocked off a cloud, where I first encountered my animal friends, and got my cutie mark. But Rainbow Dash’s sonic rainboom was more than enough to tell me that she won.” She said with a smile. “We have been friends ever since.”

“t’s interesting that you two are such good friends. She seems pretty hot headed and cocky, while you’re very…timid. If you don't mind me saying.”

“I don't mind at all. Yes, some would find it very odd. She can be a little arrogant at times, but I adore her. She’s the most talented pony I’ve ever met.”

Rainbow Dash landed hooves first with a powerful thud, standing triumphant and sweating over her rigorous training session.

“Now, how was THAT for a lesson in awesomeness?!”

“It was great.” I said, “I have to hand…I mean hoof it to you, that was some impressive flying.”

“What? No sarcastic quip?” Dash wondered.

“Only when I'm annoyed." I smiled, "I’m being completely honest with you, that was some top notch stuff. I kind of makes me wonder why the Wonderbolts haven’t accepted you on their team, yet.”

“That’s what I’m saying! I’ve been wondering about that for years!" she looks at me with a smirk. I guess she doesn't see me as a complete dweeb now. "See
Fluttershy? This guy totally gets it!” She looked at Fluttershy.

Dash turns her attention back to me, “Thanks for indulging me, Noah you seem like a alright guy."

“You seem like an alright pony, and you’re welcome. I suppose I should take my leave now. I’ll see you two later.”

I waved goodbye to them, and I was on my way back to Ponyville. Aside from the unexpected tackle, the visit actually wasn’t too bad. I could get used to Dash’s
more aggressive attitude, but she’s nice when she needs to be. Plus, she was an impressive flyer, despite my impatience in the final few minutes of the training session.

Now that’s over with, it was time to go back to Twilight.

Walking back to town, As I approached the entrance of town, I saw a large crowd gathered outside of Twilight’s house. On closer inspection, I saw them all either wearing hats, or brandishing cameras. They were asking a variety of questions simultaneously, so I didn’t know what they were asking about. Just then, one looked over and saw me. His eyes went wide on contact.

“It’s him!” he yelled, “It’s the creature!”

They all turned to me, and started to barrel towards me like a stampede. I had to act fast; the way to Twilight’s was blocked. The only area that wasn’t obscured by ponies was that bakery that Twilight mentioned. Fighting the pain, and dropping the bag of ice, I booked it over to the establishment, dived right in, closed the door and locked it shut.

“Hey Noah! How’s it going?” I heard Pinkie Pie’s voice behind me. I turned around to see her giving a grey Pegasus a box of blueberry muffins. “Why did you lock the door?”

“Pinkie! You have to help me! I….” I looked at the grey Pegasus, “Have we met?”

“I hit you yesterday. I’m Derpy Hooves. Hi.” she said timidly.

“Oh, hey. I’m Noah. Pleased to meet you.” I looked back at Pinkie, “I think there are reporters outside, asking questions!”

“How do you know they are reporters?”

“Is it true that you and Princess Luna are in a sexual relationship?!” one reporter said from behind the door.

“Yep, those are reporters alright.” she looks at Derpy, “Here, take the back exit.”

Derpy takes the box by the string at the top.

“You think he’ll like it?” she asked.

“Of course! Nopony can resist a box of muffins!” Pinkie assured her.

I didn’t know what they were talking about, probably some relationship stuff with Derpy. That’s cool I guess, but it wasn’t helping me with my predicament. After she left, Pinkie gestured to me to walk over to her, telling me that the door can hold back the savage reporters at bay.

“Look at you, Mr. Popular!” she said, “Only here two days and already the town is swarming all over you!”

“Don’t they have anything better to do? I don’t even know Princess Luna!”

“They’re always like that. One time, they thought Twilight and Rainbow Dash were dating. It’s so silly! Come with me, I could use your help with something.” Pinkie went to the front door, flipping the Open sign to Closed, then walking to the kitchen.
I followed her inside to see a stack of baking ingredients on the table.

“What do you need help with?”

“I’m making cupcakes!” she said, grabbing a frighteningly large knife.

“Gah! What’s with the knife?!”

“To cut the lemons, silly!” she says, cutting a couple lemons. “I’m making lemon cupcakes. Can you read off the ingredients for me?”

“Oh. Yeah sure.” I grabbed the book titled The Big Book of Cupcakes, and searched through it for the recipe that Pinkie was looking for.
Once I found it, it was fairly smooth sailing. The author wrote the book in cursive, so some words were hard to read, but I got the hang of it on closer inspection. Whatever ingredients weren’t present, I helped Pinkie find them. As I was finding the final ingredients to make the cupcakes, I heard her singing a jaunty tune about making cupcakes. It was so catchy; I got the strange feeling that I was going to get that stuck in my head for a very long time.

“What is that?” I asked.

“It’s just a little song I sing, everytime I make cupcakes. You like it?”

“I kind of do. How does it go?”

She sang it to me in full. Now it was definitely going to get stuck in my head.

“That’s about it!” she exclaimed, “Thanks for the help, Noah!”

“No problem. Is it okay that you closed the store, because of me?”

“Of course! It was a slow day today, and I needed the time to make these cupcakes. So, you showed up at the perfect time!”

I looked around, noting that everything felt less like a bakery, and more like a home that had a store inside it.

“Does anyone live here?”

“Yep. I live on the top floor, while Mr. and Mrs. Cake, along with the twins, live here. It’s a bakery, and a home all in one! Isn’t it fancypants?”

“Yeah, that’s pretty neat actually. The rent must be killer on it.”

“I get to stay here for free, silly billy! As long as I run the store when they’re gone, it’s no trouble at all!”

“They won’t be mad that it’s closed now, will they?”

“Nah. Besides, I have a good excuse. Hand me the flour, would you?” I give her the flour, which she pours all of it into the mixing bowl. She stirs it furiously, till it tuned into cupcake batter. “Are the reporters still outside?”

I look over at the front door. The shouting silhouettes are still there.

“Yep, they’re still there.”

“Oki doki loki. Wanna try the batter?” she hands over a spatula.

“How are you holding that?” I asked.

“We can always do this! You never noticed?”

“But...you have hooves.”

“I know, it’s a mystery to me too! You wanna try the batter or not?”

Not one to miss out on the opportunity to try cake batter, I took the spatula, and had a taste. I’ve had lemon cupcakes before, but none of that prepared me for the sweetness of that batter. Even in its incomplete form, it was surprisingly delicious. An audible ‘Mmmmmm’ was produced from me, and Pinkie started to giggle, happy that I thought it was delicious.

“Well, that’s good enough for me.” she said, putting the batter into the cupcake tray, and placing it in the oven. “Now, to take care of those reporters.” She brushed past me, and went to the front door. She motioned for me to hide, and I did just that. I heard the door open, followed by the sound of flashing cameras, and more incoherent questions. “Hi!” she said.

“Where is he?!” one reporter said, “Where’s the creature?”

“I don’t know, I…OH MY GOSH! THERE HE IS!” she shouts. I then heard the reporters stampede away from Sugar Cube Corner. “Okay, Noah. They’re gone.”

I emerged from my hiding spot “What did you point at to get them to leave?”

“At some random bush; they’ll believe anything these days.” We both shared a good laugh at that.

I stuck around until the cupcakes were finished. When the timer went off, I took the baked good out. I assisted Pinkie in putting the frosting on it, making sure that every cupcake had an even amount of frosting on it. She noted that one time, Twilight went a little nuts, and messed with the frosting on the cupcakes, to the point where there was only a drop of it present. It was hard to imagine Twilight going crazy like that, but stranger things have happened.

With two extra cupcakes made, we both had our own final taste test. It was even more delectable baked, than it was in batter form. Both me and Pinkie let out a ‘MMmmmmmm’ at the same time.

“You were right. It was delicious!” she said, “Thanks for helping me with the baking, and for the entertainment before then.”

“Anytime.” I said.

I walked back to Twilight’s with nary a reporter in sight. The pain I was feeling is now gone, though I anticipated it was going to make a return the next morning. Opening the door, I was greeted by Twilight and Spike, waiting for me.

“Where have you been?” Twilight said, “I was worried sick! Also, there were all these reporters around, asking questions…”

“I’m okay, Twilight. After visiting Fluttershy, I had to hide over at Sugar Cube Corner to get away from the reporters.”

“Thank goodness.” she went over to me, giving me a big hug. After a couple seconds, I heard her sniffing. “Why do you smell of dirt and cake batter?”

“It’s a long story.” I chuckled, “I think now, I’m going to take a bath, and have a nice rest.”

“Okay.” Twilight let me go. I was walking over to the bathroom.

After taking a long bath and putting on some brand new cloths on, I told Twilight my day.