“Why are we going there?” I ask, unsure what to expect.

“As I said, there’s a possibility that we’ll find a portal back to Equestria there,” Twilight says, never looking away from the book in her hooves.

“Right... It doesn’t have anything to do with the fact it’s a remote location where all of you can run around and play in?”

“Well, that’s unquestionably a factor worth mentioning.” Twilight now hides behind her book to cover the blush.

“I gotta fly!” Rainbow cries. “I can’t stand being in that apartment any longer!”

“I could certainly stretch my legs too,” Applejack adds.

“A little fresh air never harmed anypony,” Rarity states.

“Girls, I’ve told you this time and time again. No one can know about you. I want to ensure that you are able to go home safely before anything bad happens.”

“What’s the worse that can happen?” Pinkie pops up into the front seat.

“Backseat, Pinkie!” I turn around to look at the girls. “What did I say about seatbelts!”

“We’re fine!” Rainbow claims. “Those things are super itchy anyway.”

I return my gaze onto the road. “I’ve explained to you why you need them on. If an accident happens, you’ll fly out that front window and end up as nothing more than a smear on the pavement. At that point, I don’t have to worry about what people think because you’ll be dead.”

They all recoil.

“Geez, alright, no need to get morbid, ” Rainbow replies as they all put on their dog harness’ and clip their seatbelts on.

“Thank you. We’re almost there. Five minutes, tops.”

The girls fall silent, and I take this opportunity to turn on the radio. Why was I the one to have a herd of little ponies appear in my apartment? I sigh. Doesn’t matter. I have to keep them hidden until Twilight figures out a way to get back to their planet.

Well, I have to give Twilight props for finding such a beautiful remote location with google maps. There’s a dense ring of trees around us, a sizable pond in the center, and more than enough grass around it for them to stretch their legs. As soon as their hooves hit the dirt three of them were already running. With Rarity, Twilight and Fluttershy slowly making their way.

“Alright, Girls. You have two hours to get all that energy out. I’ll be here if you need me, and make sure you’re in shouting distance in case something happens.”

“It feels so great to stretch my wings!” Rainbow's flying as if she’s floating on her back, which is strange to witness. “Think I should do a Sonic Rainboom?”

“I think not,” I say. “That would undoubtedly draw attention.”

She lets out a huff and is about to say something snarky, but a small wave splashes over her, causing her to yelp in surprise.

“Hey, Dash, come on in! The water's great!” Applejack shouts.

“You’ve done it now, Aj!” Rainbow dives into the water as the two of them start splashing one another.

“Cannonball!” Pinkie shouts, pulling the string on a cannon I’ve never seen before that launches her out and into the water.

The craziest thing is that despite how much force it took to throw her that distance, not a single sound was made. That mare, she’s always doing stuff that hurts my brain. I shake my head as I lay out the large blanket I brought, as well as the basket with food and drink. I knew something like this would happen, so I’m glad that I brought towels too.

Fluttershy comes over and sits next to me, watching the girls like I am.

“Not going to join them?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “No, I’m fine with enjoying nature.” She turns to look at me. “Thank you for taking care of us. I know it must be troublesome keeping us safe, especially with how Rainbow and AJ can get.”

“It’s no problem, Fluttershy. Thank you for cleaning up my place.” I chuckle. “I never even knew it could be so clean.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

I find my gaze drifting over to Twilight as she casts a spell, looks upset and tries a second time.

“Do you think you’ll ever return home?” I ask.

“One day... Will you miss us when that happens?” Fluttershy asks.

“Of course I will.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy says under her breath. “I’m going to explore a little if, you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine. Again, stay within shouting distance.”

“Ok.”

With that said, all the girls are off doing their own thing. I can feel myself smile as I watch them play, but soon Pinkie turns to me and waves.

“Come on in! Show us what you're made of!”

I get up with a smirk. “Think you can beat the cannonball king?”

Now Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie all grin.

“Is that a challenge?” Rainbow asks.

“You bet it is.”

“You’re on!”

It’s been a great day. The girls had a blast, and even I enjoyed myself. As paranoid as I was, I can’t deny that being out there with them put me at ease. Twilight tried her best, but didn’t succeed in finding a way to return to their world. So, now we’re in the car and heading back to my apartment. Thankfully, the sun is starting to set, and once we’re there, then it’s unlikely anyone will be around to see them.

As I’m driving, I briefly glance through the rearview mirror and see all the girls cuddled up against each other as they rest peacefully. I hope that when the day comes, and they find a way home, they’ll come by and visit every once in a while. Because while they can be a chore, they’re still my little ponies.

Author's Note

Image submitted by Freglz