The Knights Trinity

Chapter Three; First Contact

Applebloom finished her chores early and headed out to meet her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders in Ponyville.

“Hey Applebloom.”, shouted Scootaloo as she waved.

Applebloom ran over, her bow flapping in the breeze.

“Where’s Sweetiebell.”

“I think she’s at her sisters shop. Lets go.”

The two fillies raced side by side to Carousel Boutique. Just as they got there the door swung open. Sweetiebell trotted out yelling over her shoulder.

“Fine, next time you can fix it yourself.”

Sweetiebell looked ahead and saw her friends. A wide smile crossed her face as she walked up to greet them.

“Hello Applebloom, Scootaloo are you guys ready?”

“Come on Ya’ll, lets do it.” shouted Applebloom.

“Yeah, lets go get our cutie marks.”, replied Scootaloo as the trio ran off down the road.

Suddenly Scootaloo slid to a stop causing Applebloom and Sweetiebell to slam into her.

“Hey what gives.” asked Applebloom untangling herself from the pile of ponies.

“Exactly what are we gonna do to get our cutie marks today?” asked Scootaloo

“I got it.” said Applebloom excitedly. “I bet Zecora’d have some great idea’s. Lets go see her.”

Scootaloo pulled out her scooter and the other two grabbed the trailing ropes. Away they went as fast as they could towards the Everfree forest. As they neared the edge of the forest they rolled to a stop.

“Are we really going in there?” asked Sweetiebell her voice breaking as she spoke.

The fillies looked at each other uneasily. The underbrush in front of them began to crack and shake. A strange creature suddenly burst from the thicket coming to a stop just a few feet in front of them. Causing the fillies to huddle together, shaking in fear.

Dustin shook his head to stop the world from spinning and looked up. Much to his surprise he saw the three cowering ponies. He flopped down onto his butt and pulled off his helmet, and smiled.

Don’t worry little ones.” he said softly. “I’m not gonna hurt you. Can you understand me.”

A yellow head, adorn with a big red bow popped out of the huddle and nodded.

“Wh-What are you?” came a childlike voice.

“My name is Dustin, a zebra named Zecora said there was a village nearby. Are you from there?”

The yellow filly nodded her head again.

“M-my names Applebloom.”

“Well Applebloom, I need to go to this town and find someone named Princess Twilight.”

Applebloom’s ears perked up at the name.

“We know her. She’s Princess Twilight Sparkle.” came another voice.

The three ponies stood and looked over the strange being sitting before them.

“What if its a trick?”, whispered Sweetiebell to her friends. “He could be a changeling or monster.”

The trio nodded in agreement.

“Scootaloo you go get Twilight, Sweetiebell and I’ll keep em here til ya get back.”

Sweetiebell gulped hard. “Why can’t I go get Twilight?”

“Because Scootaloo can take her scooter.”

“So can you help me out?” the stranger’s voice made them all jump.

“Y-yeah. Jus’ wait here.” replied Applebloom.

Scootaloo hopped on her scooter and zipped away, her wings flapping furiously as she went.

Dustin sat on the ground and scratched his head. He was trying to figure out how a pony rides a scooter, or where it came from in the first place.

What’s your name?” asked Dustin looking at the white pony with a purple mane.

“I-I’m Sweetiebell” she replied meekly.

Anthony, and Adrian walked into an open meadow carrying Dustin’s gear and asked if he was okay.

”He told you that was a bad idea,” said Adrian with a laugh as they walked up on either side of Dustin. The two remaining ponies took several steps backwards from the humans towering over them.

“Sit down you two!! Your scaring them.” said Dustin looking to his friends.

Anthony and Adrian joined him on the ground.

“I still think your nuts.” said Adrian shaking his head. “Actually, I think we’re all going crazy. So much for any covert surveillance before we make contact”

“My name is Anthony and that grumpy guy over there is Adrian. Thanks for helping our friend here.

Sweetiebell managed a weak smile.

“Anthony, Adrian. I’d like you to meet Sweetiebell and Applebloom.” said Dustin.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” said Anthony with a grin.

“Ya’ll don’t seem like yer monsters er changelings.” said Applebloom taking a step forward.

“No we’re not monsters Applebloom, but whats a changeling.”

The two ponies mouths hung open in shock.

“Ya mean ya don’ even know what a changling is?” asked Applebloom. “I don’ believe it. Their these flyin black pony things, and they turn inta other ponies.”

It was Anthony’s turn to look shocked.

“You mean they can mimic someone else in appearance.”, he asked dumbfounded.

“Not just their appearance, but their voice too.” added Sweetiebell.

.......

Twilight sat in her castle and watched patiently as Lyra bounded around the room.

“Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh. Please tell me this isn’t a joke. Three real life humans are here, in Equestria?”

“No Lyra this isn’t a joke, that’s why I asked you here. I want you to tell me all you know about human customs.

Lyra let loose a high pitch squeal, sliding to a stop at Twilight’s hooves.

“Oh where do I begin there is so much to go over.”

Lyra stood upright on her back hooves and extended her forehoof to Twilight.

“This is how humans greet one another for starters.” said Lyra with a smile.

“And this is ho....”

“The castle door swung open to a screaming Scootaloo.

“Princess Twilight, Princess Twilight.”

“Whats wrong Scootaloo.” she asked running to her.

“Sweetiebell and Applebloom are distracting a monster by the Everfree Forest.”

“WHAT!!!.” yelled Twilight.

“It was looking for you, but we don’t know what it wanted. So Applebloom and Sweetiebell stayed to keep it busy while I got you.”

Twilight disappeared out the door with Lyra and Scootaloo running to catch up.

As she drew closer to the Everfree forest she saw Sweetiebell and Applebloom.

Her horn lite up as she disappeared. With a flash, she reappeared between the fillies and the creature in front of them. She closed her eyes and charged her horn again preparing to release a strong magical attack.

“Get away from them you monster.” she shouted.

“WAIT!!” came the scream from behind her.

Twilight jerked her head up releasing a beam of pink magic into the air. She opened her eye to see three very stunned and confused humans.

“Oooh Nooo, I’m so sorry. I am so sorry,” stammered Twilight. “I didn’t know it was you. Scootaloo said there were monsters. Please don’t be upset nopony here is going to hurt you, we don’t want a fight.”

“Whoa!! What in the hell was that?” said Dustin pulling himself together.

“Please tell me your all humans from earth.”, said Twilight in near panic.

“Yeah that’s right, now what was that light?” asked Dustin again.

“Oh that was just a...just a magic spell to fend off danger.” said Twilight crossing her front legs.

Adrian looked at the purple pony in disbelief.

Twilight reared up as Lyra had showed her. extending her hoof out.

“I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle, I’m glad to finally meet you.”

Dustin stood up taking her hoof in his hand.

“Nice to meet yo... Hold on a minute. Were you expecting us or something?”

“Well actually, we knew you were here in Equestria but we didn’t know where.”

“How could you know we were here, when we don’t even know where here is?”

“If you’d accompany me back to Ponyville I can answer most of your questions.”

“I apologize, I’m Dustin this is Anthony, and that’s Adrian.”

“Twilight!!!” Lyra yelled as she and Scootaloo came running up to join her.

Lyra’s eyes turned as round a saucers and her mouth hung open.

“I a, I a, I...”

Twilight smacked Lyra in the shoulder.

“Ow. Oh, uh hi I’m Lyra.” said the mint colored pony.

Dustin stepped towards her sticking out his hand.

“I’m Dustin nice to meet you.”

Lyra looked at the hand in front of her.

“Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh.”

She reared up and put her front hoof into Dustin’s hand.

“I can’t believe it. Humans... with hands and fingers and its just so, so amazing.”

Together the group walked back to Twilight’s castle. Lyra assaulted the trio with a barrage of questions as they passed though Ponyville. The towns ponies looked at the three newcomers with a mix of curiosity, disbelief and wonder. The expressions were returned from the humans looking back at them.

Adrian let out a low drawn out whistle as they approached the castle.

“I guess they weren’t joking when they called her Princess.”

“That’s right I am known as the Princess of Friendship. You all must be worn out please come inside, I have a room prepared for each of you.”

“Hey Twilight”, came a voice from behind them.

“Everypony this is my assistant Spike.”

“Number one assistant.”, corrected Spike as he walked through the group.

“So what are you? Some sort of talking lizard?” asked Adrian.

“Actually, I’m a dragon.”

“Spike will you please show our guests to their rooms.”

With that the three followed the purple and green dragon through the castle to their adjoining rooms.

Dustin walked into his room, it was amazing. Two large windows surrounded by blue curtains provided a great view of the small town. There was a large bed, a wardrobe and a private bathroom. The crystal like walls were smooth as glass but seemed to give off a slight warmth. He dropped my rifle and gear on the bed and worked the tension out of his shoulders. The sound of running water came from the room next door. He figured Adrian was taking a shower.

Dustin decided it was time to get some answers so he holstered his .45 and slung the rifle across his back as he headed out the door. He walked down the hall and a flight of stairs where he came across the three young ponies he had first encounter. Dustin waved as he walked towards them and they all looked down at the floor.

“We’re really sorry mister.”, they said almost in unison.

“Sorry? What do you have to be sorry about?”

“We thought you was a monster.” said Applebloom pawing at the floor.

“Its okay, I’ve been called a lot worse then that, so don’t worry about it. I was just glad you three were able to help.”

“But Twilight almost blasted you because of me.” said Scootaloo, tears starting to build in her eyes.

Dustin reached down and tussled the pony’s mane, giving her a reassuring smile.

“It’s all good so don’t worry. If it hadn’t been for the three of you we might still be wandering around out there.

Scootaloo smiled as Dustin looked the three ponies over.

“Don’t take this the wrong way but what are you three? I mean I know your ponies but I see your all a little different.”

“Really.” said Scootaloo, spreading out her wings.

“I’m a pegasus.” she stated proudly.

“I am a unicorn.” said Sweetiebell thrusting her horn into the air striking a pose.

“I’ma earth pony.” stated Applebloom stepping forward sticking out her chest.

“We maybe different but together we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” they cheered together.”

“And just what are Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“We spend out free time tryin ta get our cutie marks.” said Applebloom.

“Okay, so whats so important about a cutie mark?”

The three fillies looked at him with a deadpan expression.

“They’re just the most important thing anypony can hope for. Its a symbol of what each ponies special talent is. We all get em once we figure it out, so we try doing as much as we can so we can get ours.” said Scootaloo.

“So what all have you tried?”

“About everything.” sighed Sweetiebell.

“Hey! Do ya have any idea’s how we could get em?” asked Applebloom excitedly.

“Well, let me tell you a secret.” he said dropping down to one knee.

The young fillies leaned in close.

“I don’t have a cutie mark either.”

Three small mouths dropped open at the revelation.

“What?? But aren’t you a stallion?”

Dustin had to think about it for a second, then realized they meant an adult.

“Yep, and still no cutie mark, and I bet my friends don’t have one either.”

“Then you can join the Cutie Mark Crusaders and we can help each other out.” said Scootaloo with a huge grin.

“I might just have to take you up on that offer sometime.”

“Alright you fillies, don’t you have something else you should be doing.” asked Twilight as she walked up.

“We’ll talk later Mister Dustin.”, said Sweetiebell as the trio turned and headed out the door.

Twilight chuckled as she looked up at him.

“Sorry about that.”

“Its alright, I have a couple kids back home. I’ve always liked to encourage and play with them.” said Dustin as he stood up.

Twilight fought to hold back her tears as she remembered what Celestia had told her.

“What’s wrong your Highness?”

Twilight managed a smile, “Please just call me Twilight okay.”

“I can do that. By the way if you have a few minutes could you explain some things to me.”

“Sure. What would you like to know?”

“Well I’ve met a unicorn, a pegasus, and an earth pony. You seem to be a combination of all three.”

“I’m an Alicorn, as are the other princesses of Equestria.”

“Well, how do you address males and females and such.”

“Oh that’s easy. Adult females are called mares, and males are informally referred to as stallions. In a formal setting we call them gentle colts. The young ones we refer to as fillies or colts, and the newborns are called foals.”

“How is it on your world?”

“Adult males are informally called guys, formally they are referred to as gentlemen. Females are girls or ladies. The young humans are called children or kids, and newborns are called infants. Anyway while we are on the topic of earth do you think you could explain how we got here?”

Before Twilight could explain the castle door swung open.

“Whats this I hear about monsters from the Everfree forest, and why didn’t anyone get me?” yelled a sky blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. “I mean seriously Twilight how could you go and get in a fight without me.”

“Well Rainbow Dash, let me introduce you to Dustin, one of the humans.”, said Twilight with a grin.

The blue pegasus shot across the room leaving a multicolored streak through the air.

“Are you really a human? Come on, do something awesome.”

“That’s no way to treat our honored guest.”, scowled Twilight

The blue pony flew to face level with Dustin sticking her tongue out at Twilight making him chuckle.

“The names Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all Equestria.” she said boldly.

“That sounds like quite the claim to me.” replied Dustin cocking an eyebrow.

Rainbow Dash hovered in closer looking him dead in the eye.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Not at all, its a pleasure to meet a beautiful mare like you.” he replied.

Rainbow Dash’s face turned red as she blushed.

Wow I didn’t know a pony could blush. Thought Dustin.

“So Twilight, when we taking him to Princess Celestia and Luna?” said Rainbow Dash quickly changing the topic.

“Well before you interrupted I was just about to bring that up.”

“Dustin when you and your friends are ready we need to travel to the capitol city of Canterlot. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, our rulers, have requested you all be brought to see them. They can explain everything to you in far better detail then me. If you’d like we can head out tomorrow so you and your friends get a chance to rest.”

Dustin felt the sling of his rifle pull tight against his chest. He swung it around into his hands and turned around.

“Whoa. I was just checkin it out! What is that thing anyway?”asked a shocked Rainbow Dash.

“This is my rifle. Its my weapon please don’t touch it.”

“A weapon!!” said Twilight stepping away. “There’s no need to carry a weapon around here.”

“Its a habit and I just feel more comfortable if I have it on me.”

Twilight looked over the odd device with great interest.

“I’d like you to explain this to me sometime if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Anthony would be the one to talk to. He’s better at explaining all the technical stuff.”

“Howdy Ya’ll” came a call from behind them.

They looked up to see four more ponies standing in the still open doorway.

They trotted up staring at Dustin with a look of confusion.

The orange pony in a cowboy hat came straight up to Dustin.

“Are ya’ll one a those human’s the princess was tellin us about.” she asked.

Twilight stepped forward.

“Okay girls I’d like to introduce you to Dustin. His two friends are here as well.”

“Well shucks, welcome ta Ponyville pardner.” said the orange mare.

“Mah names Applejack.”, she said tipping her hat forward.

Suddenly Dustin’s vision was filled by a mass of bright pink fur.

“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie, Welcome to Ponyville. I’m so excited your here cause now I can throw you all a Welcome to Equestria party. Humans do like parties right? I mean I’ve never met a human before, but of coarse you like parties. Everypony likes parties.”

Before he could even process what had been said the pink pony disappeared in a blur.

“Wow. That was....different.”

“Never mind her darling.” said a white mare as she brushed her lovely purple mane back away from her face. “Pinky Pie gets so excited around anypony new to town. Sometimes her enthusiasm can be overwhelming.”

Rarity’s eyes grew large as she looked the human over.

“What is that your wearing darling? It looks so out of season.”

Dustin looked down at his dirty uniform wishing he had changed.

“This is my uniform, I have three more just like it. It’s kinda of all we have.”

“Oh that simply won’t do. The three of you can come by my boutique and I’ll make you something absolutely divine. I do so love a challenge.”

Dustin looked up and saw the last pony, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane, standing nervously behind the rest. She raised her head and realized he was looking at her which made her cower slightly.

“And you are?” he asked stepping forward.

‘I’m Fluttershy” said the yellow pony as she crossed her hooves in front of her.

“Excuse me?”

“That’s Fluttershy” said Rainbow Dash impatiently.

“Well let me go talk to the other guys. Do you happen to have something to eat? We haven’t had anything since Zecora fed us last night. Maybe we could talk some more over lunch? That would also give me a chance to introduce you to my friends.”

“That sounds great.”, said Twilight. “I’ll have Spike put something together for us. Some pony will let you know when the food is ready.”

“Ya’ll better plan on goin to a party tonight too.” added Applejack. “Pinkie Pie would be awfully disappointed if ya’ll didn’t come to yer own party.”

“I think we can work something out.”

Dustin bid fairwell to the mares and turned to find his way back to his room