As Paul snoozed in his cozy bed, the bright orb lifted to the sky, emitting gentle warmth and a ray of light into Paul’s room. His heavy bags rose slightly at the beam of day until shuffling around to find a proper position to stretch his arms. Hearing his back pop, he felt calm and rested for a couple of minutes until slowly sliding from his bed. Breathing the fresh air, he scratched his back and erected, searching for his belongings. They sat next to the door, neatly packed and ready to go.

Sighing, he remembered that this was only a temporary stay and he’d be back sleeping on other ponies’ couches or maybe even on his own. That was unless Queen Chrysalis wouldn’t mind if he stayed for a while until he found a stable home or received a job. Applying for a job was hard, but if you’re alien and applying? It would have been worse. Unless if he were to be interviewed by the Cakes or the Apples, then it wouldn’t be as big of a problem, but still.

He sat in what seemed to be silence before a strange sound emitted from somewhere. Turning his head, he found nothing. He took a glance in the bathroom, but there was nothing to be seen. But every time he moved, he could still hear a slow, singular beep at the same rate and volume. Going back to the bathroom, he stared around for anything unusual since that was the last place he could hear it increase. Staring at the clear tiles, they soon became flashing a grey shadow on the wall. It looked like a shadow. No, it was a shadow! Straining his head, he found something stuck to his back. Paul wasn’t quite sure what it was but how did it get there? His arms were long enough to reach his back, attempting to pull it out and not ruin Rarity’s design. He panicked, throwing off his shirt and observing the odd object stuck to his shirt.

Zooming on the object, its features were very dull. The light that was being emitted was a small bulb with tiny holes next to it, the reasoning towards the unsettling noise. The material used felt very flimsy but light. Looking for the switch, Paul tilted the object. He found a button on the side, pushing it while hoping it doesn’t self-destruct.

The device powered down, giving a sigh of relief to Paul. But this raised some questions in his mind. What was that thing? How did he even get it?

Huh, looks like something from Fallout.

Does that really matter now? Paul yelled.

What? It looks rustic, probably an old device that malfunctioned. It was probably already working before it made those noises. What else would make a beeping noise and not give a warning about something?

Paul sighed, I guess you do have a point. Question is, how do we get rid of it?

Looking inside of his shirt, he found nothing puncturing the fabric. It must have been an adhesive. Staring at the device once again, he began to pull forcefully, regretting his decision. With a small rip, the shirt was unexpectedly damaged with only a slight hole. However, the device was the complete opposite, there wasn’t a small rip but its whole structure had shattered into their separate components. A small circuit board laid on the floor with coloured wires hanging loosely. The red bulb had been launched from the wrecked device, ending its journey next to the shower doors. The switch remained with the battered base, ripping to shreds on one side. Negativity was right, it was weak.

Grabbing the salvage, he tossed it in his suitcase, trying to stuff everything inside.

Have any ideas, Negativity? Paul thought as he arranged his case.

For once, I do. I have a feeling it was Lyra, who knows? She probably strapped that thing onto you while you were unconscious. He began to throw some clothes on himself.

I don’t think so, someone would have told us by now, especially Twilight! How about Discord or that stallion we found in the bathroom?

I doubt it. Discord is just plain insane to do anything sophisticated, and another ‘no’ for the detective stallion. He probably knows about the murder and probably knows about Lyra, and with you, it’d make perfect sense to try and protect you rather than track you down and possibly kill you.

IIt’s plausible, but not likely. We don’t even know who that guy was.

His thoughts were broken by a quick knock and a familiar voice on the other end, “Uh, can I come in, please? I request an entry, mister. The guards allowed me through but only for a limited time. Um, please open the door.” It was Ball Point.

He sounded more worried than his normal cheery voice, but Paul didn’t know much about him so he couldn’t tell if he was enthusiastic all the time or uptight in his work.

“Sure, come in,” Paul said, twisting the handle, “Just try not to mess anything up inside.”

Ball Point stepped inside, revealing his whole stature. His light-yellow coat along with square glasses made him look the part of a news reporter. Glancing at his cutie mark, he found a ballpoint pen, a hint of how he received his special talent - in writing, Paul presumed. His mane was brown with a streak of a lighter shade flowing down his curls. The same design was implemented with his tail, besides his tail ending sharply on serrated edges. He was one of the very few ponies wearing clothing, having a pony-sized shirt with a breast pocket for his attire - one to fit his pen and notepad.

“I want to ask you a couple of questions, that’s all,” He pulled out his notepad, fixing his pen in his hoof.

Ball Point sat comfortably on the ground, ready to ask his first questions, “Have you done an interview before here in Equestria? If so, with who?”

“Well, I’ve been interviewed, sort of, by the Princess of Friendship, Twili-”

Ball Point was stunned with his eyes flung open, he interrupted Paul, “You’ve... You’ve met Princess Twilight Sparkle? THE Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

Paul pinched his chin, “I’m quite sure there’s only one Princess of Friendship.”

Ball Point lit up, giving off an energy of envy, “I have yet to meet her, especially have an interview with her! Oh, I’m really want to have a chat with her one day. Oh, um, sorry. I lost track. So that was the first question, I guess.”

Paul just sat regularly on his bed, listening to Ball Point’s stammering. To his surprise, Paul heard him stutter for a couple of minutes until properly continuing his interview. Ball Point asked his next question.

“How are your experiences so far in Equestria? Good? Bad? Mediocre?”

Paul began his explanation of mixed feelings for the world. He droned on about the ponies, how they were quite cautious at first until discovering that Paul was no threat to them at all. And despite being taken away twice, he still managed to make new acquaintances and friends, but he never told Ball Point a single detail about that for it could have brought up the Changeling Queen. After that, he mentioned how the food was very scarce for Paul so he had to switch to alternatives he didn’t cope with in his own world. This struck an eyebrow raise but he regained his composure and continued writing. It was either Ball Point was surprised or he was thinking about what to write. On the other hand, Paul wished that everything he wrote was true.

“Okay! Unfortunately, that’s all the time that I have. Sorry if you wanted more but I’ll be sure to visit you in Ponyville when I get the chance!” Ball Point exclaimed leaving his room with the door open.

Instantly, Princess Celestia peered her head through the door, noticing Paul sitting on the bed with his suitcase on the floor neatly packed and books on the dresser. She gave a short smile until she asked the guards to grab his belongings and escort him to the station. Guilt surged throughout Paul’s mind for not carrying his own luggage, he personally didn’t want to burden anyone. But seeing how the guards were trained to assist, Paul just had to accept.

As the guards carried his suitcase and books down towards the courtyard, Paul began to organise his bed until Princess Celestia tapped his shoulder. Turning over, Princess Celestia shook her head ending with Paul with a confused face. Ceasing his actions, he warded his hands away from the sheets and Princess Celestia arranged the bed with her magic, separating the pillows, blanket and mattress. Setting the bedding to the side of the room, Princess Celestia carried an orb of her magic in the air. Paul stared at this dumbfoundedly, unknowing of its presence. He never knew much about magic so he shrugged the thought off, thinking of a crude explanation of what she suspended in the air. Princess Celestia carried the translucent orb in the air and stepped outside with Paul by her side. She hovered the yellow, distorted ball closer to her eyes as though she could see something inside of her own magic.

What’s she looking at, atoms? Negativity remarked, chuckling slightly.

A hint of cherry blossoms settled on Princess Celestia’s cheeks, arching her brow until she slowly floated the orb at a distance. She returned to her usual expression and she looked back at Paul. He remained with a worried face, unknowing of what do.

His comfort slowly depleted until he spoke with an inch of confidence, “What are you holding there?” He gestured to Princess Celestia’s orb of magic.

It was Princess Celesta’s turn to snap into existence, blinking rapidly. She aligned her gaze with Paul and gaped her mouth to speak but was unable to waster her breath. She sighed and closed her mouth, darting her search on the ground. An excuse lit the bulb in her mind.

“It’s nothing. It’s just tiny bed bugs I collected from the mattress,” She chuckled lightly as she formed a childish expression, but Paul couldn’t be fooled by her stuttered speech. He gave a blank face, “Okay, it’s,” She paused, “Something that’s yours but it’s nothing you should know about. Not now anyway.”

She painted a gloomy atmosphere in her mind, giving a sad pout, “I’m sorry for lying to you. I shouldn’t have kept it from you.”

Paul’s serious pose turned into a softer stature, analysing Princess Celestia’s defenselessness. She was sitting on the cool floor while she frowned from her inconsistency of being a model for all her subjects. Her mane flowed slower than usual and a tear had been visible as it hit the ground.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Paul said, feeling more guilt inside.

Princess Celestia shook her head and straightened her back, towering over Paul once again, “It’s alright, Paul. I just wanted you to be safe that’s all. What I have here is very dangerous and must be protected. You have something many others don’t in your world. You’re special.”

Those two words meant everything to Paul, especially coming from a wise and royal being! He nodded politely, trusting the princess to continue her duties. And as expected, she did. She asked Paul to follow the guards, towards the train station. Wide-eyed, Paul considered the chariot that overlooked the regions of Equestria. Unfortunately, Princess Celestia declined due to her royal duties. Understanding, Paul proceeded to the guards’ location which resided outside the castle. The hallway echoed with his soft footsteps before he turned and waved to the Princess of the Sun.

She smiled back and bade him farewell as she trotted the other way.

As momentum made him glide down every step, Paul landed on the surface with painful force near to sprain his ankle. Feeling the pain surge throughout his right foot, Paul ceased his path to the carriage and limped causing the guards to assist him.

You could have done that slowly, you know. Just because you’re eager to see Applejack again doesn’t mean you get yourself hurt.

Yes, I know, Paul thought as he was settled inside the carriage while a guard attempted to heal his foot.

His back was positioned awkwardly in the carriage while his foot stuck out. A guard threw off his shoes and tended his feet while the others panicked for an aid. A door burst open from the guards’ barracks and a guard galloped towards Paul with a worried but determined look. Setting down the saddlebag of medical supplies, he pulled off the red-cross-shaped latch and tore out a bandage along with syringes and tiny jars of liquid which rolled on the ground. Another guard came charging in with an odd piece of wood, it was one that had the shape of a boomerang.

The guard tending Paul’s foot moved to take the other take over. Planting the piece of peculiar wood over his ankle and asked for bandages and a pin of some sort. Holding the wood in place, a guard passed him the bandages having him wrap the wood around his foot. Asking for another wooden piece, a guard rushed over to their barracks only to find no more certain pieces of wood.

Defeated, the guard insisted to stabilise his foot until they reached Ponyville. He would be given crutches there. Paul understood his orders but he felt no pain in his foot anymore. It was thought it was only a minor injury that could heal immediately. Telling the guards of his now healthy condition, they exchanged embarrassed faces and apologised for being such lunatics. Paul admired their work ethic, creating less of an awkward atmosphere.

Removing the unneeded materials, the guards packed the saddlebag and continued their escort to Canterlot Station. This time the guards began to talk to Paul, asking him questions about his visit to their city they protect. Although the inquiries were basic and overused, Paul still provided a calm wave for the guards to pass the time. As soon as they knew it, they arrived at their destination, already unpacking the carriage and ensuring Paul’s safety. Unfortunately having missed the first train, Paul rested easily as he asked to see the books he borrowed from Moondancer.

He began with the book that he was curious about and something he would need to know - Magic: The Basic Properties Volume I. Noticing how thick the book was, he had a whole lot to read. Already, Paul was mesmerised by the book for Rainbow Dash to call him an egghead.

The clopping of hooves stirred throughout Canterlot Castle and each step quickened form the next. Princess Celestia stammered in a dark room while her horn was lit. That wasn’t the only thing that provided light though. In the back of the room was a projected screen of a human - Paul. There were other projections on other sides of the room, all being produced by Princess Celestia’s magic.

“No, no, no!” She repeated rapidly while she stared at a meter that was a quarter way through.

She paced more, watching Paul when he entered Twilight’s Castle through her portal, “So it’s true.”

Princess Celestia watched intently as a scene unfolded in front of her. Paul was breathing rapidly while Twilight tried to comfort him. Later, she found Spike with a shovel and Paul on the crystal floor, and finally, a moment where the Mane Seven, Spike and Paul were surrounding the Cutie Map.

A short knock disrupted Princess Celestia’s concentration. She grunted in annoyance but politely insisted for them to come in. Turning to the door, Princess Luna was in the view. Princess Celestia sighed in her presence as she continued to watch the previous events.

“Sister, I thank you for collecting Paul’s memories. I trust that you retrieved them from the mattress, yes?” Princess Celestia nodded from her sister’s question.

“Very well, let me take over sister, you have other duties to attend to. I hear Ball Point has something for you.” She requested as her sister exited the room and passing on the job to Princess Luna.

The whole room had transformed into a calm midnight atmosphere with Princess Luna engulfing her sister’s work. Viewing the information herself, she had to deal with the problem.

A familiar horn beeped angrily as its wheels screeched along the tracks. Paul looked up from his book as he lost his focus and targeted the train that scraped by. But he soon forgave the train his mind as the guards loaded a cart with Paul’s belongings. Surprised they were still in attendance, Paul ambled slowly into a train cart and two guards were in pursuit. He raised a brow from their actions, also stirring some interested stares over their way. It was merely for safety reasons by Princess Celestia, he was considered special to her and it would have been a shame if he was gone so easily.

The guards cantered in, waiting for which seat Paul would take. Paul occupied the seat that was next to him, one next to the door as well while one of the guards stood next to the seat. The other was chatting with the conductor who was startled and unsure of the situation.

Paul eavesdropped a small fraction of the conversation, “...safety... by Princess... accompany... Ponyville.”

Ha! I told you!

Paul scoffed, Shut up.

With the toot of the horn, the doors were stuck shut and the engine began to run. The already familiar sound of the train’s wheels struck nostalgia in his mind. It reminded him of the time he was on the way to his new home. His car was in repair and Miki hadn’t learned how to drive yet merely from the lack of money. One day after the other, he would bring either three boxes or a large suitcase, or both dependent on his needed assistance.

He remembered his little sister volunteer to help out and their parents allowed it. It was his last batch to move into his new home. Sara carried a suitcase while Paul was handling three boxes filled with junk he had left. The two were chatting a whole lot for the entire ride before it was over. Sara rested a box on the adjustable handle to ease out Paul’s load with only two boxes to carry. It was a short walk from the station to his home until they settled his belongings.

Once they arrived, Sara had to leave in four minutes for the train’s arrival. She gave the sweetest smile to Paul and gave a warm embrace. Both of them flooded their eyes with tears and said their final goodbyes. They knew they wouldn’t see each other again.

His vision blurred until he was back in Equestria. Paul’s eyes began to tear up from that memory and wiped his eyes. He sniffed slightly so no one would notice and stared out the window, noting the natural view - a break from built structures and man-made buildings. He basked in that sight for a while until they passed a shining blanket of sapphires. The lake was a gorgeous sight but was short-lived until they encountered safe land once again. Paul tried to stare back at the water until there were no specks of blue on the ground. He missed gazing at nature, noticing its true features even if it was a tiny detail. Although Paul was keen on technology, he would always admire the natural side of things.

Soon, the bare fields of green turned into a brown colour, slowly leading into a small town: Ponyville.

The wheels scraped once more with the horn blaring. The train had ceased to move and ponies began to bustle in and out of the carts. Paul waited for all the other ponies to exit until it was his turn. Once he took a step outside the train, he immediately grew a smile on his face seeing Twilight and her friends come see him come back from his short trip. Pinkie Pie had shot her party cannon, releasing confetti and hastily gave Paul an umbrella for coverage which then became a seabed of confetti. The guards exited the train with Paul’s belongings, getting a smirk from Twilight from the number of books and the suitcase. She was for sure that he had gotten her note.

“Oh! It’s so great you’re here, Paul!” Pinkie shouted ecstatically, harbouring some attention towards them.

Paul gave no interest to his surrounding and focussed on his favourite group of friends. Pinkie Pie embraced him until he couldn’t breathe, breaking the fourth wall once again. Rainbow Dash remained afloat wearing an odd piece of attire. It was a blue suit with a flaming streak of yellow straight in the middle. A pair of cyan goggles laid on her head which provided a nice look. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were also on the scene each with their own unique and comforting smiles. Paul’s eyes began to fill with tears of joy until he resisted his feelings, breathing deeply for no one to notice.

What took him by storm was a banner which read: Welcome back, Paul! It warmed his heart as it reminded him of his family - loving and kind even in the harshest of times.

Twilight Sparkle spoke for the rest of them, “Welcome back, Paul. It’s great that you’re back with us! You must be pretty puffed out from the tour Princess Celestia gave you. Would you like a rest?” She said while the guards placed down his things.

“Or are you still up for a party?” Pinkie interrupted with excitement and joy.

“Now why would I miss a party with the best ponies around!” Paul said while Pinkie gave a cheerful smile as she bounced towards their destination with the others strolled.

As Twilight carried Paul’s luggage with her magic (the guards already left for Canterlot), she chatted with Paul about his visit. He found it very interesting and worthwhile with everything that was seen. While Paul explained his story, Rainbow Dash and Applejack chimed in while Pinkie and Rarity were babbling about the party. Paul was too busy to catch anything but he thought that it’d be a blast! Fluttershy was chauffeuring the Crusaders, ensuring that they don’t wander off or ‘ruin the plan’ so unfortunately, they remained at the back of the group. Fluttershy didn’t mind though, it was only the Crusaders and a part of Paul that they wanted them to have a small chat with Paul.

With the chatter filling in wasted time of silence, the joyful group was halfway to their destination. Paul still wasn’t told where they were headed for the party. He had hoped for Sweet Apples Acres the most but he also considered Sugarcube Corner - a place fit for a legitimate party. If it was Twilight’s Castle, it would be great from the amount of space they would have. It was a bonus from the fact they could actually explore the castle! From memory, Paul had only seen the entrance and the cutie map.

A small but noticeable, dark stump broke Paul’s speech while he informed the group about his previous meals. He stopped suddenly which made Pinkie bump into his rump. After apologising for the sudden lack of movement, he observed the removal of the stump. It was as though it was burned to ashes a few years prior, and still remained unscathed until then. Oddly, there were a considerable number of ponies working on that object. Some had planks of wood and wheelbarrows and carts filled with tools in the background. There happened to be orange tape surrounding their operation.

Pinkie’s bounces ended, glancing at the site, “Oh! It’s Twilight’s Old Tree-Library, just... burnt down.” Her tone dropped, losing her bright smile.

“What are they doing to the stump? A removal?” Applejack asked, not knowing who to look to.

“I bet it’s just that,” Paul said still staring at the evidence, “It’ll just be an obstruction to anyone who comes across it. You said this used to be Twilight’s Library? It would have proved useful. What happened to it?”

All eyes turned to Twilight as she spoke, “Tirek destroyed it. All those books, studies and information are gone. I’m sorry you had to see this, Paul. And yes, it is the removal of the stump. I, uh, received some letters about some complaints about that, and so I had some ponies get rid of it, they've started a few days ago and won't be done in, say, a couple months or so."

“A couple of months?" Paul paused, "For one stump?"

"Yep!" Twilight stated brightly, "They would have to recover the ground they had for removing the roots. Humans probably do it quicker since you have fingers, and we don't, and if I can recall, there will be something replacing the library. Technically, my castle is a library, just not public... yet." She blushed childishly at her statement while they continued their trek.

Something isn't right.

Can't they just use magic?

The sight was stunning, a crystal lake mixed with sand and lush land. On the hill was a small red-checkered blanket with pegs puncturing into the soil. On the base of the hill was a small wooden table stacked with small barrels, icy pastries and three trays of pie lined up perfectly. All of which gave a sweet aroma to their muzzles and singular nose. On the grains of yellow sat four sun-bathing chairs with a pony already resting with dark shades.

As the Crusaders raced down to the sandy shore ready for a swim, Applejack and Pinkie Pie stood at the table ensuring that all the food was alright to eat. Rarity and Twilight ambled with Paul to meet the guests on the chairs. A cyan mare with a light-blue and white mane smiled at Paul and threw her arms around him, slowly removing the glasses. Lyra Heartstrings was in view.

"Ah, it's good to see you!" Lyra said, inhaling the fresh air around her.

"I've only been gone for a few days, Lyra." Paul gave a smirk.

"Yea, I know. But you're a really cool person to hang around with. Twilight invited me over since she knew you were going to return today." Lyra continued.

Before Paul could say another word, Rainbow Dash had called them over for some food splayed out on the table. Paul motioned over to Lyra who already received the memo, both nearing the table. They all stood silently with the fillies' tiny noises in the background and Pinkie's struggle to climb onto the table without knocking over any food.

As she grunted humorously, Paul resisted a snicker while she desperately tried to get on the table. Twilight giggled with her hoof in the way as she lit her horn and lifted Pinkie with ease.

She gazed at the surrounding aura, "Oh, thank you," She cleared her throat, "We are here to welcome Paul back to Ponyville, and his first week anniversary!" She bounced about even with Twilight's magic encapturing her as the ponies clopped their hooves together.

Has it already been a week? Paul thought while Pinkie gave a speech about him, saying everything random she could pull from her mane. She even managed to work out the exact time he travelled through the portal, something about a 'Pinkie Sense' that Paul could barely make out from her rambling; an ear flick, double blink and swirly tail.

"...and from his adventures, he's now with his friends!" She ended with a party cannon blasting pieces of colours into the atmosphere.

And before the confetti could land on the food, out-of-shot she pulled a vacuum and sucked them all in, lightly patting it and shoving it out-of-shot. Another one of Pinkie's breaks.

The guests were satisfied: Rainbow Dash was chilling with Fluttershy on the sun-bathing chairs while the Crusaders finally finished their laps around the lake, ending their crusade at the table of delicious goodness. Rarity and Applejack discussed there while they poured themselves the sweetest apple juice they could brew. Occasional chuckles from Applejack could be heard as well as Rarity's hyperboles while they chatted about Paul jokingly. Paul had no attention towards them though. He was already occupied.

On the hill laid a Twilight Sparkle with an immersed Paul who gripped a small cup of apple juice on the checkered blanket as well as a Lyra Heartstrings listening in.

"Why isn't Spike here?" Paul slurped his drink.

"He's really busy for some reason. He was in such a hurry this morning that I had no chance to ask him what he was doing. But he did say a couple of words, hoping that I would understand."

"And that is?" Paul leaned his head in.

"Documents that's essential," Twilight replied, "You'd think that he would trust me by now to show me these, especially with me as a princess."

Paul bobbed his head slightly, "It's probably for the best. If it was for you, it would be for you, and vice versa. It's like someone telling you a secret and you blurt it out to someone else - it's not right."

Even though you did it in the past?

I was seven, okay!

"I guess," Twilight glanced up as she spotted Applejack waved her hoof at them, "Oh! I'm pretty sure that's for you."

"What is it?" Paul asked.

"Something you'll enjoy, I'm sure of it." Twilight gave a proud expression. She definitely knew what was going on.

Paul sighed and hopped from his comfortable position. He still clenched his glass as he trekked cautiously down the hill, careful not to trip himself. With a thud, he reached the bottom and ambled towards the apple juice barrel. As he was about to push the faucet, Applejack made a peculiar sound - one of secrecy. A 'pst' to be precise.

Glancing at her, Paul strolled towards his orange friend, ending his small walk next to her. As though alerted, Applejack stared about until she tapped the table's cloth. Paul cocked his head at this motion until she repeated, this time she added a stronger force with her guard up. Paul slowly lifted the cloth until a small barrel was revealed. Upon inspection, it was thought to be a spare wooden cylinder filled with more juice with a small latch on top. Shifting it across the green, Paul pulled the latch and lifted the lid uncovering his prediction. But it was different to what he tasted before, it was cold and the smell had differed from his regular drink.

Dipping his cup under the liquid, he snatched a sip and marvelled at his favoured beverage - cider.

Paul glanced up at Applejack who smiled intently and motioned him to continue his waterfall. And so he did, draining the cup. Applejack's ears perked from the sound of the disturbance of grass, turning her head to find Lyra, not the Crusaders.

"Is it good?" Lyra whispered, giving Paul an assuring look.

Paul nodded while he continued to gulp down every last drop. He smacked his lips and sighed in ecstasy, feeling the liquid surge throughout his body and into his hungry stomach. Feeling the liquid settle calmly, he took another swig, much quicker than his previous drink.

"Enjoyed it, Paul?" Applejack said with a still smile, Paul nodded in approval, "Well, that's your gift from us."

Paul looked at her with confusion, until Lyra hopped into the frame, "Applejack and I decided to brew up something special since we heard you were coming back. I added a little something to that mix. So how are you feeling?"

Paul clicked, "Refreshed, what else?"

"Nothing involving mood changes, preferences or priorities?" Lyra asked suspiciously growing a concerned face.

Paul hesitated with a tall brow, "No, why?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just precautions, you know. Like I said, I added something in there - something magical so to speak." Lyra winked as she trotted off to the grassy mound, laying down next to Twilight.

"Speaking of gifts," Applejack stood from the table, dropping the fabric, "Alright, everyone! Time to get your gifts ready!"

All eyes turned to the duo as smiles bloomed from their muzzles as they all trotted down to the table. Pinkie popped her head from under the table, making Paul jump with a yelp. She snickered until pulling herself out and handing Paul a wrapped box with a red bow and pink paper. Paul glanced from the present to Pinkie giving a bright grin and altered to gaze at the surrounding ponies. Twilight Sparkle levitated a white box with an enclosed lid while Rainbow Dash remained afloat with a parcel made from scrunched paper. Rarity used her magic to launch sacks of bits on the table which were labelled with numbers. Fluttershy meekly peeked under her wing while the other planted a small basket of tasty, healthy wonders, otherwise known as fruits.

Paul looked carefully at the gifts as he stared with watered eyes, he sniffed and caressed the presents. His emotions were repressed and gave his thanks in a crack of gratefulness. Paul held Rainbow Dash's parcel softly and noticed the sender with a timid smile and hoof scratching her colourful mane.

"Heh, sorry Paul. I didn't have much time," Rainbow said, "But... I reckon I've gotten you a pretty cool gift."

Paul eyed at the parcel once again, this time engaging a crooked brow as he unwrapped the parcel slowly. He anticipated that there was going to be a cool outfit, possibly what she was wearing in human form, maybe even cologne. He hadn't showered ever since he arrived at Canterlot so it was plausible that he needed some kind of ingredient to cure his stench. But he was proven wrong with a small, squishy pegasus with an untidy rainbow mane and tail. A perfect finish was its cerise eyes and flawless cutie mark: a rainbow bolt shooting from a cloud. A cute Rainbow Dash plushie was snug in Paul's hands.

Paul stared in awe while the others admired the plushie while Rainbow Dash hid under her wings in embarrassment, "Yea, yea, so I got him a plushie of me. It's still pretty cool though, y'know since it's me. What else did you expect me to get? Cologne? Eugh."

Chuckles came from Paul, "Don't sweat it, it's cute."

"I. Am. Not. Cute." Rainbow said sternly.

"Well, the creator thought otherwise." Paul teased, raising the plushie.

Before Rainbow was close to stamping his head, Pinkie shouted eagerly, "Hey Paul, try out my present! Just pull the bow and it'll open."

Doing as told, Paul dragged the bow, releasing confetti in a blast and unravelling the secrets of the pink box. A small party cannon was inside with a distinct design. It carried a dark-yellow base with wheels that had streaks of blue and a light shade of red resting on its centre. The fuse had looked the same from Pinkie's original.

"Haha! See? It's your own M.L.T.P.C.!" She swiftly said.

"My what?"

"Your Mini Little Tiny Party Cannon! I thought it would be obvious." Pinkie clarified.

"Ahhh," Paul said, "I'll keep that in mind."

Eyeing the final boxed present, Paul grasped it in his hands while he cheekily shook it next to his ear, trying to look out for any sounds. He noticed that it was a bit heavy and no pieces were loose. Nothing was hollow either. Unwrapping the box, he found something he thought he'd never see again: a Polaroid camera.

Laying down the box, Paul cupped his face in nostalgia as he recalled the last time his family ever used a camera as old as that.

"I know right, the newest version of the P.I.P. - the Photo Immediate Printer," Twilight informed, admiring the item, "What should your first photo be, Paul?"

Paul stared about, noticing the afternoon rays reflecting off of the sparkling lake and turned back to his friends who had warm smiles stretched on their faces. Paul had already made his choice.

"Three," Paul began, "Two, one," He clicked the button, "Perfect."

An image slipped out of the front and Paul assisted it, staring at the photo in his hand. As the Mane Six, Spike, Crusaders and Lyra peered over Paul's shoulder, they all commented on each and every one of themselves. Paul analysed the image thoroughly and found a glimpse of black and green in the peaceful background. Chrysalis. Again she hid in a bush. Paul chuckled to himself until Lyra tapped his back, forcing him to turn.

"That's the seventh photo with you not wanting to be in it. Why?" Lyra asked in a worried tone.

"So I have every one of you to remember by. Who knows? Maybe there isa way I can go back home and I wouldn't want to forget you ponies."

"Aww, that's sweet, Paul," Pinkie said, "Now how's about you tell us what you wanted for the anniversary!"

"What do you mean, Pinkie?"

"Well, duh! You ask for what you want! I'm sure I've got the thing you want in my mane." Pinkie announced, already scrambling through her messy mane.

"That's the thing: I already got what I wanted. I'm with all the ponies, and dragon, I met when I came to Ponyville. I mean, besides Starlight. Where is she anyway?"

Twilight replied, "She's off with Trixie, her friend. She would have loved to come, though. It's a shame she wasn't here."

"That's a bummer," Paul gazed into the sky, watching the sun disappear and a gleaming, white orb drift into the blue abyss, "Stargazing, anyone?"

Author's Note

Hi everyone, so far I want to thank all of you who have gotten up to this part of the story! Hard to believe that my work has caught the interest of many people, it's quite a scary thought knowing that more than four hundred people have been reading.

Anyways, I'd like for you to know that I've been trying my hardest to get these chapters out and I usually stop myself due to the case of 'writer's block' and these so-called assessments. Speaking of which, I need to study for them. I solemnly hope you all understand what position I'm in, but nonetheless, I'll try to keep producing good work for everyone to read.

-Mr.User

P.S. And please point out anything that does not make sense or any errors, it helps me become a better writer.