"Okay, just a little to the left, fellas," I directed the stallions. "Right there, that's perfect!" I shout.

The stallions helping me let out a relieved sigh as they stretched their backs and legs from moving the heavy piece. I threw a tarp over it to keep it hidden until the big reveal.

"Pinkie, where is everything; I thought you said everything would be ready by now?" I asked her from across the room, as I finished up.

"Almooost," Pinkie Pie sang back, as she bounced on her hooves. "Just putting on the finishing touch." she said as she stopped and stood next to me.

"Pinkie..." I groaned. "It doesn't even look like there's a party about to happen... The food's not here, the tables are nonexistent, and there's no entertainment!" I complained, gesturing at the bare walls, the floor, and ceiling of Twilight's Castle ballroom.

"Wait for it..." Pinkie said mysteriously, while slowly reaching a hoof to a tapestry rope on the nearby wall, as if waiting for the perfect moment to pull it, before yanking hard on a thick golden tapestry cord leading up the wall. Before I had a chance to see where it leads, my vision was filled with an explosion of multicolored paper confetti and streamers.

Once my vision returned and the air was cleared of colorful obstruction, and the entire ballroom was set for the day's events in that instant.

"How did you-" I started to say to the pink Houdini next to me.

"A good party planner never reveals her secrets." Pinkie Pie smiled back mischievously, then sauntered proudly away while humming happily to herself.

"I hope I never get tired of this place..." I muttered in amazement at Pinkie's amazing talent.

A burst of purple sparks exploded in mid-air. And from their dazzling light appeared Princess Twilight Sparkle, the sole ruler of Equestria.

"Is everything going well, Trevor?"

"It's shaping up to be a great party Twilight, thanks again for letting us set up here in the Palace."

Twilight looked embarrassed. "It's the least I could do for my favorite subjects."

"Don't let your little ponies hear you say that, or they might get jealous." I joked, getting a chuckle out of her.

"Is Travis going to be here?" She asked, looking embarrassed.

I chuckled. "Still hung up on him, huh?" She looked away bashfully. "Well, seein' how there's only five of us humans in the world, and this is almost exclusively a human-only party, I'd say your chances are looking pretty good."

The Princess blushed.

Twilight was nearing her first decade as the lone ruler of Equestria, and she was our greatest benefactor. I knew she felt some responsibility over us. We don't know exactly what happened. All we do know, is that Princess Twilight Sparkle and Empress Cadence tried to use the Crystal Heart as a means of near-limitless magical energy. Since Equestria was just discovering the conveniences of modern electricity. The experiment ended in disaster. The Crystal Heart was shattered, yet later restored. Less than a week later, reports of the appearance of a new biped species reached the Princess' ear.

I supposed to her it wasn't a coincidence that the two events were related. All I knew was that I was driving home, until my car fell into the biggest pothole I'd ever seen. Then I woke up in the middle of a park in Manehattan... with half my SUV buried in the dirt like it was a piece from the Cadillac Ranch.

It was still there as one of my first contributions to art and culture.

"Oh my gosh, Kylieeeee-he-he! It's so good to see you again!" Pinkie squealed near the doorway leading out.

"Pinkieeee, it's great to see you too!" I hear Kylie reply back, the two girls are squealing and hugging each other tightly. Kylie has Pinkie lifted off the ground, gently spinning the both of them around in an epic embrace.

Before her arrival to Equestria, Kylie was a typical California high school senior, just like any other teenager. Now, she's a young woman about twenty-three years of age with dirty-blonde hair, a petite hourglass figure, and a bust that was a tad too large for her tiny frame. She was the 'pretty one' of our group; with a bubbly personality to match. And she was popular with the Ponies too. Might've been a given considering she wanted to go for a Communications Major in college. She was a natural socialite, her new life and career took off like a rocket in this Pony-dominated world. She was a very in-demand event coordinator with connections to many of this world's celebrities. She appeared smack in the middle of the Crystal Empire. Talk about a scene... a teen-aged girl confused about whether to scream her head off, or coo and adore all the cute, talking animals around her. At least Empress Cadence was very attentive to her needs and kept the panic down to a minimum; for both her, and the Empire's citizens.

"Guess, what I maaaade," Pinkie teased her human girl-friend.

"What? Oh, don't tell me!" Kylie hopped and clapped her hands in equal excitement.

"Eh, alright, if you don't wanna know." Pinkie Pie shrugged, then cantered away.

"No, wait, okay, tell me, tell me, did you make them? Please tell me you made them?"

"I don't know?" Pinkie shrugged in mock aloofness. "Did I make your favorite brownies that contains every known kind of chocolate in Equestria, or didn't I? Guess you'll have to find out during the party." Pinkie finished, singing teasingly.

"Oh, Pinkie I love you so much, Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet," she rushed forward and somehow managed to stretch herself to whisper in Kylie's ear. "One of the All-choco-questria brownies has a super spicy chili pepper inside it." She whispered loudly. "Someone's gonna get a very special desert!" She announced before skip-hopping away.

Kylie giggled mischievously, while I shrugged and shook my head as her attention turned towards me.

"Hey Big Daddy!" Kylie half-tackled into me.

"Hey famous girl," I leaned down to hug her back, she was a tiny thing; but then again, I was a pretty big and tall guy, even by human standards. "You're not gonna be calling me that for much longer, I've really slimmed down!" I joked. All-You-Can-Eat salad buffets were my go-to eateries.

"I know! I can almost get my arms around you now; but you'll always my Big Daddy." She teased.

We weren't a thing. I was certain that she had daddy issues back home. Maybe Kylie just didn't get enough attention back on Earth. I found that hard to believe. But she never wanted to talk about her family. She was the most eager and excited to be in the Pony World.

Kylie and I didn't have time to catch up before the guests started coming in droves. Ponies that we humans owed our lives and livelihoods to, but many were both friends and friends of friends that wanted to attend the very first quinquennial Human Reunion. But some pink ponies who-shall-remain-nameless, wanted to call our little soiree the "Ape Escape". More mature hooves wanted to call it the Humanitarian Gala, but we all compromised and my suggestion won out.

I got tired of playing host, and went to mingle for a bit; until the next male of our species graced us with his presence.

"Travis, you made it!" Kylie leaned into him while lifting a leg.

"Hey girlfriend!" Travis greeted back, kissing her on each cheek.

"Good to see ya made it, buddy." I welcomed my friend with a platonic hug.

"How's FIllydelphia treating you?" Kylie asked.

"Girl... It's been wonderful, let me tell ya, honey," he began telling her all about his life in the big pony city.

Travis was the science nerd of our group, and appeared near Ponyville. He and Princess Twilight Sparkle really hit it off when it came to integrating human technology with pony magic. Together they created many everyday goods and items that changed the average Equestrian home overnight. Like the magical microwave oven, compact crystalline memory stones, and Velcro. Travis was a great guy, everyone and everypony like him; the dude was generous enough to gift a fair share of his intellectual property to his fellow humans. Just the simple act of creating and improving someone else's life was more than enough for him.

"Darling, aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?" A white Unicorn stallion next to Travis asked.

Travis turned to introduce the two guests he brought with him. "Guys, this is Cashmere, and Long Haul." Travis began as he pointed to a pair of stallions next to him.

Cashmere was a lanky, very smartly dressed, and very well-groomed, and very pretty Unicorn stallion, whereas Long Haul was a much larger, much more casual Earth Pony, who didn't groom himself as much, if at all. It was easy to tell from how feathered the hair on his hooves were on the bulky Draft stallion.

"My coltfriends." Travis added.

Oh, did I forget to mention that Travis is gay? Poor Twilight, the news hit her the hardest.

It was like a crime against Equinity for a stallion--or a male in general--to only have a preference for those of the same sex. The mares vastly outnumbered stallions by 4:1 and often times more than that in other towns. This meant there were at least twelve unlucky girls out there who would never know what it's like to make darker-hued babies with the African ass bandit and his entourage.

Travis is also Black, if you didn't catch that. Which was part of the appeal for Twilight Sparkle. Apparently having a darker-colored coat was considered less attractive among bright, pastel-colored horse-people.

"Oh, my gosh, you never said humans can grow so tall." I hear, Cashmere gasp up to Travis.

I was used to such reactions even back on Earth. I usually had to duck under door frames for safety.

Cashmere's voice was that of a stereotypical queer, but Travis wasn't so far immersed in his orientation.

I try not to judge, given where I was raised. And sometimes my hick accent comes out pretty heavy on some words if I'm not careful. But having a relationship with a Pony... was still kinda weird to me.

Their reaction wasn't surprising given the little guy was only an inch taller than Kylie... I think... maybe they were the same size.

"Well, I'm a bit of a freak in that department." I say to him.

"Lon-Lon, come on; say hi," Travis nudged the Draft pony encouragingly. "He gets pretty shy around new people."

Long Haul I could tell was a strong, silent type. The others never knew it, but him and I were having a deep discussion between each other. With just a bit of eye contact, and a half lip-bite with a half-smile combined with a nod of our heads; we could've been brothers for how much we had in common. And from that, I knew Travis was doing just fine with these two.

"Travis here is a better example of how great good ol' humanity can be." I chuckle. "Even if he is a little guy." I joked.

"Oh he ain't so little anymore," Cashmere started teasingly. "Right Long-Dong- I mean, Lon-Lon."

Long Haul blushed profusely and looked away indignantly.

Oh, ok; it's clear to see who's the top, top, and bottom of this relationship... or would they be top, middle, bottom? And it left little to my imagination, since they stood together just like that with Cashmere on the left, Travis in the Middle, and Long D- Haul on the right.

"Babe, don't, not in front of my peers." Travis admonished.

"Darling, please, I was only having a little fun; besides, maybe your big, handsome friend here would like to know about the Zebra potions you've been taking to make us oh-so happy and satisfied each night." He suggested salaciously.

"Oh look, hon; there's the Hors d' oeuvres," Travis frowned and dragged his misbehaving coltfriend off, all while bickering about embarrassing him in front of us.

Long Haul exchanged awkward and apologetic smiles with us and followed after them.

"Sounds like there's a little trouble in paradise," I joked, getting a titter out of Kylie.

"What about you; no special somepony in your life?" I asked her.

Kylie scoffed in disgust as if she remembered something. "I'm swearing off stallions for awhile. I went on a date with this big name talent manager called Sven Gallop and all he wanted to do was fish for compliments for all the work he put into the date." She let out an exasperated sigh. "Even after I slept with him, he just wanted me to praise how good he was and how much longer he lasted than other stallions."

I almost choked on my own spit after hearing that.

"Oh there's Rarity, I gotta talk to her about a new wardrobe; be back in a bit!" Kylie rushed off to mingle with her high society equal.

I shook my head in disbelief.

I couldn't believe after a bad impression like that, she still slept with the guy.

I figured she was getting lonely. Hell, I was sure we all were after spending so many years apart from our own kind.

The Friendship Council showed up in pairs and joined the party, after I welcomed and thanked all of them. Then a spattering of posh high-society ponies, who we knew just loved having the privilege of being acquainted with the worlds rarest alien race. And also many of these noble-ponies were investors that owned a great amount of stock in Travis' ventures. So I was sure they wanted to get in on the next big thing with him.

I decided it was time to start having a little fun myself. The party was well underway with Ponies, griffins, a dragon, and people alike were conversing well. I went to the punch bowl and poured myself a cup, then entertained myself with a bit of people-pony watching as I lost myself in thoughts while keeping an eye on Kylie, Travis and his entourage.

Cashmere was getting an earful while Long Haul stood stoically off the side. They quickly made amends and helped themselves to some food on the table, then began mingling with the former Element Bearers.

I tried not to think about what activities they'd partake at the after party. I could never see myself doing that... with another man... stallion maybe... HEY! Everyone has at least ONE gay fantasy. All I could think about, was how much it had to hurt, I mean, stallions aren't really known for their self control or anything pertaining to the word "small".

But the whole 'multiple partners' thing...How does something like that even work? I counted myself lucky that I ever managed to find someone who looked passed my flaws. Let alone two, or even three!

I was lonely. And it was getting harder for me to cling onto hope. Of course, it was never easy leaving everything behind; not that I, or the others, had a choice. But the other's lives hadn't begun yet, and I envied them for that. But I had to be strong for them, because I knew they looked up to me; but they would never understand how hard it was for me to just... keep going.

I shook my head of any other depressive thoughts just before I hear a feminine voice call behind me.

"Hey there, stranger."

I turned and was graced by the sight of the only other human female in Equestria. "Krystal, I thought you weren't going to make it!?" I said in shock as we hugged.

Krystal was a few years older than Kylie. A beautiful woman in her mid-20s. She had nice, luscious brunette hair, a perfectly proportioned bust. Was almost a full head shorter than myself. Originally from Pennsylvania, she was studying to be a nurses aide back on Earth, and appeared somewhere near Silver Shoals. Lucky for her, the former Princesses Celestia and Luna were there to take care of her. Much to their surprise, Krystal threw herself back into her work, and took up caring for the old folks.

My guess is that it was her coping mechanism. She always came off as a bit of a busy-body to me.

"Why would you think that?" She half laughed.

"Your last letter said you were moving to a different town." I explained in confusion.

"That's right, and we did, we're moving here to Canterlot, I started a new residency at the hospital here." She smiled.

"That's great! How's that going for you?" I asked as I gave her my drink, then poured myself a new one.

Krystal took my offer with a bit of hesitation, which kinda confused me; but I brushed it off. We were good friends. If I was the "dad" of the group, then she was undoubtedly the "mom". Though I couldn't bring myself to make that more official.

"To be honest, I feel more like a veterinarian than a nurse," she scoffed a laugh and took a drink. "But I'm well on my way to becoming a doctor once I pass my mid-term." She added, sounding proud of herself.

"Well I hope it isn't bad luck to congratulate you too early," I lifted my drink and we toasted to her success.

"Mm, There's someone I want you to meet," Krystal said, after our toast. "Well, actually, two someones."

She turned and gestured over a Pony couple who were speaking with Princess Twilight. A Pegasus stallion and an Earth Pony Mare trotted over and stood to either side of Krystal.

"Trevor, this is Star Hunter," she gestured over at the Pegaus Stallion. "And Peach Fuzz." I shook both of their hooves in turn as they were introduced. "Trevor, these are my herd mates." She added, making me pause for just a split moment.

"It's a real pleasure to make ya acquaintance." Peach Fuzz said in a Manehattan accent.

"Krystal's told us a lot about you, great to finally meet the 'man' she'd leave us for." Star Hunter chuckled.

I was left a bit in shock. "Ah..." I didn't know how to respond to that.

That got him some angry looks from both of his 'mares'.

"I got this one, honey, you catch up with your friends," Peach Fuzz cantered around, then bit and dragged Star Hunter off by his ear.

"Ow, what'd I do!? Domestic violence! Stallion Abuse!" He called out while half laughing.

Krystal downed the rest of her drink in one gulp, leaving her cheeks puffed out. Unfortunately it wasn't alcoholic. Those should arrive soon as Applejack got her shipment in.

"So... How did you three end up together?" I started awkwardly, offering her a place to sit, after getting her another drink.

Krystal took a breath. "I met Peach during my residency in Manehattan, she brought in a criminal that needed some medical attention. We got to talking and we hit it off well enough that she invited me to meet her at a night club. I thought we'd just be friends, but after a few months, she wanted to find out if I'd be comfortable with forming a herd."

I nodded along with her story, taking a drink whenever she did. I knew about the move to Manehattan. It was necessary for her to complete nursing school, where the best medical professionals and education were located. From that, I knew all this happened roughly a year after we all parted ways. Both a long time, and not very long at all.

Herding was something we all found intriguing in various ways. I've been approached more than a few times by mares looking for a stud. And to my shame, I accepted on more than one occasion. It was strange being a 'hot commodity'. But Krystal and Kylie, I figured wouldn't be up for it at all. And the fact Krystal was now currently in a serious relationship... I didn't know if this was desperation on her part, or if it was a good sign that she was moving on with her life.

I asked. "I guess you said yes?"

Krystal took a breath and shrugged. "I said 'I'd think about it', until she started getting all 'mare-ish' on me to go on a date with her." She sighed. "She said we're more likely to find a guy if we're already herding together."

Mares could be very pushy in general, especially in the spring when mating season hit. Some I knew had a "High Horse" complex, or what we call 'bitchy'. In the short time we humans appeared, we already formed the stigma that we were highly intelligent, fast-learning creatures. I suppose it was true. But everything revolves around the almighty Dollar. So I knew two career-oriented females was a desirable trait stallions looked for when deciding to herd.

"She must've really put the moves on you." I joked to lighten the mood, gesturing over to her herd-mates who were helping themselves to some food and talking with Travis and his herd.

"Yeah... It... made me realize how much I missed being in a relationship." She looked wistfully over at her herd-mates.

I felt bad for her. The poor girl was engaged to be married before we ended up here in Equestria. I think only Travis knew the full story, the girls were always more comfortable confiding in him. I never could bring myself to ask her for details; but I saw it as sparing her the pain of losing everything she loved.

We all lost something... some of us lost more than others.

"And Star; when did he come into the picture?"

"The first time I met Star, was when he was on shore leave with the Equestrian Air Division. He worked as a navigator on one of the air ships," she sighed. "Or at least he did, but now he wants to start a family with Peach, which means he wants to start playing Suzy Homemaker..."

Gender roles were reversed in this world. But mares had it rough, they made the bits, raised the kids, sometimes worked the jobs normally reserved for stallions.

Stallions were still protectors, larger and generally physically stronger than mares; so they dominated the guard, construction, and farming. There were work-a-day programs that allowed stallions temporary employment for a few months, while mares were on maternity leave until foals were old enough to be weaned.

I wanted to put my hand on Krystal's shoulder. I could tell that upset her, knowing there were only 3 potential suitors who could give her a family. Well, two, really... one. "So why are you here in Canterlot?" I asked.

"Peach was ready for a change of scenery, and I can work anywhere as a nurse." She shrugged. "Between myself and Peach, we're making enough to stay in Canterlot permanently, if we wanted to; it's a very nice city. And Star is happy if we're happy, but it was more his suggestion that we move here; I'm trying to make a push for Ponyville, since the train ride is only 30 minutes from here, and that town is cheaper to live in than Canterlot; and I'd like to retire before I'm 40."

That was something stallions had the exclusive right in decision making. It must've been some sort of ancient instinctual rule, or something. They had the first and final word when it came to moving their herd. Especially if it meant the herd would be better off elsewhere; just like real horses back on Earth, but generally stallions acted like women from our world. So far as being concerned with social status and material wealth goes. There was a chance Star Hunter just wanted to up the social status of his herd, but I didn't get that kind of vibe.

Canterlot was an amazing city. Expensive. But fun. Beautiful, but expensive. I really wanted to gloat about how well I could actually afford to live here.

"So how is the move working for you?" I asked. I knew a bit, but I was never really interested in a relationship myself. At least, not yet; but I was quickly getting there.

She nodded. "Pretty good. I'm happy. They're happy, and we're all happy..." she shook her head. "But enough about me, what about you? You're last letter said you were a teacher now?"

I could tell she wasn't totally happy, but I put on a proud grin. "Yeah, I'm teaching Art at the School of Friendship."

"Oh..." Krystal sounded disappointed, and did a poor job trying to hide it. "So you're an artist too?"

"Only during break time, when there's no school work to do," I commented. "But it's a nice gig. It enables me to focus on my hobbies and passions, and I think it's important to nurture a little creativity in everyone; not just those who have the Cutie Mark for it." She nodded along, and I continued. "I'm actually donating a piece I've been working on for years now, in fact you should come check out my studio sometime." I offered.

That was something I really enjoyed about Equestria. They were really encouraging about following your dreams and discovering your "special talent". I always had an interest in art, but on Earth, it could never pay the very expensive bills.

Krystal put on a fake smile. "Yeah, I'd love to..." And I could tell she was just being nice. Figures she'd uphold the old gender roles. I guess she figured I fell into the role of the "starving artist". Well... I have lost a lot of weight.

"Is that it over there?" Krystal asked, pointing at the sizable tarp covering my latest creation.

"Yeah, I can't wait to show everyone." I started giddily. "My piece de resistance." I added in a thick French accent.

Krystal scoffed a laugh at my antic. "Even you-know-who?" She lowered her voice conspiratorially.

I gave it a mock thought. "Well... if he's late, we don't really have to wait on him." We chuckled at that.

"So..." Krystal started. I noticed she was fiddling with her drink, circling a finger around the rim. "Have you thought about my proposal?"

I swallowed and deflated a bit. "I don't know Krys... I-" I hesitated. It wasn't like I knew this day was coming. Being that I was the most eligible man on planet Equus. Either that, or I was a close second.

Krystal put her hand on my wrist in support. "It's been almost 5 years, Trev; I can't imagine how hard it must be for you... but maybe it's time to think about moving on." She tried to encourage me.

I nodded my head. I knew she was right. Five years was a long time... but also not that long at all. Empress Cadence didn't want to risk the Crystal Heart shattering again. I couldn't blame her, since that would me she'd need to birth another foal for the ceremony, just in case it shattered again. And that meant we'd have only one chance every 11 months to make it work. Emperor Shining Armor was all for getting us home, given he'd help in getting us those chances.

I reached in my pocket, and pulled out a picture. "I just can't help but feel like I'm giving up on her."

Krystal scooted closer to me, while I showed her the picture. "I forgot how beautiful she is." Her words made my heart swell with pride, and sadness. Knowing I was never going to hold her again.

"Yeah..." I replied, my mind was back home with her. "I just hope she's doing okay, at least she still has her mother."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up," Krystal sounded regretful. "Listen, let's put what I said aside for tonight; this is our big night."

"It's okay, and you're right, maybe it's time I took that next big step." I said, sounding melancholy.

We both noticed our peers standing by the wayside, looking towards us expectantly. We both got up to join the crowd, while Princess Twilight ushered me aside.

"Is everything okay?" Twilight asked in concern.

I heard Peach Fuzz talking to Krystal, asking about 'what'd he say', and Krystal saying she'd 'tell her later'.

"Yeah, just 'life stuff', ya know," the Princess gave me a sympathetic nod.

"Everyone is ready for the big reveal, if you are." She informed me. "Well, almost every-one." She emphasized.

"Yeah well, considering how we left things, it's not surprising," I said, acknowledging the absence of our last member. The party had been going on for awhile, and we couldn't wait all night for him to show up; if he ever would.

Twilight understood and went to help gather the crowd.

"Let's do this." I went to stand near the tarped structure as I got everyone's attention. "Excuse me everyone, and everypony, dragon, creature, or whatever you identify yourself as," that got a little chuckle from the crowd as they gathered. "First off, thank you all for being here today. I know a promise made is a promise kept, but tonight is about more than just keeping promises."

I let that sink in before continuing.

"Five years ago, we Humans made a promise to each other, to stay connected so that we wouldn't forget that we aren't alone in the world... You might've noticed there are a lot of friends, and friends of friends here to celebrate Humanity, and I want to thank those who made the journey to be here with us tonight.

"But tonight isn't about us... even though the brochure says this is a Human gathering." I joked, getting some sympathetic chuckles for my ad libbing. "But really, this isn't about us," I paused for effect. "It's about you, our friends; and the connections you share with us. Tonight is about friendship and comradery; and the connections which bring us all together, no matter how far apart we are."

I think the crowd was enraptured enough for the big finish. I nodded to Princess Twilight, who gathered her Friendship Council to stand beside her. Then, I gestured to each of the former Element Bearers as I spoke.

"You've shown us compassion, when others would turn us away."
"You've been our loyal defenders, when we didn't know who to trust."
"You were generous with your gifts, when we had nothing but ourselves give."
"You took us in like family, when we had no place to call home."
"And You made us smile on those dark days, when all seemed lost."

I smiled at Princess Twilight. "We are so blessed to call you our friends."

Some of the Ponies and even the Griffins and Dragons got emotional. I could hear more sniffing in the background. Even Kylie sniffed and teared up a bit, but quickly wiped it away. Travis placed an arm around each of his coltfriends. Krystal shared a moment with her herdmates as well.

I cleared my throat and delivered the finale.

"So for all of you've done for humanity, I would like to extend to the people of Equestria this token of our appreciation, and gratitude; it's my hope that this tribute will become a symbol of our friendship together. That no matter what curve balls life throws at us, we can always lean on our friends for support."

I walked over and pulled off the tarp with some flare, revealing the structure hidden beneath.

The crowd gasped, and I could hear several "Ooh's" and "Awe's" above the babble; followed by thunderous applause and stomps.

I eyed my art piece, while also double-taking to revel in the crowd's praise. It was a large bronze statue of four figures together, one of each Pony race and one little girl. The little girl rode on the back of an Earth Pony mare, grasping her mane, while reaching out to the caring hoof of a Unicorn mare, who's expression could only be read as concern as she tended to the child, who's expression was one of curiosity. The Earth Pony mare kept a stoic gaze ahead, as if ready to carry her charge to safety. And lastly a Pegasus stallion took a guarded stance with his wings flared wide as if shielding the others from the right flank.

It was an impressive piece, everything was as close to scale and detail as I could manage; but my keen eyes kept focusing on the little flaws here and there. Such was my irksome need for perfection.

The crowd gathered around the statue to admire it more closely, while I mingled and answered questions about my work.

Twilight, myself, and the others, along with our closest friends gathered before the bronze statue to take a picture.

"Oh my gosh, Trevor, I had no idea you were so talented!" Krystal came and hugged me after the photo.

"Thanks, hehe," I smiled bashfully. "I used to do a bit of sculpting back home, and I've always wanted to work with bronze. But I've never made anything this big before; so it was a heck of a challenge."

Kylie and Travis also expressed their amazement too.

Tonight was shaping up to be the best one ever. I nailed the speech. Everyone love my gift. And Krystal want to talk more later. Things couldn't get better than-

"GOD DAMN IT SMELLS LIKE DONKEY IN HERE!"

Well.. the night was good while it lasted.

Author's Note

Needed to work on something new to get myself out of this funk. Tell me what ya'll think! Are you eager to see this one continue?

I plan on this one being a bit of a Napolean Dynamite- esque sort of story. Very slice of life, in where shit happens, and we see how people deal with it. Very human oriented story, navigating their lives and relationships in a pony world.