Being Brave Part I

by artman7391

Rating: mature
Tags: Applejack, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Violence, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 31168

Bravery comes in many forms; this is the story of one of them.

What does it take to be brave? How do you find a purpose with such little options? What can you do to let your voice be heard? For Cory Agees, that's something that's been puzzling him for years. With his parents abandoning him, his school a hell on earth and the fact that he hasn't seen in friends in so long, the answers seem to float further and further away from him. One day, while enduring another one of his harsh ordeals, he decides to walk away from it all, hoping to find these answers somewhere else. But this "Somewhere else" is a place where he literally stands out among the crowd. Perhaps here, he can finally let his talent shine and find a reason to live.

Published 2018-11-05 07:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2018-11-05 07:50:01 UTC

chapter 2

Cory was sprinting. He was sprinting faster than he ever did in his whole life. He didn't care where his feet would take him or where his body would point toward next. What mattered now was he was sprinting. A voice kept saying in his head, "Just keep sprinting, don't look back. Just keep sprinting, don't look back. Just keep sprinting, just keep sprinting, just keep sprinting..." He had never felt this feeling of exhilaration before. He could not explain to himself how he was able to obtain this sudden strength of his. It was as if a tiny energy inside his soul had finally revealed itself to him, running through his blood and veins, and for that moment, he forgot about all the pain in his body.

Finally, he stopped to catch his breath. He turned to the right and saw a familiar object: it was the old shack he and his friends used to go to whenever they needed to get away from all their troubles. Here they talked about their day, set up their club, told stories, ate lunch, played games and even slept there on a few separate occasions. Cory ran towards it, hoping to bring back some old memories. Just as he opened the door, his foot slipped, and he somersaulted across the room, hitting the wall. Only strangely, he didn't actually hit the wall. Rather, he went through it, and not as in "smash the wall" through it, but through it as in passing through another time, another place.

Cory closed his eyes, wishing for it all to stop as he continued to somersault through this unfamiliar experience. Sound and wind surrounded him like a blanket of energy. Everything was dark. It seemed as though there was no end to it. Then, he landed flat on his back in a pile of mud.

Cory woke up with his head looking straight towards the sky. Birds in the background were singing harmonious tunes, yet the rhythm of their chirps were of unfamiliar origin to him. Cory sat up to adjust himself. He messaged his head, checked that he still had his body intact and shook the muck off of him. He then took a good look at his left arm, numbing with pain from the gash left by the principal. He dabbed it in the puddle as the blood washed away and wiped off the residue on a nearby leaf. What was this extraterrestrial place he thought to himself:

Is this some back end of town I don't know about?
Am I dreaming of this? Clearly not.
Did I step into another multi-universe of some sort?
Am I just going mad?

He looked at his new surroundings as he staggered to his feet; the trees were tall and filled with life, almost covering the skyline; roots as big as he was jolted out of the ground; unfamiliar plants sprung out all over the place; everything was so thick and damp, he could barely tell if it was day or night.

Instinctive survival overcame Cory as he started to run through the unfamiliar terrain. Despite the pain he was still feeling all over his body, he was running. Finally, he saw a glint of daylight at the edge of the lush forest. He stopped for a breather. An old wooden sign to his right read: YOU ARE NOW LEAVING EVERFREE FOREST.

Cory now found himself at the edge of a vast open field of waving grass and dandelions. He had never felt such a cool ground that tickled his ankles and softened his steps. For some reason, he was able to move more agilely in this new found world. The sky was perfect blue and contained the most majestic clouds he had ever seen in his entire life. They almost looked like buildings as if someone, or something lived in them. In fact, he could swear that he saw some flying, winged, horse like figures zooming in and out of them. The air was cool and breezy, brushing against his bruised skin and tattered clothing. Among the usual happening of the natural world, a few butterflies and hummingbirds were off doing their natural business as they whizzed across the sky, while a couple of bunnies we're nibbling on a bouquet of dandelions. Cory had never seen anything so fragile in years.

Off in the distance, he could make out what looked like a small, quaint town off on the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, therefore he needed some hospitality soon. As he limped towards the town, the sky burned a luminous array of red, orange and purple, like something out of a romanticized painting. Finally, he reached the towns edge. A sign read in warm yet bright letters: WELCOME TO PONYVILLE. What an abnormal name he thought. But that really wasn't his biggest concern right now. All he was thinking about was a place to stay for the night and something to eat. However, all he could find was nothing but horses and fillies randomly walking across the streets.

Cory wasn't much of a socialite. This was probably due to his struggles in reading and writing, as well as the constant scoffing whenever he spoke his mind. However, in a time such as this, he needed to muster up his strength and ask for any vacant rooms with whatever words were the most proper. As he searched for any nearby inns or suites, one of the horses came up to him.

"Boy, you don't look so good stranger." it said. "Do you need help?"

Cory screamed and ran away. He couldn't believe what he had just seen or heard: A TALKING HORSE! he thought to himself, HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? As he dashed down the alleys and corridors, the other horses began to whisper and mingle at his presence, much to his shock. He found himself surrounded by these four legged residents, who gazed in awe at him as if he were an extraterrestrial being. Every horse was mumbling:

"What are you?"
"What is that?"
"It's a human."
"One of those creatures Twilight met?"
"I never thought I'd see these creatures before."
"Princess Twilight Sparkle was right"
"So they do exist"
"So that's what hands are"
"Incredible"

"S...Stop..Looking...at...Please I just ....want...t..." But Cory couldn't think of what to say. All around him we're nothing but ponies (and an occasional donkey). Not a single human was to be found. His instinct kicked in as he pushed through the strange crowd and headed towards the next available hiding place.

The sun had glazed it's last glare of the day as the night settled in. Cory could still hear the murmurs from afar as he stopped at the entrance to a nearby junkyard. Figures, given the fact that probably they never even saw a bipedal creature like him. He was so tired, and hungry as well. All he could think about now was a place to sleep and a plate of mouth watering nourishments. As he searched through the rubble and wreckage, he found a little opening on one of the dumps artificial hills. It was adequate, roomy, and though certainly no cottage, it was still nicely crammed. He climbed in with the most delicate of care until he reached the bottom of the pit. After he settled himself in, found a few scraps here and there, and made a makeshift blanket and pillow out of burlap sacks and flour bags, he noticed the night sky through the opening. Here the stars twinkled in all their glory. At that point, at that moment, Cory was wondering, just wondering, if his 5 close were watching the same sky as he was, wishing, just as he he was, to see each other again.

chapter 3

"Today's the day, Cutie Mark Crusaders." proclaimed Applebloom. "Today, we get our makeshift band cutie marks"

"Aw Yeah! This is gonna be soooo awesome!" cried Scootaloo as they rummaged through the junkyard.

It was another day of exploration and discovery for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Here at the local junkyard they searched for certain objects and tools that would best suit their soon to be ready made instruments.

"So what should we call ourselves after this?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Hmmm..." thought Scootaloo as she glided on her scooter. "How about the Junk Funk?"

All three thought for a moment.... "Naaah"

"ooo..ooo...How about Appleblues plus two?" asked Applebloom

The other two just stared at her disapprovingly

"Heh, Heh, Or maybe not." she chuckled sheepishly as they continued walking

"Gasp. I know!!" Squeaked Sweetie Belle "ROCK, LOCK AND TWO APPLE BARRELS!!"

"Yeah!!" said all three as they high hooved in the air.

"We could totally get Babs Seed to be in our band." Said Scootaloo

They all nodded in agreement

"Now if we can just find some used trash lids and chopsticks," thought Applebloom " we'll be in business."

She thought for a moment and then, "Sweetie Belle, you search for any used up piano chords."

"Aye Aye, maam" she responded as she headed one way

"And Scootaloo." continued Applebloom, "You find any pieces of worn out cloth that could make for a great band patch."

"You got it maam." responded Scootaloo as she headed the other way on her scooter.

Meanwhile, Cory could overhear the conversation from up above. He covered his mouth and tightened his body into a ball, so as not to be heard. He could feel the hoof steps stomping right above him. They were coming closer and closer. His heart began to pound; sweat fell all across his skin; he was literally scared stiff. Then, suddenly, the hoofing from above stopped. He looked up and saw Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looking straight down at him. It felt like the longest stare he had ever endured.

"uhhh...Howdy?" Applebloom murmured

"AAAAAHHH" shouted Cory

"AAAAHHH" shouted the CMC.

Two of them ran a few yards while Applebloom looked on. She had only seen such a creature in sketches and photos that Twilight received and drew from her experiences. She had never expected to see a human up close and personal, nor did she expect one to be so fragile and shakey.

"W...What is that thing?" whimpered Scootaloo from a distance.

"It looks like some kind of...two legged stick creature." thought Sweetie Belle

As Applebloom looked closer at Cory, who now had his back against a heap of trash, a little smile enveloped her face.

"Hey, don't fret girls!", she said to her friends, "Princess Twilight told me all about these critters. She calls them HU---MAN's"

"Humans?" squeaked Sweetie Belle as she and Scootaloo approached the hole

"What are humans?" asked Scootaloo

"Twilight encountered them in another world she visited." answered Applebloom. "She says they exist all over, and this here's one of them."

The three gazed down on Cory, who was scared stiff and shaking from all this sudden realization. He was still getting used to fact that these ponies we're talking. Not only that, but even had their own personality and distinct color scheme to them.

"Awwww. We must have frightened the little guy." thought Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle leaned and slowly thrust her hoof forward.

"Come on, don't be shy." said Sweetie Belle. "we're not gonna hurt you."

Cory took a deep breath and staggered towards the three of them.

"What's your name?" asked Sweetie Belle. There was a long pause. "Can you speak?" she asked.

His mouth quivered. He was never taught how to properly introduce himself. So he thought up of the first words that came out of his mouth. "Y...yes....C...C...Cory...Cory Agees." The words fell out like a can of alphabet soup.

He grabbed on to Sweetie Belle's hoof as all three pulled him out of the hole with one big thrust. The three gazed in curiosity as he staggered to his feet. They had never seen such an abnormal creature in their lives.

"Sooooo where do you come from?" asked Scootaloo.

Cory just looked at them blankly,

"Do you know where you live?" asked Sweetie Belle.

He shifted his only working eye back and forth as if the question was foreign to him.

"Do you have a place to stay?" asked Applebloom affectionately

He stared down as if he was ashamed to answer that. The three fillies then huddled into their own private circle.

"What should we do with him?" whispered Scootaloo.

"I don't know, I've never dealt with a human before." squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Well it aint right to just leave him here." said Applebloom.

The three nodded in agreement and thought for a moment with their forelegs to their chins. Then, simultaneously, they came up with idea.

"Well If don't have a place to live," Said Applebloom to Cory "your'e welcome to stay with me. My family and I over at Sweet Apple Acres are looking for a new stable boy if you want to volunteer." As she waited for an answer, Cory looked around for a moment. Realizing he had little to no options, he nodded in agreement.

"Great!" replied Applebloom. "Let me just take you to where I live."

He followed the three of them until they reached the edge of the junk yard, much to his relief .

"Oh, by the way, I'm Applebloom." she proclaimed

"I'm Sweetie Belle" Sweetie Belle added

"and I'm Scootaloo" said Scootaloo

"And together we're: THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS." they said as they gave a high hoof in the air.

"But enough about us" said Applebloom. "Lets get you to the ranch."

So, they carried on their walk towards Sweet Apple Acres. For the first time in so long, Cory was greeted with a welcome wagon. It seemed so familiar, yet at the same time surreal. Perhaps in this new found world he would be able to find a second chance in his life. After all, less than 24 hours ago he was sprinting away from a threatening force, next thing he knew he was being greeted warmly by the most most unexpected of individuals.

chapter 4

The sun shined over another busy afternoon at Sweet Apple Acres. It's rays glistened in the orchard giving it a sense of warmth and belonging. The grass from below lightly moved across the cool wind from the north. Among it's paved road trotted none other than honest, and ever trustworthy Applejack. Here she executed her daily business of kicking off apples for the season and selling them to market. Not too far off, her brother, Big Macintosh, with his comprisable strength, was carrying the last cargo of apple cider into their precious cellar. Meanwhile, Granny Smith, the ever loving matriarch of the family, was up in her easy chair on a porch adding the final adjustments to a new quilt. Yes, it seemed as though another busy, uneventful day would come to pass for the Apple Family. Or, at least that's what they thought.

"Applejack. Hey Applejack!!" shouted Applebloom as she and her three friends approached the farm. "Look what we found at the Junkyard."

"Applebloom" sighed Applejack as she paused on her duties. "I know what you're trying to do but...."

"But this is something totally different. It's probably something nopony's ever seen before." Squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah and totally awesome." Added Scootaloo

"Awesome, new, different. I can't take in any more souvenirs from your cutie mark adventures." Said Applejack
"Maybe if you young-uns find room in your tree house you can...."

As she travelled up the hill, staring back at her was clearly a genuine sight to behold. A bewildering shock filled her face.

"...introduce me to my first...Hu..Human." she continued her sentence as her jaw dropped in disbelief.

The creature was something not of this world. His body looked like a stripped, two branched tree that suddenly sprouted legs and developed a mouth. The face was as if it had been squashed flat by an anvil yet somehow remained intact. The color of his skin was pale with no coating of fur, as if he shaved it all off from top to bottom, with of course the exception of the top of his head.

For Cory, he was just about intrigued with her as she was with him. But what intrigued him the most was what looked a tattoo of apples placed on her thigh. The two looked at each other as if they were aliens from opposite sides of the universe finally having a chance meeting.

"We found him underneath a pile of trash. He wants to be your stable boy" squeaked Sweetie Belle as Applejack began to walk around him.

"Golly..." she stuttered as she examined him. "Twilight told me all about them from her experiences...but...I...I never thought I'd see one up close." She then looked at him in the eye.

"Boy do I have a heap o questions for you." she said gleefully as she looked at his body like a specimen.

"Do you see in black in white?"

Cory looked as though he didn't understand the question.

"Do your fillies grow tails?" she asked

There was still no response from him, as if he lacked the proper words.

"Can you talk?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face.

After a moment of thought, Cory nodded.

"Yes maam." he said with a quiet voice. "I can talk. "

"Well, in that case, Howdy!! I'm Applejack, and let me be the first to welcome you as the first human in Ponyville." she proclaimed as she extended her foreleg with a greeting gesture.

Cory thought for a moment since he never shook hands with a fingerless animal before. Finally, he decided to just improvise and latch his arm onto her's, executing a shaking action.

"Boy, you sure got some nasty cuts and bruises." she said as she looked at his wounded body. "You look like you just got trampled on by a pack o timberwolves. Come on. Let me fix you up and get you something to eat ."

"Lets get a move on crusaders." said Applebloom as they turned the other way. "Maybe we can still find some spare guitars over at that yard." And so as the Cutie Mark Crusaders ran off to their new adventure, Cory walked off to his new life.

chapter 5

The residence of the Apple Family was like something out of a children's story. Though Cory couldn't read very accurately, he remembered from his picture books images of a place not too different from the barn. Here the decor resembled a colonial home alluding to the frontier times. The cedar floorboard from which it stood upon felt smooth and light with each step. Cory could even smell it's fresh aroma as it entered through his nostrils. Even the furniture felt welcoming, as if luring any random passerby to sit down from a long stroll. Though certainly no mansion, it was definitely better than his place.

" Here, take a load off and sit on the couch." Said Applejack. Which he promptly did.

"Fluttershy was lucky enough to give me one of them first aid bags o hers. That'll patch ya up real good."

Cory almost forgot the gash on his arm as he took a seat. He remembered how he was barely able to open his left eye and how a few drips of blood were still seeping out of his nose. In short, he was a mess.

As Applejack fumbled through the cupboard and found the first aid bag, Cory wondered as to how she would mend him without the assistance of fingers. What's more, he wondered as to how a society entirely comprised of hooves and manes would be able to make such advanced structures. Then again, she somehow reminded him of one of his five friends: Joanna Deadrie. She was about the same size as he was and just about as gangly too. Her hair was always braided into one solid pony tail, giving her a look of real determination. She always wore a country girl-like giddup consisting of suspenders and a plaid button down shirt, which looked as though she made it herself. Her personality, all in all was a combination between Annie Oakley and Fern from Charlotte's Web, not too fragile, not too tough. But what made her stand out among most girls was her strong sense of determination. Whenever a task or ordeal was presented to her, she would strive to do her best at whatever it was, even though she didn't always succeed. Like Applejack, she and her family owned a farm located in the towns agricultural district, which made her a center of ridicule among the urban dwellers of their school, not to mention the fact that she and her family made most of their clothes. Yet memories of her place consisted of warmth, security and love. He remembered how they used to make games out of her daily chores, how they went up into the barn rafters and made shadow puppets with the lantern, and how every night, after the sun went down, they slept underneath an open roof and gazed at the majesty of the stars while making stories out of their constellations.

"Now this might sting a wee bit." said Applejack as she selected a dap of cleaning cloth with her mouth.

To his surprise it only stung a little. In fact, the cloth had a little tingling sensation, as if he was being messaged in some way. With each dab of the cloth soaked in warm water on his searing skin, he started to feel less and less pain. Then, she carefully moved up to his left eyelid and gently squeezed it with her hoof. The clotted blood slowly burst out and dripped down his cheek and chin, giving him a long awaited relief.

He had never received this kind of treatment before, except of course from his friends. Usually, whenever he got bruised, the school nurse would just give him a painkiller and scoff him off, leaving him in excruciating nausea and loss of balance for the rest of the day.

"There, that wasn't so bad now was it?" Said Applejack.

"Now, lets see if we can mend that arm of yours."

She searched though the bag and found a long string, perfect for stitching. With the ease of her mouth she tied it around a delicate needle and started on the gash on his arm.

"So what's you name stranger?" she said through her teeth.

"Cory." he replied softly.

"Cory, that's a strange name. Then again, what do I know about humans?" she said as she continued sewing up his gash.

"So where do you live?"

Cory stared at her as if unable to answer that question.

"Do you know where your home is?" she continued.

He bowed his head in shame.

The string fell from Applejack's mouth as if she knew what that meant.

"You don't have a home do you?"

Cory slowly shook his head. "I can still leave if you want." he replied.

"Aint no way that's happenin critter." said Applejack cheerfully as she finished stitching up his wound. "You're staying with us."

" But I'm not your..." He took a glance at her physical shape. "...Type" he said shyly.

"Look, this is Harvestin season." she said. " this is the busiest time for the apple family. Two or Four legs we need all the help we can find." "Aint that right Big Mac?"

"eeyup." Said Big Macintosh as he entered the room and put away the first aid kit.

" I think I know just the thing you need to ease down your sore leggings." she continued. And with that, she propped him up escorted him outside.

The day rolled on as the sun set in the west. Applebloom was returning from her adventures in Cutie Mark Crusading, Granny Smith was woke up from her afternoon nap, and Big Mac was tugging the last supply of apples for the day.

"Family Meeting!" She shouted as she set a new bundle of clothes for Cory. He was found in what looked like a large tub of water scrubbing his bruises clean of all the residue. The Apple family dashed in like a group of cadets ready for battle.

"Allright Ya'll, as you may or may not know we got a new stable boy to help us with our busy harvestin season. His name is Cory. Though he may not be of our...species, we're gonna treat him like everypony else. So no pointin, no starin, chucklin or wincin at the way he walks, looks or talks. Do I Make myself clear?"

They all nodded in agreement.

As she said this, Cory struggled to get out of Bath tub, but ended up slipping over and landing head first in the grass. Big Mac started to chuckle at this sight.

"HEY, that there's exactly what I'm talkin bout?" She said as she gave Big Mac the stare.

"Now I may not know much about these so called humans, but Twilight taught me they're living things, just like the rest of us. So were gonna give him some good hospitality and we are NOT ousting him from any of our chores or duties."

"Darn tootin." added Granny Smith "This time o year's far too important for us to pickin on a youngun."

Cory struggled to put on his new shirt and suspenders. It was like trying to learn to tie your shoes all over again. Luckily Applebloom was there to help him fasten it up.

"That's my girl." Acknowledged Applejack.

It was now dinner time for the Apple Family. The table was covered with a wide array of nourishments: fritters, pie, sandwiches, apple slices, soup, apricot jam, bread and grape juice and countless other edible items. Cory made a pile of whatever he found onto his plate and started slamming food down his throat like a wild animal. He didn't care if the Apple Family was watching him at the moment, nor if looked like a slob. All he thought about was putting something in his stomach. He hadn't tasted something so delicious and flavorful in so long. .

"Uhhh... Applejack?" said Granny Smith "Why don't you show him that old sleeping space of yours."

"uhhhh... Sure thing Granny." Replied Applejack with a bit of worry on her face.

As nighttime covered the sky, Cory was guided up the stairs and into the Apple Family attic.

"Me and Big Mac used to play hide and seek and built forts up in here, aint that right?" said AppleJack

"Eeyup" replied Big Mac.

"We usually just use it for storage nowaday, but you're welcome to use it as your sleeping quarters."

The area was quite spacious for an attic. Though not the greatest in the world, it was definitely better than his place. In addition, it carried a smell of fresh cedar and clean mint, and with the exception of a cobweb or two, the floor and walls were neatly dusted. On the right facing the window was an adequate bed and dresser, complete with kerosene lamp and a quilted rug.

"Haven't had this in awhile." he said softly

"Your own room?" asked Applebloom

"a bed" he answered.

"Well anypony's welcome in our barn." said Applejack as she approached the scene.

"Now you go get some shut eye. Tomorrow's a pretty eventful day for you. Goodnight Ya'll"

And with that, the two of them trotted back downstairs. Left to his new accommodation, Cory began to test the bed's durability. He gently rocked it with his body as he swayed back and forth with a hypnotizing gesture. For too long, he'd gotten so used to sleeping on the cold, hard floor in a makeshift sleeping bag. He'd almost forgotten the softness of a mattress, or the hugging sensation of a pillow, or the warm caress of a blanket. As he settled in the confines of the bed enveloped him, as if luring him into a sea of slumber. Just then Applebloom popped her head back up from the floor latch.

"You don't talk a lot do ya?" she said "I like you." Then she popped her head back down as he drifted off to sleep.

chapter 6

Cory woke up refreshed and ready to take on the new day. It was the best sleep he ever had in years. He stretched his arms and legs, swung them back and forth, and despite the cuts he still had, he felt no pain. His new room glistened with the sunlight of the morning sky as it trickled through a nearby window. He looked outside and saw for the first time Sweet Apple Acres in all it's majestic glory. Every apple on every tree was like a dab of paint melted against the foreground, while the grass below flowed like an ocean of green waves.

"Mornin Cory." Said AJ as she entered the room. "Ready for your first day of work?"

He replied with a startled nod, and before he knew it, he was outside in a pair of trousers, an undershirt, work boots, and a bucket filled with shearing supplies in his hands.

"All Right, We're gonna start you off with some easy chores. Can you handle that?" Asked Applejack

"Sure." he replied quietly.

"And Don't worry. Big Mac'll be here to check on you every step o the way. have fun." she said as she trotted off to her tasks.

The day went as followed:
- 9:00 A.M. Clean up chicken coop for the winter
- 10:00 A.M. Rake up branches and leaves for a compost pile
- 10:30 A.M. Clean apples to sell for market
- 11:00 A.M. Help Big Mac take more apples to the apple cellar
- 12:00 P.M. Lunch Break
- 12:30 P.M. Feed rotton apples to pigs
- 1:30 P.M. Stack Barrels of Hay with Big Mac
- 2:30 P.M Help Applebloom paint the inside of the barn

At this point, Cory was beginning to realize something: The chores he was tasked with were hardly chores at all. In fact, they we're more like sections of an elaborate game, or like an obstacle course on a playground. For instance, as he was working on the compost pile, he couldn't help but notice Applebloom and Applejack jumping into the heap of leaves as the debris exploded all over the place, like confetti out of a cannon. Or when stacking barrels of hay, He saw AJ and Big Mac trying to see who can stack the most loads. Or when painting the side of the barn, he could see her and Applebloom playing tag with their brushes, smearing paint all over themselves in a messy, but playful kind of way. This would be out of the question if he even thought of doing something like that in his world. Then again, what did he know about talking equines and their daily duties?

"TAG" Shouted Applebloom as she suddenly dabbed him on the back of his trousers. He fell over in shock, not knowing what to do at this point. Did he do something wrong? Did he mess up again? Because apparently the two were looking at him with puzzling features.

"Don't you know what a game o tag is?" asked Applebloom with a confused face.

Of course he knew what tag was. He wasn't that daft. He just hadn't played a game in so long.

"Yes?" he responded in a forceful kind of way.

"Then TAG YOURE IT!" said Applejack as she snuck up behind him and dabbed him with another brush.

'Eh, why not?; he thought to himself and started to join in on their little game. Cory didn't really care how childish it was as he chased them around the barn. He hand't had this much fun in years, and yet it seemed only yesterday he and Joanna were playing the exact game on her farm. He felt like a surge of much needed energy was running through his veins, something he couldn't quite explain. It felt optimistic, rejoice-full and warm.

Suddenly, as the three chased each other to the inside of the barn, Cory tripped and fell over a standing broom, causing it to snap into two pieces. He had really done it this time, just like every time he broke or spilled something. Whenever something like this happened to him, even by unintentional standards, he would endure an unforgivable scolding from either the principal, or one of his peers, which would involve screaming and abusive contact.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry it was an accident." He said as he crouched down, covered his head and prepared for his beating.
"I was just trying to...

"For what?" asked Applejack with a puzzled voice as she approached him.

"We got plenty of other brooms in our warehouse." added Applebloom.

"You mean you're not gonna hit me, or give me a whip, or yell at me?" he asked frightfully.

"Nnnope." said Big Mac as he entered on the scene.

"Why in tarnation would we? Everypony makes mistakes." Said Applejack as she patted him on the back.

Cory flinched at first, as if preparing for a firm slap across the back, not to mention it was a hoof instead of a hand. But surprisingly, it felt gentle and comforting, like a message from someones elbow. He turned his head slightly towards Applejack as a small smile began to show.

"See, nottin to worry bout." Said Applejack. "Now let's go haul some more apples into the cellar."

And with that the four of them trotted on to their next duty.

chapter 7

The next few days seemed all in all uneventful for the Apple Family. With the exception of their new stable boy, things seemed to be no less different. Here they continued with their day by day chores ranging from apple cider making to round up of sheep, to which Cory volunteered with no hesitation.

What intrigued Cory the most however, was how the Apple Family never threw anything away on their farm. If ever they found rotten fruit, they would just feed it to the pigs. If a tree limb broke off, they would use it for future compost. If a piece of clothing was unsuitable to wear anymore, they would stitch it as part of a piece of fabric. It was like they we're a living recycling center with the most efficient of employees imaginable.

On this particular day, He was assigned to help dismantle an old barn shack that needed to make way for a new one. As Applejack was helping unhinge the wooden boards, Cory couldn't help but notice the abnormal curvatures forming around the decaying foundations. The more he studied them, the more fascinated he was by the shapes of the algae covered floorboards and rusted hinges.

This was nothing new to Cory. In his world, whenever he and his friends felt bored, they would go out and find any discarded items in the basement, trash cans, recycling bins or even on the street. They would collect whatever they discovered, mend them together and make some of the most bizarre of creations and inventions. Basically it was art made out of junk. However, as much pride as they felt when finishing them, they would immediately dismantle it for fear of what others would think. Not to mention the fact the principal would kill them for executing art behind his back.

At that moment, he felt like he was in a trance. He picked up one of the planks of wood from the dismantled pile, found a nearby piece of rock and began manipulating it's form. It was as if some artistic instinct was building up inside of him. He hadn't felt this free before in years. Suddenly, a voice snapped him back into reality.

"Good Morning Applejack." said Rarity in a singy like voice.

"Oh, Howdy Rarity. What brings you here to Sweet Apple Acres?" asked Applejack.

"Well there is this important client who's personally asked me to create this brand new ensemble for the upcoming season, and I would be so delighted if I could find any unneeded fabric of yours."

"Sure thing. There's a couple o rolls of em out in the back o the barn." answered Applejack.

"Oh you are such a darling." replied Rarity as she trotted off in that direction.

As Cory peered behind his little self made heap, he noticed perhaps to most prima donna like specimen he ever laid eyes on: She was a luscious mixture of white and purple, with hardly a single stain on her coat, of course with the exception of the diamond tattoo on her thigh. More surprising than that, she was a unicorn, performing magic right in front of his eyes. Although it was a simple trick of picking up rolls of fabric, it was still genuine magic. As the thoughts tumbled around his brain, Cory knew this was a place where the laws of science had a looser grip on things. Like always when first encountering strangers, Cory hid himself beneath the rubble. He took a glance behind him and saw that she left. As he turned his head back, he saw for the first time Rarity staring back at him with a dropped jaw and startled eyes.

"Applejack?" she said frozen in shock. "Who's your friend?"

"Oh yeah, forgot." replied Applejack. "That there's our new stable boy, Cory. He's been helping us out with our harvestin season."

"Is he really a..hu..hu...?" Asked Rarity as she tried to find the correct words.

"Yep. a human" acknowledged Applejack. "Shocker aint it.."

"Handsome piece of work is more like it!!!" Cried Rarity as she examined his physical structure with her hooves.

"Twilight told me so many things about you humans, but, I never thought you had so much poise!" she said gleefully.

Cory crossed his legs and folded his arms as she continued to examine him.

"Could you do that thing again, uh, Cory" Said Rarity

"What thing?"

"That thing you just did with your legs."

"Ummm....Ok?

He folded his arms and legs again in the same position as before.

"Ohhhhh, such grace, such agility, such...form. It's exactly what I've been looking for" she commented.

"Ahem, Applejack. Would you mind if your new strong friend here took time out of his ever so busy schedule to...help me with a few errands?

"Well I think we got most of the stuff here on the farm under control." Said Applejack. "How's that sound Cory?"

"Well...I.."

"Excellent! Thank you Applejack." Said Rarity and before he could even comprehend what was going on, he was rushed over to the Ponyville day spa.

"Aloe!! Lotus Blossom!!" cried Rarity in a singy like as the two spa owners approached.

"Oui madame Rarity?" said Lotus Blossom

"I want you to give my new chauffeur the best treatment you have. He needs to look his best for his first day on the job."

"But I never worked with a..."

"No excuses. Chop Chop!!" and off rarity went like a speeding bullet.

With the exception of ponies, the spa looked and felt like any other. With it's calm, light blue colors and soft, non threatening textures, the owners sure knew how to make a customer feel welcome. Here they started him off with a warm sit in in the sauna. He could feel the ooze drip out of his pores as it dripped down the bench and into the drain pipe. Next came the face treatment and hooficure, or in this case, manicure. He had almost forgot how rough his face and nails were from all that time in that rundown old home of his. No matter, the spa ponies went to work right away on him. They covered his flat face with a special mud composed of lemon meringue and earth soil. His hot cheeks sizzled down to a cool, tolerable temperature as they let it sit. When it moved on to the nails however, they did not know where to start, given the fact that they had never seen fingers or toes before. So they improvised with a pair of baby pony filers they found in the broom closet. Third was the much needed message therapy. At first, Cory felt a little skeptical as to how an individual with hooves instead of hands could possibly work on the spine without snapping it in two. But as they began to carefully work on his vertebrae, all the tension in his back melted away. He had never felt this relaxed before in his entire life. After a quick mineral bath to rinse off any residue, he was ready to head outside.

Rarity was right outside waiting for him.

"Much better. Onward." She said as she paid her two bits.

And in what seemed like a split second, he was rushed over to her carousel boutique.

From there, Cory was placed onto a what looked like a platform for fashion models with his front facing three mirrors.

"Soooo what am I supposed to..."

"Shhhh.." replied Rarity as she examined him top to bottom with measuring tape. She thought for a moment and put herself to work on another one of her creations nearby.

"You are exactly what I have been looking for all these years." she said from afar as she toiled with her sewing machine while looking at his reflection.

"Your'e even better than I expected!"

As Cory took time to examine the surroundings of her residence, he noticed how every mannequin, or "mareiquin" in this case, was shaped like a pony. It's overall design was a combination between a French clothing store and an English Edwardian era circus tent. The color scheme consisted mostly of deep magenta and faded violet with a touch of gold and orange to compliment the ceiling. All in all, the place seemed like one of those gypsy tents you stop by to check on your fate and destiny, complete with incense and silky curtains.

At that moment, Rarity rushed with a big cardboard box levitating right next to her. Cory was now really confused.

"Hold still darling. I've been saving this fabric for just such an occasion." she said gleefully as she dunked the box over his head.

As she lifted it up and faced him towards the mirrors, he saw himself in what looked like a combination between a ringmaster and a 1930's dapper gentleman.

"My, has anypony ever told you you would make an exceptional fashion model?" she asked lustfully as she added the finishing touches.

"Not really." he answered quietly

gasp "Well they should be ashamed of themselves! You humans are a living piece of art!"

She rushed over to a nearby closet and with magic, fumbled through a few makeshift items.

"Now where did I put that...Ahhh, here we are." she said as she levitated a camera in the air.

"Could you make a few gestures with those appendages of yours?"

Cory lifted up his arms and fingers and started posing for her. She took a picture of it on the spot, then another, and another, and another until she had about ten photos of him. She rushed back to her closet, found another ensemble of her's, stripped him down, dressed him up again and repeated the picture taking process again.

By late afternoon, Rarity had placed him in about 2 dozen outfits. As monotonous as it was, he seemed to not really mind it at all. Perhaps because she reminded him of another one of his old friends: Camden Clifton. Like Cory, he was picked on constantly by peers. But not because of his slowness, but because of his homosexuality. To make matters worse, his parents kicked him out at a young age due to his orientation. Luckily, he was adopted by loving relatives who welcomed him as one of their own and didn't even mind that he was gay. Every time and Cory got together, they always focused on a subject dealing with fashion and apparel. His house, like Rarity's, looked almost like a clothing store, complete with mannequins, rolls of fabric and even accessories carefully displayed in his bedroom. Camden always knew how to dress one up the right for each occasion. Whether it was a birthday party wedding, funeral, graduation, or just a plain get together, he and his friends would always count on him. But despite his flamboyant lifestyle of fashion and decor, he was one of he most generous people you could meet. Whenever a kid's lunch money was stolen, he would gladly give them a piece of his. Or when someone couldn't find a necessity in his or her backpack, he would give them just what they needed without hesitation. He even on a few separate occasions, mended and stitched his friends clothing whenever they got caught up in another brawl. Basically he was a treasure chest of charity.

"Will that be all maam?" asked Cory as he took off the last outfit of the day.

"Please." she answered as she examined the photos. "Call me Rarity. Although I wouldn't mind if you called me Miss Rarity."

As he headed for the door, he noticed a large pile of discarded fabric. "Anything else...Miss Rarity?" he asked as he picked up the pile.

"MMM..Hmm, yes. Would you be a darling and head on over to Canterlot with me and Pinkie Pie tomorrow?" she asked as she continued examining the photos. " I'm in need of a strong gentleman to help me with a few items."

He thought for a moment. Then he nodded.

"Splendid. Oh and you can throw away that rubbish you're holding on your way out. Ourevoir."

Cory examined the fabric in his arms as he went outside. He couldn't help but feel this could be used for something else. So as he walked back down to Sweet Acres, he went up to his little room in the attic and placed it neatly in the corner. He then sat down on his bed, contemplating how so much could happen to him in a single week.

chapter 8

As he looked at himself in the mirror in his new firmly pressed uniform, Cory began to contemplate on the recent events that occurred. One day he was a battered and bruised nobody with hardly a future to look forward to, now, all of a sudden, he had the position of two reasonable jobs: A Stable Boy for Applejack, and a Chauffeur for Rarity. What's more, he was to escort this Unicorn and her friend Pinkie Pie around a foreign, alien like place filled with quadrupedal residents who had the ability to harness magic. Yet, the name of the town: CANTERLOT, sounded very familiar to him. Back in his world, the Canterlot he remembered was a high school on the other side of town which was coincidently called CANTERLOT HIGH.

Oh, how he wished to attend that school. There, he'd be allowed to talk to people, make friends and even attend clubs. Of course he knew he had to fit in with his own clique of friends, but he didn't really care. At least it was better than having no friends at all. Sometimes, when walking back to the orphanage from school, he would see some of the students from Canterlot High, and sneak closely, yet discreetly behind them, pretending for that moment he was one of them. He even fantasized of showing up at random on a school day and magically being able to attend their classes. Of course that would make him look foolish and stupid, and besides, he didn't have any money to go there.

However, one day, while walking back from school, something changed among the students. At first he couldn't quite put his finger on exactly what, but then as he observed more, he knew what it was. All the cliques were gone. Everyone was now randomly dispersed with each other. Jocks were talking to nerds. Thespians we're talking to the eco-kids, Goths were talking to preppies. etc, etc. Something must have happened that day. Something Magical. Like always, he walked behind a few of them, pretending he attended the school. Suddenly, one of his pencils dropped. A student from nearby noticed it. She went over and picked it up for him. It was a simple gesture, but it was the first time someone at the school noticed him.

Now, as Cory was straightening his tie and buttoning up his jacket, he couldn't help but notice the bundle of fabric from yesterday lying at the edge of his bed. He sat down on the mattress post and gazed at it with intrique.

"There must be way to make it useful for something." he said to himself. "But What?" "It just isn't right to throw it away."

Then he noticed a tiny pair of scissors lying right in front of his feet. He picked them up delicately and reached for a piece of the fabric. Slowly, he started to cut through the material, creating what appeared to be the shape of an apple, when suddenly....

"CORY, RARITY'S WAITING!!" shouted Applejack from downstairs.

"COMING." He responded in a clear yet solemn voice. He quickly stuffed the scissors and some of the fabric deep into his pockets and ran downstairs.

At the front of the house was Rarity dressed up in what looked like a church lady's giddup. She was waiting on what appeared to be a horse drawn carriage pulled by two butch looking colts. He looked at his uniform and knew where this was going. He was to be like Morgan Freeman and she like Jessica Tandy. A "Driving Miss Rarity" story in a nutshell. He climbed onto what looked like the drivers seat, fastened his seatbelt and grabbed the steering ropes.

"We'll need to take a stop over at Sugar Cube Corner to pick up our friend, alright." Said Rarity.

"Yes Miss Rarity." replied Cory, and off they went.

The Town of Ponyville was going about it's daily schedule. Here the usual comings and goings of the four legged residents we're in full swing. The unicorns we're out and about magically tidying up their surroundings, Pegasi we're determining the weather forecast, and filies we're outside playing the occasional game of hopscotch and jumprope. The businesses we're quaint and content with the incoming customers, each selling and trading the same items brought every day. But none seemed to attract more attention that day then the ever bustling Sugar Cube Corner.

"Just park right here darling." Said Rarity as she stepped off the platform.

"Yes Miss Rarity." Replied Cory with the tip of his hat as he steered the gentlecolts to a halt. He then carefully slipped behind the carriage and went inside so as not to cause attention. After all, he was the only human to set foot in this world.

"You wait here." Said Rarity as she walked to the back of the store.

To him, Sugar Cube Corner looked like a humongous gingerbread house supported by brick and wood. Even the smell gave passerbys a mouthwatering feel. The interior was just as welcoming as the outside, with it's bright and cheery color scheme and colonial decor, and especially the different array of delicacies at the countertop. As he waited at one of the eating tables, awaiting his next assignment, he reached into his pocket and took out the fabric and scissors. After a moment of examination, he continued with his cutting. When he finished, he looked at his little makeshift apple and thought 'why stop there?' He took out another piece of fabric and started again, this time on what he saw in the room. First he started simple with plates, forks and tables, then into more complex images such as a cupcake, strudel, chair, wallpaper design, window and even one of the silky clouds from outside. Only 30 minutes had gone by and he had already cut out 2 to 3 dozen images from fabric, each one exquisite in detail. Suddenly, just as he was about to snip another piece.....

"HIIIIIIII!!!!" cried a voice from the back that almost shattered the room. Cory flew in the air and fell to the floor. He felt as though his heart thumped into his throat as what appeared to be a bubblegum coated pony hopped towards him. He quickly grabbed his fabric creations and stuffed them away in his front pocket.

"Wellll, aren't you gonna say hi?" Said Pinkie Pie

Cory slowly raised his shakey hand and gave it an awkward waving gesture.

"Now Dear." said Rarity affectionately. "Let's be polite to our new chauffeur."

"Oh yeah right." she chuckled. "I'm Pinkie Pie. What's Your name?"

"Cory?" he answered softly.

"Where did you come from?" She said while examining his body.

"Well...I.."

"gasp, Are you one of those creatures Twilight met in the other world when she was getting her crown back and you got here after looking outside your window and seeing a weird strange light from a distance and the following Monday escaped from a mean guy that ran a school you went to and after running and running you entered a shack you and 5 other friends used to hang out at in that turned out to be a portal that transported you to the Everfree Forest and you eventually found yourself in Ponyville and now you're living in Applejacks attic and working as her stable boy?! gasp Right?!" She asked as she caught her breath.

"How did you know that?" He asked with a stunned.

"Just a hunch." she answered with a sheepish grin.

"Let's move along Pinkie, we'll be late for the trains departure." Said Rarity.

"By the way, thank you so much for letting me come along so I can deliver Mr. and Mrs. Cake's newest creation." Pinkie continued as the three hopped on the carriage.

"No problem at all." acknowledged Rarity. "To the station Cory."

"Yes Miss Rarity." he replied with the tip of his hat as they started to move along and headed towards the train tracks.

As the baggage colts loaded the carriage onto the back of the train, Cory began to study the locomotive's structure. The color scheme was an unusual one for a train. It almost looked like an array of cupcakes perfectly aligned against the tracks, with of course the exception of the engineers headquarters.

"Cory, lets not dilly dally." Said Rarity.

"Shall I sit in the storage Miss Rarity?" He asked

"Goodness no. Why not you come sit with us in the passenger seats if you don't mind?"

No one had ever asked him to sit next to them in so long. In the past year he would usually get pushed aside and forced to sit in the back row.

"Yes Miss Rarity." he replied while hopping on the train.

"So tell us about yourself." said Pinkie Pie while the train began to move. "What kind of food do you creatures eat? Do you lose balance after walking on two legs for some time? Are you color blind? Do any of you grow tails? "What kind of clothing do you wear? gasp Are those what Twilight called hands? Can you tie those appendages of your's into a knot? What kind of music do you like listening to? Do you know a lot of funny jokes or words? My new favorite funny word is Peanut. I didn't make it up. I just like saying it. Peanut. Peanut. Peanut. Peanut...."

As this continued on throughout the train ride, Cory began to realize how much Pinkie Pie's exuberant behavior reminded him of another one of his friends: Tony Bertocelli. Now Tony belonged to a long line of Italian clowns, each generation an expert in the art of humor. Tony knew almost every funny trick, joke an mime act in the book. With his rubber face, elastic body, wacky hair and over the top mannerisms, he was able to mimic almost every clown act known to man. He was what you would consider to be the class clown, which is what got him deep trouble with the principal as well as what put him in detention. But more importantly, Tony was always there to cheer people up when someone felt down in the dumps. For instance, when a little girl was crying over the death of her grandma, Tony was walking by and saw her tears. So he cheered her up by miming lifting up a heavy object, which put a smile back on her face almost instantly. His large family of uncles, aunts and grandparents always welcomed Cory into their abode with a warm reception. Each family member was equally skilled with mime and the arts, which kept Cory fully entertained, especially when he was sad. Above all the places he stayed at, this one was his favorite.

The train hissed to a stop as it arrived at Canterlot station. It was clean and neatly polished as if the place had just opened yesterday. As the three stepped onto the platform and unloaded the carriage, he stared in awe at what stood before him. It looked like something out of a storybook or a fairy tale, something only dreams could conjure. In short: HE WAS AWESTRUCK.The Carriage unloaded as Cory took his place in the drivers seat.

"Onward Cory." declared Rarity.

"Yes Miss Rarity." he replied.

Canterlot was the most beautiful and majestic city he ever laid eyes on. It was like a combination between a Dr. Seuss city, and a Port from somewhere in a Fellini flick. He looked all around him, dumbfounded at this beautiful sight to behold, almost not noticing where he was steering.

"Easy with the speed limit!" Said Rarity "Watch out for the bumps, it might mess with my mane. Don't go too speedy. Oh, now that's a little too slow of a speed. Actually, try medium speed."

"yep. He thought to himself. This is definitely Driving Miss Daisy.

"Alright here's our first stop." Said Rarity as the carriage came to a halt. "Pinkie, you can drop off Mr. and Mrs. Cake's confection over at Donut Joe's."

"Okey Dokey Lokey." Said Pinkie, and off she hopped towards her destination.

"Alright. Lets see what's needed for our important client, shall we?" Said Rarity with her 10 foot long shopping list. "We'll need about 15 rolls of linen silk, a bag full of denim leather, 1 dozen samples of blue corduroy cotton, 16 small boxes of woven polyester, 4 red and blue shoes, 13 cases of la petie ensemble a....." Upon reading this, she noticed Cory still at the drivers seat.

"Well come along." she said to him. "You don't expect a lady like me to carry all that."

"Oh. Yes miss Rarity." he answered meekly, and off they went.

The stores the two entered in were shaped like a medieval tent, a typical style among Canterlot architects. Each cone like curvature and color scheme of deep purple, marshmallow white and gold suited the buildings surrounding it, with of course the exception of the hanging sign indicating their purpose. The interiors we're further complimentary, replicating a premier french clothing store Cory saw in Vogue Magazine at home once. Here the Unicorns of high society, with their noses in the air strutted their apparel, shopping for the latest trend or ensemble that seemed to catch their eye.

Now Cory truly felt out of place. Everypony seemed to be staring at him wherever he went. They looked at him like a newly discovered specimen in a lab. Their eyes widened with their jaws slightly dropped as he passed by hiding his face underneath his cap in a state of embarrassment. How ever could he explain himself? "Hello, I'm Cory Agees, I'm not of your world." he thought to himself. Too sudden. How about, " I'm a pony with a physical defect in which I'm supposed to walk upright." Too uncanny. By midday, the two had come in and out of about a dozen stores. Though Rarity, with her convenient magic levitated some of the bags, Cory was still left with handling the majority of the shopping list, as well as trying on a few of the fabrics for what Rarity called "safety" precautions. Eventually, Pinkie Pie caught up with the group with her customary enthusiasm. Soon, they found themselves at one of Canterlot's premier Bistros where they treated themselves to the most decadent of confections Equestria had to offer (next to the Apple family of course). Cory had found himself underneath a pile of boxes and bags of which Rarity had put him in charge with. Though as strenuous as it looked, he felt comfortable with the fact he could hide himself underneath all that so as not to cause any attention.

"Cory, may I say something to you?" Said Rarity while sipping her tea. He nodded with approval.

"I'd just like to say thank you so much for escorting me here around Canterlot. It really means a lot to us. In fact, I don't think I ever would have been able to carry all these items without your help."

"Well it really was no big deal." He responded shyly

Pinkie Pie suddenly spit out a mouth full of hot chocolate upon hearing this.

"No Big Deal?!!" Pinkie said suprisingly. "Are you crazy? This is a totally big super gigantic deal!! You are the first human ever to set hoof in Equestria!!! gasp We should totally throw a big humongous welcome party for you. The best most super gigantic enormous party where everypony's invited!!!"

"Well I think that's a marvelous idea." Replied Rarity as she leaned towards Cory. "What with someone of such agility and graceful body structure as yourself."

"A Gangly and Ghastly mess is more like it." laughed a unicorn couple who happened to pass by.

"Oh, Hello Upper Crust. Hello Jet Set." replied Rarity with a distasteful grunt in her voice.

The two unicorns looked like one of those WASP residents you see in a better homes catalogue, complete with sweaters around the neck and noses in the air. They looked like they wouldn't care less about the less fortunate nor would they even try to.

"Ugh, what is this hairless, filthy pony you have next to you Rarity? Don't you know any better?" asked Upper Crust with what sounded like a whip across the ear.

"And what kind of disgusting, unkempt pony has flat hooves that look like a pair of spiders?' Added Jet Set. Cory hid his hands in his pockets upon hearing this.

"Alright, first of all," Replied Rarity with a defendant voice," This is not a pony. This is a human. Second, this human is my new personal chauffeur. So I would extremely appreciate it if you treated him with respect and dignity as I do with all my clients. Now if you'll excuse us...."

"Hold on a tad." Interrupted Jet Set. "Did you just say a human? One of those grotesque bipedal creatures Princess Twilight once encountered a while back?"

"It's no wonder Twilight had to leave so quickly." Added Upper Crust. " These so called humans wouldn't stand a chance trying to catch up with our sophisticated race." The two laughed in a snooty unison.

Cory covered his face with his cap trying desperately to hold back his tears, knowing he'd get scolded for doing such a thing. However, he was used to this kind of humiliation back home. He and his friends would be lucky enough to go through a day without getting bullied or teased.

"Hey, Leave him alone!" Said Pinkie Pie who approached herself in front of him. "Just cause he's not from our world doesn't mean he can't fit in."

"I couldn't agree more Pinkie." Rarity added "Why, he's only been here for a couple of weeks and he already has two decent jobs." She said while patting him on the head with her hoof.

"And he also has a name like everypony else." Pinkie said sternly to the Wasp couple. "Cory. Although it is kind of a weird name. But I like weird and I have a lot of friends who are weird so why should anypony complain about that!!?"

"Well then good luck on trying to make something out of him." Scoffed Upper Crust as the two left with their snouts still hanging in the air.

"I'm pretty sure he'll be able to STAND OUT above the crowd." The two laughed at this comment as they trotted away.

As Rarity and Pinkie Pie boarded back on their carriage, they noticed Cory bowing his head in shame. He was doing his best not to breakdown in tears. The two friends thought for a moment and then leaned towards him as he sat at his drivers seat, trying to concentrate on the road.

"Now Cory." Said Rarity affectionately. "You really shouldn't let those brutes get to you."

"It's ok, I'm used to it." Mumbled Cory.

"Huh?" the two said surprisingly.

"Nothing, I just...I just thought of something." He said as he focused back on his destination.

"Hey if somethins buggin ya, you should really speak up." Added Pinkie Pie "I mean, it's not your fault you're weird looking."

" Shhh Not helping." Whispered Rarity as she kicked her by her side.

Suddenly, one of the Colts drawing the carriage spoke. "I guess what those two girls are trying to say is: Don't let some fancy shmancy talk get the best of ya."

"Yeah." Said the other Colt. "I used to be teased a lot, and look where I am now. May not be the best job in the world but it still manages to put oats on the table."

Soon, before they knew it, they were back at the train station

"Those things you said back there." Said Cory solemnly as the three boarded onto the train. "Did you mean it?"

"Of course we did." Said Rarity "Nopony deserves to be talked down like that."

"Yeah," Added Pinkie "... especially someone as silly looking as...OWW" Rarity kicked Pinkie again.

"What I mean .." continued Pinkie "..is that you shouldn't be afraid to speak up for other ponies. Now lets get back to Ponyville. There's a welcome party tomorrow with your your name on it."

The train started as the three headed back home.

chapter 9

Cory opened his eyes and found himself lying down in the middle of the locker room of his old school. Everything was musty and damp. The tiled floor was soaked everywhere and the sound of incoming students could be heard, getting louder with each step. The other classmates had just gotten back from another strenuous obstacle course, an exercise he became far too familiar with. His classmates had approached the finish line that day, while he, like always, approached a puddle of mud (or a heap of dirt if it wasn't raining). This would then lead to the school coach blowing his whistle against his ear, and dragging his muddy, rag doll body across the track and field. Then he humiliating him in front of his peers by making him suck on his thumb, pointing out his errors and forcing him to chant: "LOSER, LOSER, CORY IS A LOSER!!!" while the others pointed and laughed at him. But now the worst was yet to come.

As he was putting on his normal clothing, getting ready for the next class, a thick, meaty index finger poked at this shoulder.

"Hello, freak." said a voice that sounded like a knife trudging between two eardrums.

Cory turned his head. It was a bunch of bullies surrounding him in a half circle formation. He knew he couldn't fight them, nor could he go around them. It was like a frail lamb trying to climb around a dense row of lions.

Their physical statures were like football players. He could even see a vein or two popping out their forearms. Their hair was cleanly trimmed, their faces neatly shaven and their smiles just as menacing. But what he noticed most about them were their eyes. Each one, almost identically the same, glowed either a neon green with a red dot or simply a snake like turquoise. This eye color could also be seen in almost every teachers eye socket. Whenever they got mad at him or others, he could almost swear he saw a purple mist coming out of their sockets, as if they were aliens from another planet.

"Please leave me alone." he pleaded fearfully "I just want to get to..."

One of the bullies hands slammed hard against one of the lockers and gave him a face that would make a common passerby squeal. The impact on the locker was so hard, it left a dent in the metal. Cory wished so badly now for help, but where was he to find it. The principal wasn't gonna help him, and besides, if he told, he'd get hounded down for not being tough or manly enough. Then the bully slowly went to up to his ear.

"Say you're a freak." he whispered. Cory shook head.

"SAY...YOU'RE...A...FREAK." he said louder. "Say it." Cory stood motionless.

"SAY IT!!! NOW!!!" "SAY IT!!"

The bullies started to push him and violently whack his body against the locker, as they started chanting "SAY IT!! SAY IT!! SAY IT!!" Then they turned him around and locked his arms and legs against the hard, concrete wall.

"Take them off." demanded one of the bullies. He knew what was gonna come next. He just wish it wasn't true.

"TAKE THEM OFF!!"

Cory slowly took down his pants as he heard devious laughter in the background. He whimpered and sobbed as the bullies started unzipping their pants and rubbing their hands on their penises.

"No..No Please." Cory begged. "DONT DO THIS PLEASE!!" he shouted pitifully. " PLEASE, I BEG YOU NO, NO NO..."

"Cory! Cory!! What's the matter!? Wake Up!!" Yelled Applejack as he snapped out of his slumber.

Cory woke up violently shaking and covered in sweat

Big Mac, Granny Smith and Applebloom popped their heads out of the trap door to the attic. They had awoken from him screaming in the middle of the night.

"I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything..." mumbled Cory as he swayed back and forth in his bed

"SHHH it's alright sugarcube." Said Applejack comforting him with a hug. "You was just havin a bad dream, that's all. Just a little nightmare."

The warm caress of her hooves calmed him down as she rocked him back and forth like a baby in a mothers arms.

"Boy, you was shaking more than a bare sapling on a rainy day." commented Applejack after a few minutes.

Cory looked to his side and saw in the mirror what looked like two streams of tears coming down his cheeks. He quickly wiped them away before anyone could see.

"I'm sorry I woke all of you." he said meekly as his head twitched in aftershock. "I'll try not to bother you anymore."

His face looked white as chalk and his palms were fidgety and clammy. A look of worry grew on Applejack and her Family's faces.

"Aw shucks youngun." Said Granny Smith approaching him affectionately. "Don't need to be ashamed. Everypony's had that time where they chatted in their sleep."

"Eeyup." added Big Mac.

Cory took a deep breath as his twitching subsided while Applejack rubbed his back.

"If you want to" said Applejack. "You can sleep with me tonight."

"No I'm fine." replied Cory.

"Well if you ever need us Cory, we're just a floor and a room away."

Then, she kissed him gently on the cheek and headed back downstairs with her family, but not before turning her head slightly and giving a motherly concerned look on her face. Maybe that welcome party Pinkie's plannin will ease his jitterin she thought to herself.

It was now the middle of the night. The moon was full as it glistened it's magnificent light across the sleeping landscape. Sounds of owls and crickets hummed and echoed throughout the deep silence. Everyone and Everything was in a rhythmic slumber, that is except Cory. He was wide awake, restless and unable to shut his eyes. As he rocked back and forth on the edge of his bed, he looked out the window and felt the gleaming essence of the moonlight against his fragile body. He had never seen the spherical rock so close and so exquisite in detail. What's more, he could vaguely, yet visibly see in the moons craters an outline of what looked like a unicorns face staring down upon the earthly scenery below.

However the most puzzling thing that surprised him was that someone had just kissed him goodnight. No one ever had the loving courtesy to do that before, not even his parents. It's not that he disliked it, in fact, the kiss felt warm and reassuring, as if for the first time in so long, he felt right at home. But, regardless, he still felt insecure at that moment. Not to mention the fact that he was only one of his species within an infinite mile radius.

"What am I going to do." he said to himself while looking at the moon. "I've embarrassed myself one too many times. It's only a matter of days before they kick me out or abandon me for being a nuisance, just like my parents. What good am I here? For that matter, what good am I anywhere? Every time I tried to do something acceptable, I would always screw it up in the end, or break something, or make things worse for me. I cant read well, I write poorly, I don't understand the basics of algebra and equations, I can't even do a single set of push ups without running out of....sigh
"Listen to me talking to myself. Even right now I'm acting like a fool" he continued with a huff. "I have no one to blame but myself for my problems, just like Stiffson said."

Cory gently lifted his head up and stared at the magnificent sky outside his window. The stars we're in their full display, twinkling in their customary constellations. He wondered where his old friends we're, whether they we're looking for him or not, whether they missed, or even remembered him, cause he surely did. He wished for that moment they would come to his rescue, and help him out in this hour.

"Tony, Katherine, Joanna, Camden, Rachel ." he said as his lip quivered "I don't know if one of you is out there tonight. You're probably not. You've probably forgotten all about me and started a new life and all. But if by chance you haven't I...I.." He tried desperately to hold back his tears as his eyes got misty and watery. Then he forcefully turned his head away.

"Oh, what good is wishing gonna do. It's just gonna get me in more trouble." Then he turned his head back and looked down for a moment. "But since I don't really have a lot of options," he took a deep breath as he looked back up at the stars

"If any of you is out there, watching the same sky as I...I." a tear began to fall down his cheek. He piped it away instantly. "I know that you we're among the only few who believed in me and each other. We we're always able to find things we we're good at. But whenever we did, we'd get shouted at or taken the blame, or told we'd never get a career out of it. I just...I wish..."

Now he knew he couldn't hold back his tears any longer.

"I wish I was good at something without being judged!"

Suddenly, the moonbeam illuminated into a blinding light. Cory could hardly make out anything around him as his eyes from it's energy. Then, it began to move like a large flashlight amongst the barren soil. Cory pressed his face against the windowsill to see where it was going. It was gleaming itself a pile of remnants from the shack that was dismantled two days ago. Without even thinking, he opened the attic latch, tiptoed downstairs, sneaked outside and ran towards it.

The moon beam made the dismantled shack look a treasure trove of discarded jewels and riches, just waiting for someone to pick it up and make something else out of it. Immediately, he started collecting every plank of wood, screw, bolt, brick or brass handle he found and tiptoed back into the attic. Back and forth he went through this routine until he had gathered almost every remnant from the barn into a neatly secluded pile near the bed. Then, using a small toolbox he found nearby, he started to carve away into the night.

With every shaving of a wooden board, every bending of metal against brass, and every chiseling of cement and brick, a sculpture began to take form. He didn't know what would come out of it, but knew he had found his calling.

chapter 11

"Is the air conditioner checked darling?" asked Rarity "I told you I'd like the air conditioner on."

"Yes it is Miss Rarity." replied Cory as he checked the little fan next to his seat. "I'm not sure why you'd need it though."

"Oh, and I think your'e going a tad too fast." she added

"Miss Rarity, I think we're driving at a very normal speed." Said Cory

"Yes, well I prefer driving under the speed limit. My mane gets quite frizzy during the harvesting season."

Cory was escorting Rarity through the local Ponyville market via carriage. Here the usual hustle and bustle was seen from tent to tent. The customers we're buying their basic goods, the owners presenting every item. The street vendors we're displaying their latest items and gadgets to the next intrigued passerby, mostly attracting the little fillies. To the left, the two of them could spot a Pegusi haggling with a baker over the price of a cinnamon bun, while to their right, a tarot reading with a special discount. While this seemed a typical place to folk, Cory, on the other hand, thought he and Rarity we're entering some turn of the century world's fair. At that moment, he noticed Rarity looking outside her window and letting out a big sigh.

"Something wrong Miss Rarity?" asked Cory

"Oh nothing." chuckled Rarity. "It's just that my neighbor Lyra Heartstrings said the most outlandish thing at the party back there."

"What did she say?" Asked Cory

"Well, she was talking about how I'm the luckiest pony in Equestria to have you."

"She did?"

"Mmm hmm, oh, I assumed you would know her by now."

"Can't say I have Miss Rarity."

"Well, ever since that little adventure Twilight had in your world, Lyra's been dying to know what your species is like: Where you come from, what you're into, what mechanisms you humans have, and how.." she cleared her throat "helpful you all seem to be. I think it's wonderful the way things are changing with you around here. Oh, here's our stop. You may park here Cory."

Cory steered the carriage to a halt as Rarity lightly stepped off. The hustle and bustle of the Ponyville market's food section was in full swing. Everypony was selling or buying their edible goods by the bit. Fillies we're roaming the street goofing off. With the exception of Cory's presence, nothing seemed to be eventful or out of the blue today. Suddenly, Cory noticed an argument between a Unicorn and an Earth Pony over the price of food. The quarrel triggered a flashback in head of a very dark part of his life.

When he was about 9 years old, a week before his parents left him, and about 4 years before the tyrannic principal took over his school, an argument ensued between his mom and an educator during a parent teacher conference. He remembered sitting outside the classroom hearing the whole conversation through closed doors. While the teacher, whom he liked, insisted that a good role model be best fit for the students, His mother thought otherwise, insisting on more discipline and coordination. He remembered how violent it almost got as the argument evolved into screaming and pointing. Cory covered his ears and crouched down to a fetal position, as he did back then, almost making a scene among the Ponyville residents.

"Something wrong Cory?" asked Rarity.

Cory shook his head and went back on his feet.

"Excellent." she responded as she took out her grocery list. "Now then, we'll need about two or three large jars of strawberry jam, five large jars of peanut butter, five or six long stalks of celery, Eleven home decor plates, a glass case or two of oats, an...." she noticed Cory still shaking and with sad, shifty eyes. "Listen Cory, if you have a problem please don't be afraid to speak up."

"It's nothing Miss Rarity." Cory responded.

"Are you sure because you seem to be..."

"I said it's nothing!" he insisted.

A worried look fell on Rarity's face. "Well if that's the case," she said "Lets move forward."

As the day rolled on, Cory found himself carrying an impossibly large supply of items. Each one ranging from food to silverware to place settings. As strenuous as it sounded, Cory didn't seem to mind the hard work. It was a way to keep his mind off that terrible memory. But still, the thought seemed to creep into his subconscious, distracting him from a few of the tasks at hand. Soon, Rarity noticed the spacey look on his face and a parental worry grew on her.

"Cory dear, listen." She said as she rubbed her hoof on his back. "Let me just take it from here."

"But this is a lot of stuff Miss Rarity." he responded.

"Oh, Cory I just needed somepony to load these onto my carriage, that's all. Say, I think the Apple Family is in need of assistance over there." She pointed towards the Sweet Apple Acres tent who's selling of their good's was now in full swing. Behind them was Cory's gargantuan creation as their centerpiece.

"Are you sure you'll be alright Miss Rarity?" he asked

"Of course." Replied Rarity as she hopped back on the carriage. "Besides I have two sturdy gentlemen to help me unload anyway. Have fun." And with the tap of her hoof the pair of stallions escorted her back to her Carousel Boutique.

Applejack noticed Cory walking towards them and waved her hoof in the air. "Hey Cory, come over here!" she shouted as he jogged towards the Apple Family Booth. "Yer just the feller we need."

"What is it?" asked Cory.

"Could you help Applebloom write with paint some catchy slogans to attract more customers?"

"Write?" he asked with a stunned look on his face.

"You do know how to write do you?" asked Big Mac

Cory's eyes shifted back and forth trying to come up with a correct answer.

"Well, I was..." But he couldn't think of what to say. Finally, he gave in and went behind the booth where Applebloom was working.

"I guess that's a yes?" Said Applejack as the two gave a puzzled look.

"Howdy Cory!" Said Applebloom. "You're just in time. Me and Sweetie Belle are paintin some signs for the apple stand and our clubhouse."

"You have a clubhouse?" Asked Cory quietly.

"Yeah." squeaked Sweetie Belle. "You can't have the Cutie Mark Crusaders without a clubhouse. You should really see it sometime."

"Well don't be nervous." Said Applebloom. "There's some paint over there and a billboard to get you started."

Applebloom pointed to her right towards a stool, paint buckets, a brush and a pile of billboards to which Cory promptly walked towards. As he stared at the blank canvas and the brush in his hand, he began to remember those bad episodes he had when it came to finding the correct words. For Cory, writing was as hard on him as quantum mechanics. Sure, he knew his ABC's, sure he knew how to read, but when it came to putting a sentence down the correct way, it was a challenge. It's not that he knew what to write, it's that he didn't know how to express it on a piece of paper. Whenever he tried to express himself this way, it would end up as nonsensical gibberish. This often got him in trouble with the teachers, who would scold any classmate for a simple grammatical error, not to mention the many detentions he had for getting a bad a grade on a written homework assignment. So, he would express himself through pictures rather than words, although he never showed it to anyone, believing he would get in trouble for it

As his brain almost suffered another anxiety attack, he noticed how the paint he was using had a fruity smell to them. So, realizing he wouldn't be judged here, he took the various paints and with the delicate stroke of his brush, began to bring to life a series of paintings. First, he started off with a few simple still portraits: a barrel of apples, a bucket of oats, and a few jars of apricot jam. Then, he moved onto more complex subjects: A pony customer trotting by, a tomato seller haggling with a buyer, and the marketplace tents from near and far. Within an hour, he had completed about 8-9 finely crafted works of art.

"Cory! Are you done with those signs yet?" Asked Applejack as she clopped towards his work station.

"Yes. I think so." Cory answered.

"Well that's super." she said. "Now lets just nail them to the supporting beams and we'll..."

Applejack stopped mid sentence as stared in awe at another one of his art creations. Each painting was based on the material used: One painting was made out of squeezed apricots, another, out of mushed apples.

"Boy Howdy." Said Applejack as she scratched her head "You don't ever cease to amaze us."

"Uhhh thanks?" Cory replied.

"Hey, You mind if we sell some of your paintings or at least display em?" she asked.

"Uhhh, sure I..I guess." he answered.

Then she picked up each of his paintings with her mouth and placed each on on the counter top of their booth.

"My, those paintings look just as good as they smell." Said a magenta coated customer who happened to passed by. "Did you make those?"

"Nnope." Replied Big Mac

"Our new stable colt Cory did." Answered Granny Smith who pointed towards Cory in the corner.

"Well, it is very nice to meet you Cory." Said the customer. "I'm glad to know that you humans are a very talented species. Would you mind if I bought one of your works?"

Cory shrugged as if giving an approval signal. She then gleefully threw a bag of bits on the table and placed his painting on her back.

"Oh, where are my manners." She said as she approached him. "My name is Miss Cherilee. I am a teacher over at the local schoolhouse here in Ponyville."

"Yeah." added Sweetie Belle "She's the best teacher anypony could ever hope for."

"She's also sweet and kind, and very beautiful." added Applebloom

"Now you girls." chuckled Miss Cherilee. "You don't have to flatter me in front of everypony else.

"Well, I'd better get going. I'll see you two girls at school tomorrow." and off she trotted away as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom two waved her goodbye.

By midday, The Apple Family managed to sell all his paintings to the highest bidder.

"Hot Diggity!" Said Granny Smith as the Apple Family began to dismantle their booth. "I don't think we've had such darn tootin good business since 35 moons ago."

"Hey Cory!" said Applejack. "Me and my pal Rainbow Dash have an engaging activity we're doing this afternoon. Wanna tag along?"

"Ok." Answered Cory with a soft voice.

"Great." answered Applejack. "Hop on." Cory sat on Applejacks back as she trotted over to the open field.

chapter 12

AJ gently slid Cory off her back as they arrived at their destination. Cory stared in awe while Applejack looked on in pride. The open field was covered with what looked like a large obstacle course, almost like something out of an army base camp. Included were hoops, ladders, knotted ropes, sand pits, a spinning roundup, horseshoes, a mile long track and other competitive related items. At the end of each section of the obstacle course were two red buzzers, possibly to indicate which pony was done, and at the finish line was a large green button to proclaim who was the winner.

"Eeyup!" proclaimed Applejack. "Sure to beat her this time."

"What exactly do you do again?" asked Cory softly.

"Oh. Every week or so, Rainbow Dash and I try to compete on who's the most daring pony."

"Who's Rainbow Dash?" Cory asked.

Applejack turned his head towards the sky at what looked like a large comet with a neon, multicolored tail heading straight toward them. Cory ducked for cover as the 'comet' did a backward spin, zigzag and finally landed headfirst into the ground, leaving a crater of debris. As the dust settled and Cory stood up to brush off the dirt, He stood face to face at what looked like a well built, blue Pegusus. She had a mow-hawk esque mane and tail, with a color scheme of what looked like all the colors of the world. On her thigh was what appeared to be a tattoo shaped like a blue, red and yellow lightning bolt coming out of a cloud.

"So, what kind of challenge you got in store today Applejack? Although I don't really think there's anything too challenging for me." Said Rainbow Dash as she approached Applejack.

"Oh, don't you get your hopes up Rainbow Dash." Said Applejack. "I think there's gonna be somepony today that's gonna break your winning streak."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." said Rainbow Dash while admiring her hooves. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that'll..." Suddenly, she noticed Cory standing behind Applejack.

"IS THAT...A HUMAN!?" Asked Rainbow Dash with a look of shock on her face.

"Yup." Replied Applejack. "Shocker aint it. His name's Cory. My sister and her friends found him battered and banged up under the Ponyville dump a week ago. He's now workin as the Sweet Apple Acres stable colt and Rarity's personal chauffeur."

Raindow Dash swooped him off the ground and began to examine his body, like a scientist having just discovered a new specimen. She looked at his ears, tickled his skin, brushed his hair and looked closely at his hands.

"Huh." Said Dash. "So that's what hands are." Then she gently dropped him to the ground. "So what's he doing here again?"

"Oh, Cory's here to keep track and tally up the score." Said Applejack as she gave him a notepad and pencil.

"Tally..up..the..score?" Asked Cory worriedly

"That is if you can handle it." Said Rainbow Dash with a puzzled look on her face.

Cory thought for a moment. If there was one thing he was worse at than writing, it was math. To him, even the simplest of equations we're as confusing as chemistry and game theory all rolled into one. This often got him in trouble with the teachers, who often sent him to detention for failing on tests. In his school, even getting one problem slightly wrong would result in negative consequences, like a deduction in their grades. But now, rather than make a scene and look foolish, He looked at the two ponies and through his sweaty, anxiety filled emotion, nodded with a yes.

"That's super." Said Applejack. Then she pointed him to a bleacher nearby and made himself a place to sit.

Soon, she and Rainbow Dash placed themselves at the starting line and placed their bodies in an athletic position.

"May the best pony win." Said Rainbow Dash.

"I'm countin on it." Replied Applejack, and off they galloped through the obstacle course.

Now, knowing that he wouldn't in a million years figure out on his own how to do a simple math problem of tracking the score, Cory decided to just sit back and watch the two compete. As he examined Rainbow Dash with more objectivity, he realized through her agility and tomboy attitude how she reminded him of another one of his five friends: Rachel Hampton. She was the most athletic, and most well built girl he ever knew. Despite her struggles with general studies, which were as challenging to her as they we're to Cory, she excelled in almost every sport or game related activity that was presented to her. It seemed as though nothing seemed too challenging to her. She even was able to climb to the top of a mountain near the town in about three hours flat. Of all his friends, she was the most ambitious, always eager to try the next challenge .

But despite her enthusiasm and optimistic attitude about herself, she had what most would describe as a very rocky childhood. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who beat her with a belt for things that really weren't her fault. Her mother suffered from an extreme case of tourettes syndrome which caused her to blurt out unacceptable words in public and slap her daughter by accidental impulse. One night, while her father was returning home drunk, She decided that enough was enough and would defend herself if he ever tried to beat her again. So as he started yelling at her for another innocent act, she clenched her fists, ready to block. As he swung his belt in the air, she grabbed his arm, threw him to the ground, and ran over to one of her friends houses, who adopted her soon after. This experience of her's eventually made her a very loyal and dependable friend as she strove to not make any of the same mistakes her father did. Whenever a person was in trouble or was being picked on, she always seemed to defend them and ward off the monsters that invaded their everyday life.

Suddenly, Applejack and Rainbow Dash pressed the last buzzer at the finish line, waking Cory up from his daydream of memories. As the two approached him, he began to shake, knowing he was supposed to do something that was impossible for him. He clenched at the notepad as sweat started to fall down his brow. He had never felt this nervous in so long.

"So...did you tally up the score? " asked Rainbow Dash. "Cause I'm pretty sure I finished first."

Cory's eyes shifted back and forth as he hesitated show them his blank paper.

"Hold on there." Said Applejack. "I'm pretty sure I pressed that buzzer before you."

"You tripped over one of the cones." Rainbow dash replied with a more stern tone. "That is cheating."

"You can't cheat over accidentally trippin over."

"Oh yeah? Says who?"

"Says the Daring book 'o rules, that's who."

"There's no daring book of rules."

As the argument began to get heated between the two ponies, Cory began to cover his ears and crouch into a fetal position. The combination between the debate over who was the most daring pony, and his task of calculating the score triggered an anxiety overload in his brain. Finally, it was too much for him as he screamed out to heavens and rushed toward the open field. Then he picked up a few rocks, planks, a hammer, a saw and other re-build-able items and started to once again, create another piece of unconventional artwork.This pertained to the fact that not only did he make artwork when he was sad or bored, but also as a calming mechanism when he was stressed.

"Hey, hey easy there sugarcube." Said Applejack as she trotted towards Cory. "We were just playing a game, we weren't fighting."

"Yeah. Just a friendly competition that's all." Added Rainbow Dash. "Ah, some of the stuff AJ and I competed for over the years."

But Cory completely ignored them as his eyes we're fixed on his self made work. He hardly even noticed the two as they stepped back.

"Maybe we should finish our competition somewhere else." Commented Rainbow Dash with a worried look.

"Yeah, good idea." added Applejack. The two of them trotted away, leaving Cory to attend to his new masterpiece.

As the began to come to an end, Cory was nearly finished with the sculpture when suddenly, the Cutie Mark Crusaders happened to be walking by. They had just gotten back from attempting to get their rock climbing cutie marks when they stopped to stare in awe at what looked a large gazebo-esque entrance to a household. Surrounding were little filly and colt figurines jumping over the arch, and beneath it was a pathway made out of broken up rubber tires and ropes.

"Cory! Did you make that?" asked Scootaloo.

Cory looked at his sculpture and then looked back at them and nodded. The three of them huddled into a circle, murmured something and turned back to him.

"Cory?" asked Applebloom. "Can we use this work 'o yours as a new entrance to our clubhouse?"

Cory looked at his sculpture again and then back at them and nodded. The three of them jumped with glee as they started to tug the artwork to their destination, with the help of Big Mac of course who happened to be passing by, while Cory walked away towards the barn where hopefully, he would have a good nights sleep.

chapter 13

The next two weeks were very productive for Cory Agees. Here, he shifted back and forth between harvesting on the farm with Applejack and running errands with Rarity. What's more, he didn't even mind the daily hectic schedule that was presented to him each day. It was something to keep him occupied from the dark memories of the past. In addition, as his skills as a chauffeur and a stable boy grew, so did his keen eye for creativity. Whenever he found discarded items, an extra pile of leaves, a mound of dirt, or any other material that seemed out of place during one of his outings, he would use the extra time he had to turn that trash into a piece of art. Soon after, he expanded to other forms such as kinetics, sand art, pottery from mud, and even murals from trash heaps. By now, he had filled his new room with a wide assortment of small sculptures, paintings and mosaics, where the material would come from the most unconventional sources.

Eventually, everypony began to request a piece of artwork made solely by Cory. The Commissions ranged from small garden sculptures out of broken tools, to jewelery made out of wire and broken glass doorknobs. Soon after, all the pony folk had at least one item of his in their possession. You might say he had almost turned Ponyville into a widespread art exhibit. Though he was afraid to show it, he had never felt more welcome before in such a long time, at least since his friends were taken away from him.

However, this warm welcome didn't stop the repressed memories from his dark past. Every night, he tossed and turned in his new bed, mumbling in his sleep as the flashbacks took over. From the frequent grueling detentions he got for struggling in basic skills, to the constant beating he received from his peers in the hallways and at P.E., to the seemingly endless, empty existence of the orphanage. The most vivid of his terrible memories was the last day he saw his friends, the day they were expelled. Even though these problems were now physically far away and they would never likely happen again, they seemed more closer than ever in his slumber. Yet he hesitated still to tell his new pony friends what bothered him, for fear that they would see him as being all pitiful and sorry for himself.

One night, another flashback flickered in his head. It was the evening he saw the strange, multicolored light out of his window. He found himself heading back from another grueling day at school, when suddenly, out of the bushes came 4 bullies as they began to corner him. They started pushing him, kicking him in the face and in the stomach, scratching at his skin, and almost ripping his ear off. Then, they threw him to the ground without mercy and started using him like a punching bag as he coughed out blood.

Then, at that moment, a black car with a yellow streak on it's side happened to drive by and pulled over. On its hood was a blue shield with a lightning bolt in the center.

"Hey...HEY!!" yelled the driver as he stepped out of the car and approached the scene. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!!"

The driver had almost the same skin, eye and hair color as Cory's, except he looked taller, healthier and had a spikier hair style. His attire looked very formal and fancy as if he was about to head over to a school dance. In his hand he carried an electric guitar that looked new and neatly polished. The bullies completely ignored him as they continued torturing their victim.

"I SAID LEAVE HIM ALONE!!" he demanded as he pushed through the bullies.

"Listen up Flash Sentry." Said one of the bullies who grabbed him by the vest. "This is none of your business. So why don't you just head on over to your precious fall formal and let us deal with this little freak."

Flash pushed the bully aside as he walked over to help Cory. "You know I don't like it when kids are called that." said Flash.

One of the bullies ran over to him and reeled his fist in the air. But Flash dodged it just in time and kicked him to the ground. Then he swung his guitar and knocked another bully out who came straight toward him and blocked a punch from a third one, pulling him to the ground in a tight head lock. Without even looking at him, Flash jabbed his guitar right into the fourth bullies mouth, knocking some of his teeth out. Soon, sirens could be heard over in the distance. The bullies fled off in defeat as Flash stopped to catch his breath.

"Listen kid are you o....k?" Said Flash as he reached his hand to the ground. But Cory had already gotten up and dragged his battered up body towards the door to the orphanage.

"You sure you don't want any help?" Asked Flash "You look pretty banged up." Cory shook his head with his back towards him.

"The hospital's on the way to the school, I can just..." He shook his head again, this time violently. Flash backed away as he got backed into his car with a sad, worried look and drove off.

Cory awoke in his new room with tear lines streaming down his eyes. He quickly wiped them away as he got out of his bed and paced around his room/art studio. He examined all the works he did so far: touching them, rubbing them, making sure the ones he was about to sell we're in good shape. Then he crept downstairs, through the hallway, and towards the door to Applejacks room. He quietly knocked on it, causing it to open slightly. He crept in with his head looking at the floor and his hands in his pajama pockets. Applejack woke up to the sound of his entrance with a concerned look.

"Hey sugarcube!" Said Appjeack. "What you doin up?"

Cory just stared at her blankly with sad eyes.

"Did you have a bad dream?" She asked

He nodded his head.

"You wanna sleep with me tonight?"

He nodded his head again.

"Alright. Hop on in." She scooched over to the side as he climbed into her bed.

As he drifted off to sleep, Applejack noticed how he curled up into a fetal position and shivered as he inhaled and exhaled. So, being the pure hearted pony she was, she quickly wrapped her forelegs around his fragile torso, enveloped her tail over his small legs and squeezed him softly like a teddy bear against a child's arms. This quickly eased his tension as he stopped his shivering and began to relax. Her forelegs felt like two elbows messaging against his chest. Her belly was warm against his back as she breathed in and out, and her tail was soft and silky, like a cat resting over his feet. He felt like a baby in a mothers womb as he closed his eyes and drifted to a deep slumber. For the first time in so long, he didn't talk in his sleep, nor did he have any bad memories the remainder of the night.

"Good night Cory." whispered Applejack

"Good night sis...Applejack." whispered Cory.

chapter 14

The next morning, Cory awoke to the welcoming rays of the sun which trickled into Applejacks room, and arose to the smell of freshly cooked eggs and buttered toast. It was the best sleep he ever had in so long. He couldn't even remember the last time he felt so relaxed.

"Mornin Cory." Said Applejack as she hopped out of her bed. "Did you have a good sleep?

Cory nodded while trying to make her bed.

"You know, you don't need to make my bed for me, I can do it myself?" Said Applejack

Cory then walked downstairs, sat at the table and helped himself to the ready made breakfast Granny Smith had batched up. Just then, the cutie mark crusaders came running in with backpacks around their waists.

"Hey Cory." asked Sweetie Belle who tapped him on the leg. "Can we ask you something?'

Cory turned and nodded with his mouth full of scrambled eggs.

"It's show and tell day today over at our school, and we were wondering if we could use you as our presentation." Said Scootaloo.

Cory gulped down his food at the sound of this. "Presentation? M-me?" he asked

All three of them nodded with hopeful smiles.

Now the one thing that really made him choke, it was presenting himself in front of a group. Every time he was ordered to read an essay out loud, or recite an equation in front of the whole class, or even so much as climb a rope where everyone was watching, he would almost always sweat profusely, uncontrollably shake his body, and would be unable to get any words out of his mouth, thus causing him to almost collapse from stage fright and become a laughing stock in front of his peers.

"I don't know...I.."

"Aw Cmon Cory it'll be fun." Said Applebloom.

"Yeah, plus we'd love to have you as our new classmate." added Scootaloo.

"Classmate?" asked Cory worriedly with a gulp of fear.

The three nodded again in unison.

Rather than pass up on an opportunity to make more friends, Cory did the first thing that came to his mind and nodded. Before he know it, he found himself being escorted by the three fillies to the local Ponyville School.

Upon arrival, he was intrigued by its exterior texture, which looked like a finely sewed red veil on top of a valentines card. The color scheme of deep red and meloncholy magenta gave it a very welcoming feel, as if luring the students into an education epicenter. The overall design of it was a cross between a presbyterian church and a colonial schoolhouse. To its left was what was obviously the school playground and to its left was a flagpole with a pony statue on top. The entrance sign was a simple picture of an open book, leaving him to wonder whether the residents use letters or symbols as signs to certain buildings. His heart turned warm as he saw the young filly students rush inside at the sound of the bell, talking to each other, laughing, playing around and having a hopeful glint in their eyes. As he peered in, he noticed how welcoming the school was on the inside, with books laid over to left and right and a classic chalkboard in front a class filled with students eager to learn. At that moment, he had wished his school was like this: no fear, no worry, no strict discipline of any sort. Just growth and learning with your whole life ahead of you and an exciting future to look forward to with endless possibilities. But regardless, this did not help him overcome his fear of introducing himself in front of the class. After all, he had only been here for about 3 weeks.

"Alright class, settle down." Said Miss Cherilee as everypony took their seats.

"Today, as you all may know, is show and tell day. So I hope you all have found something you're very eager to share with the class."

At that moment, Miss Cherilee noticed Cory taking a seat in the back of the class, trying his best not to make a scene.

"Oh, I almost forgot." She said. "Today we have a new student that will be joining us. So lets all give a warm Ponyville welcome to Cory Agees."

Cory clutched at his desk at the sound of his name. No one had ever formally introduced him in front of a group, not even in a classroom. He slunk down in his chair as everypony started looking at him curiously.

"Well come on up, don't be shy." Said Miss Cherilee. But Cory remained seated, shaking and sweating.

"We just want you to say hello." She said.

Finally, Cory stood up from his seat. He never felt so nervous in all his life as a large group of fillies and colts looked in his direction with large curious eyes. He opened his mouth as if about to say something, but nothing came out. It was like a forcefield had been tapped against his lips, preventing him from saying any words.

"I...I'm.....it's a....I'm very..." Cory mumbled. But it was no use. Nothing could come out of his mouth. Finally he gave in and went back to his seat with his head bowed down, much to everypony else's confusion. He heard a snicker from two snobby looking fillies as his cheeks turned red in embarrassment .

"Now you two." Said Miss Cherilee sternly as she approached them. "There's no need to be ashamed or embarrassed for having a speech impediment." The two stopped laughing as their eyes rolled in frustration.

"Alright, Lets start with you two over there."

From out of the class came two comical looking colts that looked like something out of a Laurel and Hardy short. Their presentation was a weird looking rock they found underneath their house. Next came a filly with thick glasses, a frizzy red mane and a lisp that could melt the hardest of hearts. Her presentation was a box of cupcakes she made last night to which everypony in the classroom took a sample of. As the CMC's turn grew closer and closer, Cory's hands became clammy and his legs started shaking uncontrollably. He thought that maybe he could just sneak behind the classroom and out the backdoor. But before he could make his escape plan, it was his turn.

Scootaloo grabbed him by the arm as the three of them brought him up to the front of the teacher. He then looked at the fillies and colts as they looked back at him. No other time than than that moment would he wish that he was somewhere else.

"And what do you have for show and tell today girls?" Asked Miss Cherilee.

Sweetie Belle cleared his throat. "This is Cory. He is a human, which is a creature from a world Princess Twilight Sparkle visited once."

Several Colts and Fillies stared in awe at the site of his physical structure.

Then Applebloom stepped in. "We found him in the town junkyard and is currently working as our stable colt down in sweet apple acres."

A few classmates laughed at this as Cory's cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

"He's also working as my sister Rarity's personal chauffeur." Added Sweetie Belle.

"But that's not all he's good at." Said Scootaloo. "Show em Cory."

Cory didn't understand what she was signaling until she pointed towards a trashcan of crumpled up paper. He reached in the can, picked a few scraps and started melding them together. Everypony became engaged as his craftsmanship started to kick in. With every cut, tear and fold of the papers, a beautiful form started to take shape. Then he took some markers and started to color on top of it. When in finished, in exactly 60 seconds flat, he presented to the class what looked like a multicolored paper rose with leaves sprouting at it's sides. He promptly placed it on Miss Cherilee's desk and quickly sat back down. Everypony gasped in amazement at how he was able to make a finely precision work of art in such a short time. At that moment the bell rang.

"Alright class I will see you all after recess." Said Miss Cherilee as everyone gleefully ran outside to the playground. That is everyone but Cory, who was attentively folding another piece of paper at this desk.

"Cory, don't you want to go outside?" Asked Miss Cherilee as she approached him. But Cory paid no attention to her as he kept his eyes fixed on his work.

"There's a lot of young ponies out there who would want to meet you." She added.

He quietly put down the paper and stepped outside onto the school playground. Everypony was enjoying the sunshine as it glistened on the green lawn while they participated in various playful activities. This was totally different from the school he attended. His school never had a playground. The principal thought it would lead would lead to chaos and anarchy. Apparently this wasn't the case for these young fillies and colts. They looked like they had their whole life ahead of them, ready to take on the next daily challenge that lay ahead. As Cory walked into the crowd, a young colt approached him.

"Hey I know you." The colt said with a cockney British accent. "You're the one who made that necklace out of copper wire for me mum."

"He made a mirror frame out of tires and branches for my mommy and daddy's living room." Said another Filly.

"Cory?" asked the filly with a lisp from before. "You wanna play with us?"

He looked down at their big eyes and cute smiles and wished for that moment he had this kind of childhood. With the exception of his five friends, no one ever asked him to play with them. Back home, it would even be a surprise if someone picked up a pencil for him. At his old school, it was forbidden to play a game or even joke around, with punishment of immediate expulsion. However, looking at his current circumstances, Cory nodded and was escorted to the playground. After all, this was a great opportunity for him to have some fun.

Some of the activities included jump rope, hopscotch, swing set, slides, seesaw and other exertions one would expect on a playground. Although Cory failed miserably in these games, nopony seemed to really mind. In fact, they seemed to enjoy his company as they stared in awe at his unique human body structure. That is except for the two spoiled fillies from before.

"Is that really all you're good at?" Said Silver Spoon as they laughed at him.

"Taking a piece of junk and turning it into more junk?" added Diamond Tiara

The CMC looked at them distastefully as they approached the scene. They we're perhaps the most posh looking ponies he laid eyes on. It was as if they had popped right out of a snobby couple from "Fabulous Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous."

"Leave him alone Diamond Tiara." Said Applebloom sternly as she approached them.

"It's no wonder you chose this human as your show and tell project." Said Diamond Tiara "You found someone who was just as little talent as you three blank flanks put together. "

"What's a blank flank?" asked Cory.

"Oh, that would be you." replied Silver Spoon as he flicked him on the forehead with her hoof.

"It's somepony with no skill, no flavor, and nothing to look forward to." Added Diamond Tiara.

"And you're certainly not gonna find anything to look forward to with making junk." Added Silver Spoon as Cory tried to hold back his tears.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Asked Sweetie Belle

"Don't listen to them Cory." Said Scootaloo as she looked at Diamond and Silver scornfully. " C'mon. Lets go play somewhere else."

"Mind if we join?' Said Silver Spoon with a taunting voice.

"We'd love to see how he's able to walk on two legs without tripping?' Added Diamond Tiara.

Cory tried his best to ignore them. But they were following him like bees on a flower. It was even harder now since the CMC led him to a game of tether ball, a game he had too many bad memories of. As Sweetie Belle took the first swing, Cory ducked for cover as the flew around the four of them. Scootaloo then kicked it into his direction, pathetically blocking his face from the balls impact. After a few swings back and forth, Applebloom tried to pass it the direction of Sweetie Belle, when Diamond Tiara, being the bully she is, casually kicked her from the behind, causing her to accidentally push the ball in the other direction and slam Cory right in the face at full speed. He flew back eight or ten feet and hit his head hard on the ground with a bloody nose and a black eye. He overheard a combination of both snickering laughter and concerned murmur.

"Oh my gosh!" Said Applebloom as she ran up to him. "I'm so sorry! Are you OK!?"

"O.K. as in OVER KILL?" Said Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara who laughed maniacally at the scene.

"What did you do to him?" Asked Sweetie Belle to the two of them.

"What we did?" Asked Diamond Tiara "I think it's what's you three did."

"What do you mean?" Asked Scootaloo.

"I mean isn't it obvious." added Silver Spoon. "He's already 15 years old and he still hasn't got anything to show it for."

"Yea he does." Added Applebloom.

"Oh no he doesn't." Said Diamond Tiara as he approached him. "I mean look at him. Does he even have a family?"

Cory tried so desperately to hold back his tears, almost to no avail.

"The way we see it." Said Silver Speoon. "He's peaked. Nothing is ever gonna get any better than this."

"I can already imagine his grave stone." Added Diamond Tiara. "Here lies Cory Agees. The little loser with nothing to show but turning junk into junk!"

This was the last straw for Cory as he got up to his feet, shoved through the crowd of young ponies and started to run off.

"Wait Cory, come Back!!" Shouted AppleBloom "They didn't know what they we're saying! Cory!! Cory!!!"

But he didn't hear her. All he could hear in the back was Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara chanting. "Run little Un-Cory-dinated, Run!" and their snickering laughter.

Cory ran over the hills, right through the edge of town and into a nearby pine tree forest. The sun was setting it's last glimmer of the day by the time he approached the edge of the woods. It was dark, thick and secluded within the trees. The sound of wolves and owls could be heard everywhere. A cold mist breezed against his fragile body causing his teeth to chatter. He was alone again, just like the day he arrived in Equestria. At least here Maybe he would be able to make a living without being judged. But where could he find food against this dense habitat. He had no idea how to capture an animal, and who knows what bacteria lurks in the nearby stream. What was he to do?

chapter 15

It had now been 12 days since Cory ran off into the woods, and things weren't getting any better for him. Though he was able to trap an insect here and there, ate an occasional handful of grass, and found a way to drink from a nearby stream without getting sick, it still wasn't enough to sustain him. He had lost a dangerous amount of weight and was now barely able to walk. He felt incredibly ill and lost almost all ability to talk, with the exception of a few grunts and mumbles. To make matters worse, he had a bad allergic reaction to all the pollen floating in the air, causing his eyes to swell up and his skin to break out in rashes.

But this was the least of his problem. As Cory wandered aimlessly through the thick pine, he started to hear voices. At first it sounded inaudible, but then he could translate it as mocking laughter. Then, he started seeing images, images painful memories from the past. They all looked like they were laughing at him, teasing his gawky structure and short stature. Soon after, they turned into what looked like ponies with masks for faces, all pointing their hooves at him and mocking his insecurities. He wished he could fight them back, but he didn't have the strength in his body to do so.

"Pleafse. Leaf Mei Alonne. Pleafse." He mumbled through his tired mouth. "Bwat Di I do?"

He covered his ears as he limped in the other direction. But due to his weak condition, he didn't look where he was going and tripped over a very sharp rock. The impact tore open his pants and shoe and made a big, bloody gash down his right leg and foot. As he screamed out in anguish, he got mad. He threw his torn up shoe against the ground and started pounding his chest. Then he began punching himself in the chin, slapping himself across the face, pounding himself in the stomach and kicking with his knee to the forehead. He was angry. Not just at everyone around him, but at himself. Why did I come here? he thought. I have no purpose here. Those two were right. I've reached my limit. Finally, he smacked himself against a tree and landed flat on his back. He looked into the night sky and closed his eyes, hoping it would be the very last time.

But it wasn't.

Cory woke up to find himself in a flat desert like terrain. Strangely, he felt healthier and more able to walk. But there was nowhere to go to but the empty landscape that lied ahead. There, off in the distance, he could make out a building that turned out to be his old school. It was neatly polished, symmetrically aligned by the brick and untouched by a single speck of dirt. Oh, the painful memories he had there. From the detentions, to the grueling P.E., to the merciless rules carried out by the principal. A fit of rage fell across his face. He picked up a stone from a pile he found next to him and started violently throwing at the school. He didn't care if he got caught. With every scream he made and stone that crashed through the window, he felt justice was being served to this god forsaken prison. He continued this savage act until his arms were numb and his hands were red. Then, as he collapsed to his knees in exhaustion, he heard an angelic, female voice.

"A warm welcome to you Cory." it said. This startled him as he jumped to his feet and tried to figure out where it was coming from. All he could see was the school and a large full moon rising over it.

Without warning, a large blinding light burst through the school windows as it blasted the building into a million pieces. Then, as the dust settled, the light took on the form of what appeared to be a winged Unicorn. Her coat was a deep navy blue. Her mane and tail were like a million stars flowing against a silk curtain. She had finely crafted shoes on her hooves, which led him to question as to whether it hurt or not. On her thigh was a tattoo of a crescent moon against the night sky, which perfectly matched the pendant she wore around her neck. Cory scooted himself back in fear and astonishment at the sight of her as she approached him. He had never seen a specimen so beautiful and yet so powerful. It was like staring into the face of the heavens.

"Do not fear me Cory." She said softly. "I do not wish to harm you."

He approached her with awestruck eyes and a bit of shame in his soul. It felt embarrassing for him to present himself in front of something with so much allure and beauty. But despite his hesitation, he walked towards the winged unicorn, wondering what she will make of him. After all, he was a mess.

"Who....Are....You...?" he asked.

"I am Luna, The Princess of the Night. Thus it is my duty to come into your dream."

Cory was confused. "Dream? But it seems so.."

"I can assure you, the only things real here are you and I.." Luna responded. "But that is not important now. I have learned a great many things about you since your arrival. I know you've had a sad past, that you've been constantly tortured verbally and spiritually by your peers, and that you lack many skills most of your kind tend to have. But above all, you desperately want to be loved."

"But...But I don't belong here!" He responded. "I'm not supposed to be here! How should I.."

Luna placed her hoof against his mouth to calm him down. "Let me explain." she said.

"Long ago, a young colt just like you lived a life of fear and isolation. Though he tried his best to fit among the crowd, it always ended in disaster. He died alone and scared because he did not find the courage to seek help from friends."

"So?" asked Cory.

"Whenever a form of this world is no longer alive, the the other form can enter it as they please."

Luna gently placed her wing around her back as if about to cradle him.

"I think you now know what must be done."

"If you're gonna say go back and face my problems forget it." Said Cory. "Because with all due respect, I've faced my problems every single day of my life."

Luna thought for a moment.

"Then it is time for you to tell your problems, and I know of six amazing friends in Ponyville who will be willing to listen."

"But what happens if they..."

"Discuss your problems Cory." Continued Luna "Only then can you truly be brave enough to conquer them."

Cory stepped back as the dream world around him began to disappear.

"Be brave Cory." Said Luna as she vanished amongst the terrain. "Tell your problems."

Cory opened his eyes and found himself once again lying on the forest floor and barely able to move. Just like the day he arrived, he could only open with one eye, and was very, very hungry. From off in the distance he heard a soft, snow white like voice.

"Where is he?" it said. "Did you find him?"

Eventually, he felt two squirrel paws tufting at his hair. With his only working eye he made out what looked like the face of a yellow Pegusi with a light pink mane staring right above him.

"Oh, you poor little thing." She said "You need help right away."

She carefully, lifted him up with her hooves and off the forest floor. It was at that moment he lost consciousness.

chapter 16

"How's Cory holding up Fluttershy?" asked Twilight

"He's in a critical, but very stable condition now." Answered Fluttershy. "Angel and I were very lucky to find him. I think if we waited any longer, he would have been dead."

"So, he gonna be alright?" Asked Applejack

"He'll be just fine. He just needs plenty of rest, food and love, and he'll be all better within a week. We were even able to stitch up that nasty gash on his right leg."

"We'll that is a relief." Said Rarity. "I was beginning to think this search was a lost cause."

"Now I'm going to check on how he's doing." Said Fluttershy. " In the meantime I think you all should let him have his space."

The other five promptly left while the yellow Pegusi went back to her new patient.

Cory opened his right, puffy eyelid in a daze and found himself in the middle of what resembled the bedroom of a fairy tale cottage. The aroma that enveloped the room was a combination between cinnamon, spices and flowers. Surrounding him we're what looked like several woodland critters attending to his body, each one assigned to a different task. It was almost like he fell into the world of Snow White. To his right was a small dresser with a first aid kit on top, complete with bandages, medicine and a thermometer. Cory tried to get up, but was so weak he could barely even move. He turned his head to the left and looked at his reflection in a mirror. He resembled that of a skeleton with frizzy hair. Was I really out in the woods that long? he thought to himself. How am I even alive? Suddenly, in came the yellow pegusi with the pink mane from before.

"Good Morning Cory." she said softly "How are you doing?"

"Where...am...I?" Cory mumbled through his parched mouth.

"You're in the guest bedroom of my cottage. It's been two days since my bunny Angel and I found you stranded in the middle of the woods, and as far as I know you're very lucky to be alive."

"Who..Are..You?" He asked as he tried to force the words out of his mouth.

"My name is Fluttershy. My friends and I told me all about you and I'm very interested to know about you humans. After all, critters great and small are my specialty, except of course dragons."

Cory opened his mouth as if about to say something, but was too weak and dazed to think of something.

"Now hold still." she said while opening the first aid kit. "This might hurt for just a second."

She took out a cleaning cloth and just like Applejack, opened up one of his swollen eyelids with the gentle squeeze of her hoof. The clotted blood dripped down his cheek and chin and she quickly wiped it away with the cloth. He could see much more easily.

"Oh. By the way." Said Fluttershy as she put the cloth away. "Since your awake, I thought you might like something to pass the time. A playmate." She reached into the front pocket of her satchel and brought out what looked like a little baby bat with small ears.

"What..Is..That?" mumbled Cory.

"It's a little fruit bat. I called him Cody. giggle, almost like your name. I found him just wandering around my vegetable garden the other day. Turns out he was made fun of by his own brethren for not having big enough ears. But he's a really good flyer, and he can even climb higher than most bats his age."

As she said this, the little bat flew over to Cory's right hand which was dangling on the side of the bed and rested on one of his bony fingers.

"Awww." She said. "I think he likes you. You know, funny thing. I've recently grown an attachment to bats."

Cory turned to his side and looked dreamily at the fragile little animal. The creature's body was filled with so much potential, so much possibility, so much energy for the world around him.

"Now you two get acquainted while I get you something for your tummy." She said as she promptly left the room.

Hey little guy, thought Cory with his eyes still fixed on the baby bat. You're pretty happy for a kid who's been bullied. I wish I could tell you things we're gonna be alright. But what do I know. I'm just a worthless hunk of shit. You've got more chance succeeding than I ever will. After a few minutes petting his new friend with his thumb, Fluttershy entered with a hot bowl of soup.

"Soups on." she said as she placed the bowl on the table. "You're gonna all the food you can get if you want your strength back." She picked the spoon up with her mouth and placed it into Cory's. Bite after bite, slurp after slurp, he began to regain his balance. Suddenly, he grabbed the bowl and gulped it down his throat down to the last bit. He didn't care if he looked like a pig. He just needed something in his stomach.

"Boy, you were hungry." Commented Fluttershy.

"Sorry." he said quietly as he wiped his mouth.

"Oh, no need to apologize. So tell me about yourself. It must feel weird being the only human in Equestria."

Cory's eyes were still fixed on the baby bat as it climbed up to his shoulder.

"How do you tell other animals what to do?" he asked softly.

"Oh, it's just something I've been very talented with since I was a filly."

"I wish I was that talented."

"But you are talented Cory."

"No I'm not. At least not as much as you."

Fluttershy had a concerned look on her as she gazed at his lifeless face

"You just stay there while I fix you up something else to eat."

As the days rolled on, Cory became more acquainted with his new bat friend Cody. He felt like he had a connection with him and could identify with his predicament. Soon, as he started to walk again, they both played the occasional game of tag and hide and seek. Cory grew so attached to him that he hesitated to say goodbye when it was time for Cody to go back to his family. It was like losing his friends all over again as he desperately tried to hold back his tears.

But Cory seemed to be more fascinated by Fluttershy and her open hearted kindness to all creatures. Despite his quiet responses to her and negligence to speak up, she didn't seem to mind this con of his. He was amazed at how she tamed even a giant, short tempered bear without even breaking a sweat. She even reminded him of another one of his friends: Katie Aldrich. Katie was a very shy but very determined individual. She was what some considered the Eco-kid. She always recycled everything she used, planted a tree every month, used environmentally friendly products and would never even dare to step on an anthill. There were many times when a person with a pet or a stray animal would stop by her door and she would tend to it right away, fixing it up overnight. She knew almost every kind of species of animals and would hold discussion groups as to how to protect the environment. This sensitivity to plants and animals made her the laughing stock of the school and a social outcast, which made her fit right in with Cory's group.

A week had now gone by since his rescue, and Twilight and her friends were now incredibly concerned about his solitary behavior. So one morning, Fluttershy came in to her cottage to see how he was doing.

"Cory." she said. "My friends and I are having a little get together. Would you like to join?"

Cory nodded his head and was escorted to the back side of the cottage. Twilight, her four other friends, Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were found sitting on top of a neatly pressed blanket. They had worrisome looks as Cory approached the scene.

"Cory." said Twilight. "We need to talk."

"What happened?" he asked as he sat on a tree stump.

"We're just a little concerned about the way you've been acting." Said Rarity.

"What do you mean?" he asked. "There's nothing wrong with me."

"Honey." Said Applejack. "You toss and turn every night in your sleep."

"You hesitate to stand up for yourself." Said Rarity

"You get fidgety all the time." Said Pinkie Pie

"You freak out every time somepony gets into an argument." Said Rainbow Dash

"And you talk really quietly." Said Fluttershy.

"And when you do." Spike added. "You bow your head down as if you're ashamed to talk."

"Plus when we found you, you were all bruised and bleedin." Said Applebloom

"Your clothes were all torn up." Added Sweetie Belle

"And your'e not really the most athletic of species." Said Scootaloo. The other two jabbed her to the side and gave her a shoosh.

"Come and tell us what's wrong." Said Twilight affectionately.

"If I tell you, I'm going to be all sorry for myself." He responded

"Who told ya that?" Asked Applejack

"If I tell you that, I'll also be sorry for myself."

"Look Cory." Said Twilight as she approached him. "You know us, and we know you. Whoever told you that nonsense is wrong. You can totally trust us, and if there's one thing that really helps us solve problems, it's talking them over with good friends."

Cory looked at the ponies with a blank face.

"You won't get angry at me?" he asked worriedly.

"We won't get angry at you." Pinkie Pie responded.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." They all said in Unison.

Cory thought for a moment.

"OK." he responded. "Where do I start."

"Just start at the beginning." Said Rarity. "What family did you come from?"

"OK." he took a deep breath and started his story.

chapter 17

"I didn't really have what you say a happy childhood. I was born into a family that didn't want me. My mother and father were extremely violent towards me as well as each other. In fact they hated me."

"Didn't you have any relatives?" asked Applebloom.

"No. They were all dead from either an accident or illness. Me and my parents were really the last of our kind and my only living relative would not speak to me.

The patience my parents had with me was like a ticking time bomb. I seemed to always get blamed for everything, sometimes I'd be just sitting there doing nothing and get punished for it. Whenever I started crying one of them would slap me across the face telling me to shut up and sit down. I remember asking them why they hated me so much, and my father responded by punching me in the face and telling me to go to my room, reminding me of how much of a failure I was going to be. My mom even told me if they killed me now, no one would mind. One day, at the age of 10, we were at the airport, and they noticed there was a flight heading for a warm beach in Miami. So, they...just...abandoned me at the souvenir shop. I've never seen them since. "

Everypony dropped their jaws in shock and disbelief.

"They... abandoned you?" asked Applejack.

Cory nodded in shame.

"With nowhere to go, I was taken straight to the orphanage. I waited everyday for just somebody to pick up and welcome me to their new family. But they never came. My careless bunk mate said that people only want to adopt babies and that I was to be there until my 18th birthday. But just when I thought it couldn't get worse a group of orphaned bullies shared the same room with me, where each night they would taunt me, force me to ground and beat me up. I always looked outside, watching and waiting for someone to take me away from it all, wondering if the next car that passed by was the one for me."

"Didn't you have any friends to help you?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Yes, I did. Some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Their names were: Joanna, who owned a farm, Camden, who was a fashion expert, Tony, who belonged to a family of clowns, Rachel, who was a pro athlete, and Katie, who loved the environment as much as she loved us. Come to think of it, they were much like you guys. We all met one day at school when I was eleven and a half years old. Though we had different tastes, we all shared one thing in common: we were all social outcasts. Each one of us was teased or ridiculed in some form or way. Joanna was bullied for her farm life, Camden for being gay, Tony for being an accidental troublemaker, Rachel for her broken up and abusive household, and Katie for her love for animals. We did everything together. We played games, formed our secret club, ate lunch together, even exposed our talents together. I was even able to find my own. You all might probably know what it is. My friends always used to help me find stuff in the town junkyard and assort them into a masterpiece, though we had to immediately take it down for fear of getting caught. They we're so generous and so open hearted that they even let me stay at their homes instead of the orphanage. I would alternate between houses every week, but I didn't really care. Each house was a welcoming place where I could belong. "

"But the worst was yet to come. You see, when we entered 8th grade, we started attending this Middle/High School that was ruled by very fierce and unforgiving principal named Stiffson. It was a no nonsense academy where fun was strictly outlawed. There were no arts, no theater, no music, not even after school activities. There was also no talking, humming, or wandering off, and if you disobeyed any rules, you would either serve a grueling detention, or be immediately expelled. I always seemed to get it the worst out of all the students. I would get blamed for almost everything. It was probably because I sucked at reading writing and math. The teachers, who were equally vicious, would always scream at me for getting a problem wrong, and whip me on the back with a switch for failing on an assignment, something I became far too familiar with."

Cory then turned his back towards them and lifted his shirt up to reveal lash marks all over his back. Everypony gasped in horror.

"So that's why you leaned to the edge when we were givin you a wash." said Applejack solemnly.

"All the teachers, principal included, had firmly pressed clothing, polished shoes and trimmed haircuts. But the part I remembered most about them was they all had green eyes with either a red dot or a turquoise diamond for a pupil, and whenever they got mad, I would swear a purple mist came out of their sockets."

Red Dots, Purple mist. Just like Sombra thought Twilight.

"My friends and I tried so hard to impress them by being better at these basic skills that most people had. But whenever we tried to find help, we'd get scoffed at and told to get over it. We weren't allowed to talk about our problems at this school no matter what the circumstances were, because to them, it was a sign of being sorry for ourselves and that we were acting like babies. We weren't even allowed to cry or shed or tear, at the risk of getting slapped in the face for it. I would crack under the pressure of writing an essay, or worse, solving a simple math problem. Though I tried my best to be good at math and english, I still sucked at it. I couldn't even solve a single equation right or even write an essay without dozens of grammar, spelling and punctuation problems."

"Another thing that I was terrible at was physical education. I was always the last person to be picked on a team, I could barely throw a ball a few feet, I couldn't even do a few monotonous exercises without passing out. The classmates as well as the coach would tease me and scream at me for this and they would always chant: 'LOSER LOSER, CORY IS A LOSER.' They would even force me to call me a loser. It was even worse in the locker room where a bunch of older bullies would slam me against the wall, pull my pants down, and....." He gulped heavily "Stick their privates into my privates. Whenever I tried to tell this to the teacher, they just brushed me off and told me to man up and stop being a pussy. Even the nurse was unsympathetic, who would just give me painkillers and go back to her business."

"But the worst part about them was they firmly believed friendship was a waste of time and interference with etiquette."

"What?!!!" Everypony asked in unison.

"Friendship a waste of time?!!" asked a stunned Pinkie Pie

"Interference with etiquette?" asked Rarity. "That is the most absurd thing I've ever heard, and I am an etiquette dictionary."

"I'll never forget the day the principal took my friends away from me. The day that started the loneliest year of my life. My friends and I were playing a few instruments on the school grounds to protest the banning of music. A hall monitor caught all but me and they were dragged to the principals office. I still wonder why they didn't run with me. Maybe it was to save my skin. Later that day, the whole school marched in single file and in almost perfect unison to the auditorium. The principal then ordered my five friends onto the stage as he grabbed the mic. 'I want all of you to take a good look at these five imbeciles on the risers behind me!' he said with a booming voice 'These idiots have committed an act that has disrupted this school and intimidated you. They have failed to realize that music, along with arts, and theater is one of the key habits to drugs, alcohol, and death. They have wasted the school space, and poisoned these walls with the clambering nuisance of friendship. There is no detention this time for these hopeless causes. This is the end. You are all expelled. You are dismissed. You are out of here forever. Goodbye, and good riddance.' I immediately rose from my chair and ran up to the stage, begging him to reconsider. My friends ran up to me for a big hug, just before the hall monitors threw us apart shoved me away from them, dragging me down out of the hallway and into detention. It was the last time I ever saw my friends."

"After that, I endured perhaps the worst year anyone could endure. I suffered every kind of abuse imaginable,physical, verbal and spiritual from both my peers and teachers. I headed back to that dreary orphanage where I was the only resident. The owners were too busy signing papers and filling out statements to even know that I was there. Almost everything was gone and lost for me, including hope.

"One night, after the usual beating, I took a bed sheet, turned it into a rope and decided to end it all. But just as I was about to hang myself, I noticed a strange light coming from outside the window. It was off in the distance as I walked towards the sill. At first it was hard to make out what it was. But as I looked closer with a keen eye, it looked like a star surrounded by five smaller ones. Then all the sudden, it transformed into a rainbow cyclone of all the colors of the world. It all seemed to be coming from the direction of a high school named Canterlot High."

Star with five smaller ones, Rainbow cyclone, Canterlot High Thought Twilight.

"Then, it exploded into a blinding light all across the sky, filling with it with a wondrous display of every hue imaginable. And just as fast as it appeared, it vanished. I don't know why, but for some reason that unexplained phenomena gave me a sense of hope. So I came up with an ultimatum. I would give this life one more chance. If I could go through one whole school day without being so much as scoffed or yelled at, I would stay. But if it turned out to be like all the other days I would pack my things and leave, never to return, and hoping to seek out friends somewhere else."

"Apparently, it didn't go as planned. I was still healing from all those bruises and cuts I got from those bullies from the other night, and all my clothes were torn up and ruined. The principal found me in this pathetic state and grabbed me by the arm, dragging me towards his office. He dug his fingers so hard into my skin that he tore a big, bloody gash. I knew the deal I made the other night, so I yanked my arm out, kicked him in the groin and ran out the front door. The last thing I remember him screaming was 'YOULL BE DEAD IN A YEAR CORY!! DO YOU HEAR ME!!!! YOU'LL BE DEAD IN ONE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!.

"I ran with all my might not knowing where my feet would take me, but a voice kept saying in my head 'just keep running, don't look back, just keep running, don't look back.' Finally, I reached the other side of town where I came across an old shack me and my five other friends used to hang out in. As I ran towards it and opened the door, I tripped and rolled over to the back wall. Next thing I knew, I ended up here where I hid in the Ponyville junkyard, was found by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, and...well...I guess you know the rest. There. Now you know."

Cory got up and walked away in a huff, leaving everypony burning with grief and bewilderment.

"I can't believe his own folks would just dump him." Said Applejack

"UUUHGH!! I oughta press that guy into jerk cider for taking his friends away from him." Said Rainbow Dash.

"I'm still amazed at how he never got violent." Said Spike

"He must have a big heart to endure all that." Said Rarity.

"If I was him, I'd snap like a twig." Said Fluttershy

"WAAAAAH!!!" Cried Pinkie Pie under a fountain of tears. "That's the saddest story I've ever heard!"

"Is there anyway we can help him Twilight?" asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Twilight thought for a moment. "Let me go talk to him."

chapter 18

Twilight found Cory sitting in front of a nearby creek with his head bowed down. She walked over slowly with a sad look on her face and quietly sat down and scooted over to him. He was now desperately trying to hold back his tears as she rubbed her hoof on his back. She looked up at the sky and noticed how majestic the clouds were. The turquoise grass flowed with the occasional breeze like waves in an endless ocean. There was the occasional hum of the dragonfly that passed by their heads unnoticed.

"Gorgeous day today isn't it?" She asked as if trying to cheer him up. "The water is making a very shimmering reflection of the sun. gasp Hey look! there's a little squirrel gathering nuts."

But Cory just sat there with his legs stretched out and his face completely lifeless. He wouldn't care if then and there a large fly landed on his face.

"You know, it took a lot of courage to do what you did just now." She said as he tilted his head up with her hoof, to which Cory promptly pulled himself away from.

"Why did you enter my world?' asked Cory as if not even hearing her compliment.

"Well, I had to get my crown back. But the first thing I had to do was end a feud between a few friends that looked very similar to a few friends back here. Plus the crown was part of a contest for princess of the fall formal, which I had to win if wanted to get it back. But after a bit of research at the Canterlot High library and a strong sense of determination, I was able to help these five friends amend their ways, and have them help me get the school on our side, which was nothing a little song and dance couldn't fix."

"You went to Canterlot High?" asked Cory. "I always wanted to go there. Every night I would wish the school board would just transfer me and make me a new student there, but I never heard anything back. I knew I would have to find my own clique of friends, but at least there I'd be allowed to express myself through the arts. Sometimes, when returning back to the orphanage from school, I'd notice some of those students and I'd walk closely behind them, pretending for that one, glimmering moment that I was one of them. I even fantasized of one day entering through those doors and shouting 'Hey Everyone! Here I am!' and I'd start taking classes there. I know that sounds pretty silly, but that's how desperate I was. I would have given anything to get out of that hell on earth they called a school."

"I don't think it's silly." Said Twilight. " I can understand your plight. In fact, I actually felt more silly when I entered your world. But the trouble was I knew what was at steak after the opposing candidate Sunset Shimmer tried to wreck the fall formal and blame it on me. Luckily a friend named Flash Sentry proved my innocence. Knowing if didn't get my crown that night, I'd be stuck in your world for another 30 moons. So, with the time drawing nearer, I mustered up the courage to tell my friends who I really was."

"You knew Flash Sentry?" asked Cory.

"Well..." chuckled Twilight as her cheeks blushed. " I wouldn't say JUST knew him but.."

"That's the name of the guy who saved my life from those bullies the night I saw that weird light. I should have thanked him for what he did."

"Wow." Said Twilight with a stunned look. "It's no wonder he comes to others in their hour of need. You know, now that you mention it, you kind of look like him."

For a moment they looked at each other awkwardly

"Anyway." Said Twilight. "After I told my friends where I came from, we were able to fix up the formal, with the help of the entire school of course, move the dance back to that night, get ready, go to the dance, and win the crown."

"You did all of that in one day?" asked Cory solemnly.

Twilight nodded back. "But after a confrontation with Sunset Shimmer on the school lawn, she was able to steal my crown. And when she put it on, she transformed into a demonic shell of her former self. Though she tried to get rid of us, she couldn't wield the crowns true power, because she didn't understand the real magic that crown possessed: 'The Magic of Friendship.' After defeating her, a remorseful Sunset Shimmer made a tearful apology for tearing the the school and its students apart. So I promptly assigned my human friends to look after her and teach her about friendship. Then got my crown back, had one more dance, and went back home, knowing I left my former adversary in good hands. But the important thing I learned during that adventure, was that the magic of friendship doesn't just exist in one world, it's everywhere. And you Cory, decided to seek it out, rather than spend your life alone..."

"Look, you came into my world for a reason!!" snapped Cory. "You had something to do, a goal, a what do you call it....objective. I have no reason being here! I wasn't told by someone to come here like you! I just wandered in here! OK? I don't belong here, I don't belong there, I don't belong anywhere!! I'm just worthless and stupid, just like Stiffson told me."

Then he went back to lifelessly looking at the river. Twilight rubbed her foreleg around his bony back and placed the other on his left hand. He tilted his head slightly and noticed how her hoof contrasted with his fingers.

"You're not stupid Cory." Said Twilight "And you're definitely not worthless. You're a very intelligent and very creative boy, and don't you ever forget that. You just need a little guidance from some very good ponies. If your other friends back home saw you today, they would've been so proud of you."

"But my principal said..."

"Whatever that so called principal told you is wrong. Look, I know how hard it is for you to process this, but just because you were born into a family doesn't make them a real family. A real family fights for you to the very end and loves you regardless of your insecurities. Your mom and dad were not real parents, and their decisions were awful ones. The only good decision they ever made was to allow a beautiful, talented little boy to come into the world. Hey! You know that light you said you saw from the distance?"

"Yeah."

"That was me! It turns out when Sunset Shimmer tried to exterminate us, the magic backfired and my five human friends and I combined our powers to form a magical force that could be seen from miles away."

Cory was stunned to know this.

"We have all believed in you since the day we found you Cory." Said Twilight "All you need to do is let us help you. In fact, I think I've learned an important lesson in friendship from you Cory. Not only does friendship unite us all, but gives one a reason to live."

She then reached for a nearby apple and gave it to him. Cory stared at the fruits juicy complexion and took a big chomp out of it. After a few more bites, he couldn't hold in his tears anymore as they streamed down his cheeks like two waterfalls.

"It's alright Cory." Said Twilight. "You can cry."

And that's exactly what he did. For the first time in so long, he was crying. Twilight promptly wrapped her forelegs around Cory's bony body and brought him in for a big hug.

"Shhhh, It's Ok Cory." She whispered as she rubbed his back with her hooves. "It's OK.

Soon the others approached the scene as Cory continued to quitely cry over her shoulder for the next few minutes. Though he was in pain, it felt so good for him to let all his emotions out for once and have someone comfort him. Then Twilight started to quietly sing into his ear.

If just one pony believes in you
Deep Enough and Strong Enough, believes in you
Hard enough, and long enough
it starts to reason, that someone else will think
if he can do it

She softly wiped away his tears as she looked at him with a motherly look.

I can do it

Then Applejack walked up and joined in

Making it, two whole ponies, who believe in you
Deep enough, and strong enough, believe in you
Hard enough, and long enough
There's bound to be some other pony who believes
in making it a threesome

Then Rarity joined in

Making it three
Ponies you can say: believe in me

Then Pinkie Joined in

And if three whole ponies, why not four

Then Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash joined in

And if four whole ponies
Why not more...

Then spike joined in

and more...

Finally, the Cutie Mark Crusaders joined in

and more...

Soon everypony was surrounding him in song.

And when all those ponies,
Believe in you,
Deep enough, and strong enough,
Believe in you...
Hard enough, and long enough

It stands to reason that you yourself will
Start to see what everypony sees in
You...

And maybe even you,
Can believe in you... too!

Then, Twilight kissed him on the forehead as everyone huddled up around Cory for a group hug. Cory truly felt warm inside as a smile grew across his face.

"So from what you've told me you've struggled in your reading, writing and math skills. Is that correct?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah." answered Cory.

"I actually happen to be highly skilled in those subjects. Would you like it if I became your after school teacher?"

Cory's eyes widened as she asked this. "You?"

Twilight nodded her head.

"Yes, that would great." he answered as he wiped his nose.

"Excellent, meet me at my tree castle next monday."

Cory was puzzled as to what this was

"It's the large crystal tree at the edge of town." she replied.

"Thanks" he responded.

And so Cory rode on Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres with a steadier mind, a glowing heart and his head facing upward to the sky, He didn't know exactly what tomorrow would bring, but he was not afraid anymore. He was ready to tackle any challenge that laid ahead. In addition, he had 10, new caring friends. Though they weren't really the conventional type, they still were just as pure hearted as anybody (or anypony in this case) could hope for. After all, friendship is the path to being brave.

Epilogue

It was nighttime over the sleepy town of Ponyville. The sun was shining its last glow of the day before turning in for another evening. Everypony was getting ready for bed, brushing their teeth, washing their faces, the usual. Meanwhile, Cory was already at work with another creation of his: It was a commissioned mural of Manehattan made out of discarded cardboard boxes and paint, to which he was asked to create after a letter came earlier that night. It was the first time a non-ponyville resident had requested one of Cory's creations. Just as he was putting up the finishing touches, he heard a knock outside his window. It was Rainbow Dash with a satchel around her back.

"Hey Cory." She said as she opened the window sill and flew in. "How ya doin?"

"Fine." he answered tiredly.

"Sorry we couldn't talk one on one first time around. Been kinda busy being Ponyville's weather gal. You know how it goes."

"That's OK."

"Turns out I got some time on my hooves starting tomorrow."

She then reached into her satchel and presented what looked like three tickets.

" I got tickets to the next wonder bolt show. Front row seats."

"That sounds great." He replied almost sarcastically as went back to work on his mural.

"Look." Said Rainbow Dash. "I know how difficult it was for you to talk about your shady past but..."

"I saw them coming!!" snapped Cory. "Those hall monitors were right there! I knew we'd get in trouble for playing music on the school grounds! We should have done it somewhere else! At least that way I would have still had my friends. I wish they would have left us alone."

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment and flew towards him.

"I know you're upset Cory, " Said Rainbow Dash "and you have the right to be. If I was there I would've pounded those bullies with a Sonic Rainboom. But you also keep thinking: 'If only I could've done something different. If only I could've warned them.' But there's nothing you could've done. There's nothing either of us could've done."

Then she went to the side of the wall she bowed her head down as if in remorse.

"You too?" asked Cory.

"Well, my situation was more my friends fault than someone else's. But the pain is more or less the same. See, I had this griffon friend named Gilda. We were best pals at Junior Speedsters school, and we did everything together, even played pranks on our coach. But, as we got older, and grew more apart, she became less of a friend and more of a jerk. One day, when she came over for a visit, she turned into a complete bully and made a fool out of herself in front of my friends. Ending our relationship that day was the hardest thing I ever had to do, cause it felt like..."
Tears began to fill her eyes

"...like someone I knew had died."

"Does that hurt ever go away?" asked Cory.

"I wish I could say yes Cory. But it's gonna get better, especially for you. I promise."

Then she spread out her wings and brought him in for a big hug.

"So, from what I've heard, you struggled a lot in your athletic skills huh?"

"Mmm Hmm" replied Cory.

"Yeah, I can help you with that."

"Really?"

"How would you like for me to be your personal trainer. Plus I can teach ya some awesome self defense moves."

"It's a deal." Said Cory as he wiped away his tears and hugged her again.

Suddenly, another knock was heard at the window. Cory and Rainbow Dash ran over to see who it was. It was Pinkie Pie throwing what looked like ball at the window pane.

"Yoo Hoo!! Anypony home?!" She shouted enthusiastically.

The two of them climbed down the side of the barn and landed on the soft, grassy lawn.

"I know somepony who needs some cheering up right now!!" Said Pinkie Pie

Then she magically presented in front of them what looked like a large music box. She pushed a button to the side but nothing seemed to happened. Then she pressed it again and again, and shook it out of a moment of frustration. Finally, after throwing it onto the ground, a large springboard threw a pie into her face. At that moment Cory started laughing.

"There it is! There it is!" Shouted Pinkie Pie pointing to his smile.

So Pinkie continued with a few more pranks while Cory and Rainbow Dash laughed at her antics. It felt so good to see a bit of humor after such a long life of tragedy. Then he chuckled himself to sleep as Rainbow Dash carried him back into his room and tucked him into bed. He didn't have any bad dreams or memories. Just hopeful predictions and exciting wonder for the day that lied ahead. He was among friends now, so he had a reason to live

END OF PART I

Chapter 1

ory Agees covered his mouth as he slunk behind the locker bay. Sweat began to fall down his brow and he could feel his heart thumping against his chest. He tried to not think of the pain from the bruises he received the other night, which were given to him weekly from the neighborhood bullies. As the footsteps of Principal Stiffson drew nearer and nearer, his life flashed before him:

Cory was a very small, gangly 15 year old boy. He was not athletic, nor was he bright (though he tried his best to be), but he was never a troublemaker. Rather, the trouble came to him. He was constantly picked on and tortured by his peers and teachers for his short stature, skinny body and inability to keep up with other students. He was lucky enough to go through a day without being pushed or teased. His parents were no better, having mysteriously abandoned him one day without warning.

The private school he attended was a hell on earth for him and all the other students. No one was allowed to become friends, talk to each other except when spoken to, or even socialize on the school grounds. The principal called friendship "a waste of time." and an "interference with proper etiquette." Everyone was to follow his tyrannic rules of strict discipline and perfect scores. Anyone who even slipped up or disobeyed would face serious consequences of being expelled, suspended, or just plain given detention.

The only subjects Cory truly felt comfortable with were the arts. Music, theater and visual arts became his treasured passion. Although he wasn't the protege of the class, he always seemed welcome among the teacher and peers. Unfortunately, in recent years, the principal banned these subjects from the school grounds, firing or expelling anyone who formed any secret clubs relating to it.

There were only five people Cory could truly relate to: Tony, Camden, Katherine, Joanna, and Rachel. Together, they were some of the best friends anyone could ever count on. Each one of them had just as much difficulty fitting in as he did. That being the case, they did everything together: playing, toiling, coming up with ideas, and even forming their own secret club. As Cory was left to fend for himself, these companions of his would often let him stay at their folks' place. During those years, whenever he was around them, he had a sense of both comfort and purpose.

Alas, Cory hadn't seen them for almost a year now, not since the principal caught them playing music on the school grounds and expelled all but him for doing such. With nowhere to turn, he was taken to an orphanage where he slept on the floor in a sleeping bag, and ate morsels of food from wherever he could find in the kitchen pantry.

But today would be very different for him. For two nights before, after cleaning the bruises from the weekly ordeal with bullies, he saw from his empty house a very strange light off in the distance. He walked towards his window to see what it was, but couldn't quite figure it out. It looked like a pole of pure energy shooting straight towards the sky. At first it was frightening, but then, it turned into what seemed like a spiral of all the colors of the rainbow. For a brief moment, it filled up the entire skyline with every hue of color imaginable. Then, just like that, it disappeared.

He didn't know why, but for some reason, this small moment in time gave him a bit of hope. As he crawled into his sleeping bag, he thought for a moment of what the beam of light truly meant. Then, he came up with an epiphany. He would give this life one more chance. If he could go through an entire day without being so much as screamed at, he would continue to live there. But if Monday turned out to be as bad as all the other days, he would leave, not planning to ever return, and seek out trustworthy friends somewhere else.

Apparently, as the principal strode closer and closer to his locker, his plan didn't go as he wished. Cory looked up and saw Stiffson in all his horror. The principal gazed at what a mess he was: His clothes were tattered and torn, bruises and cuts covered his arms and legs, his eyes were so blue and swollen he could only see through the right socket, his lip was split, and his nose was still bleeding. All in all, he looked like something out of a battle zone after intense fighting.

"Principal, please let me explain," whimpered Cory.

"What the hell are you doing coming to school like this?!" snapped Stiffson

"I...I.." Cory tried to find the right words, but all that came out was heavy breathing

"SPEAK UP!!" screamed Stiffson. "Do you realize how sloppy you look right now?"

Cory bowed his head in shame

"LOOK AT ME!" yelled Stiffson.

Cory said the first words that came out of his mouth. "I tried to find the best clothes I could, but these kids in the neighborhood..."

"Oh, so that's what you do. Walk around and be all sorry for yourself. It's no wonder you've failed every class. Didn't I tell you that making friends was harmful to your education? Didn't I!?"

Cory shook in fear at the sight of his physique. Principal Stiffson was as tall as a basketball player, had a clean shaven head, and always wore clothing that was firmly pressed and neatly ironed. His face was like a combination of a robot and a tyrant Cory saw from one of his history books. But above all, he never smiled, not even on the school's good days.

"I always knew you would never amount to anything," he said as he pursed his lips at Cory. He could feel his breath above him. "Friends are going to get you nowhere, bub."

"Well maybe..." whimpered Cory "..maybe if you just gave friendship a chance."

Cory couldn't believe what he just said. It was as if he didn't think of it. A fit of rage fell across the principal's face and with one fell swoop, Stiffson grabbed him by his skinny little arm and dragged him across the hallway. Cory knew what was going to happen next, 3 weeks of grueling detention. He could feel Stiffson's fingernails digging into his skin, puncturing a big, bloody gash on his forearm. He tried to call for help, but everyone just stared nonchalantly out of fear of being punished as well.

Cory remembered the deal he made to himself the other night. Without hardly thinking, he jerked his hand away, kicked the principal in the groin, and dashed down the hallway, with Stiffson running right behind him. It was as if his instinct overcame him. He didn't even think of hitting anybody. It just happened. He bolted through the hallways, sprinted through the slippery floors, jolted through the entrance and burst out the front doors. He could overhear Stiffson in the background shouting, "You'll be dead in one year, Cory! DO YOU HEAR ME !!! YOU'LL BE DEAD IN ONE YEEEEEAAARR!."

chapter 10

"CORY!" shouted Applebloom as she walked upstairs. "Hope ya don't mind but Rarity left this bundle of clothing last night at our doorstep. She said it was for her new driver n all so I'm assumin it was you. Anyway, I'm gonna leave these up at the edge of yer door n...gasp"

Her mouth gaped open at the most elaborate sculpture she'd seen. It was an 8-10 foot masterpiece of wood, metal, nuts, bolts, paint and other assorted building material. The pieces came together to form a colossal structure of what appeared to be a large, surreal tree. Surrounding it we're large roots where one of them took on the shape of Granny Smith. the trunk like Big Mac, and the leaves and apples in the shape of Applebloom herself. To top it all off, a life size figurine of Applejack was seen about to kick the trunk with her back legs. Every bit was intricately and painstakingly detailed, with every bark, every socket, every plank of wood carved and fit to proportion. And there, on the left side of the statue, laid the artist himself, asleep in a spiral of exhaustion.

"APPLEJACK!!" Shouted Applebloom. "APPLEJACK!! you really gotta see this! Bring everypony else too!"

"What in tarnation are you talking about?" asked Applejack as she, Granny Smith and Big Mac followed her upstairs.

"If this is about whether we should move that dresser or not, forget it. I aint putting up no more o that gasp"

Applejack and the rest of the family stood with their eyes wide open and jaws dropped as they stared at Cory's masterpiece. He woke up to the sight of them with his back leaning against the trunk.

"Cory." Said Applejack. "Did you make this?"

"I'm so sorry." Pleaded Cory as he went to his knees. "I didn't mean to use your stuff. Please don't hurt me. I..."

"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." She responded. "I didn't know you we're so talented."

"Sure captures that Apple Family spirit don't it?" Said Granny Smith.

"Eeyup." replied Big Mac.

Cory looked up with a surprised look as the Apple Family took a closer look at it. With the exception of his friends, he had never received a compliment for his work before. He usually had to take down his works the moment he completed them, otherwise the principal would find out and raise holy hell on him.

"Cory?" asked Applebloom, "Mind if we use this next time we sell our produce?"

He thought for a moment as he got to his feet. Not only we're they admiring his work, but also asking to use it for something, as if it had a purpose. After a few seconds of thought processing, he shook his head with approval.

"Big Mac?" Said Applejack, "Move this piece of art downstairs."

"Eeyup." replied Big Mac and proceeded to drag the artwork through the basement door and out into the front yard.

"Now you should be gettin dressed for your welcome party today." Said Granny Smith as she walked towards the stairs.

"But I don't have a lot of clothes." Cory replied

"Well ya do now." replied Applejack as she pointed her hoof towards the bundle of clothing.

While everypony else trotted back downstairs, Cory opened up the packaging. Inside we're about 2-3 dozen shirts, pairs of pants, socks, underwear a pair of polished shoes and other apparel. On top of the pile lied a note. He picked it up and opened it. It read: To my very special client, Hugs and Kisses, Rarity. After a quick wash, bite, and slip on of clothing, he was ready to go.

The Ponyville Park was laid out with ribbons, tables, balloons and the occasional assortment of baked goods. In addition, it seemed as though ponies from Manehattan to Las Pegasus was present at the time. Apparently this was a very big deal. Not only was a new species about reside in Equestria, but a species from a different world.

The Apple Family approached the park with Cory walking behind them. A few banners read: Welcome Cory and Glad to have you here in big shiny letters. No one had ever given him a party before. Usually, whenever his parents did a party related occasion for him, they would just slap a crusty pop tart on a dirty old plate and walk away. Now he was going to be greeted by almost every resident in Equestria. This was definitely a giant change in his life.

"SURPRISE!!" shouted Everypony. This clearly startled him as his heart went into his throat. Cory was now front and center of all the attention as practically all of Ponyville surrounded him once more with curiosity. In front of him was Pinkie Pie presenting what looked like an old jukebox covered in pink paint. She turned it on and began to sing a small friendly jingle.

And out of the oven popped a finely crafted cupcake right into Cory's hands. Moments later, a large array of confetti and spewed out into the air and gently, yet erratically, fluttered to the ground. Cory was so awestruck and touched at such a warm welcome, he felt like his heart was about to burst, although he didn't show it.

"Well come on silly." Said Pinkie Pie. "Leeeets Party!!" and that's exactly what they did. The activities consisted of ring toss, water guns, photo booths (although he didn't really make any faces), pin the tail on the pony, a few pranks etc.

As the party continued on into the day, Cory passed the time picking up random pieces of confetti and streamers from the ground and carefully putting them in a pile on a nearby table. As soon as he collected them all, he started to sort them according to their hue and shading. Then he grabbed some sap from a nearby pine tree and started spreading it onto the table. From there, he started placing pieces of confetti based on their color and once again creating different shapes or forms based on what he saw, only this time, he was painting a landscape. First he gathered all the white streamers and shaped them into clouds. Then he took the blue confetti and turned it into what was clearly the sky. Next he added green and brown pieces for the landscape, a touch of yellow for a sun. and a hint of lime green and hazel for the twigs at the edge of the canvas. Just as he was about to add red for a bird...

"Hi Cory." said a voice that jumped him out of his concentration and onto the ground.

He looked to his right as he got back on his feet and saw what was clearly a purple unicorn with wings sprouting out of her ribs. On her thigh was a tattoo of what looked like a magenta star surrounded by 5 other smaller ones.

"Oh I'm sorry, did I startle you?" She asked.

He shook his head with a "no" gesture.

"Whew, thank goodness. Allow me introduce myself. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I..."

Cory immediately went down to his knees in a bowing position.

"Oh Cory." Chucked Twilight "You don't have to be that formal in front of me. All I need is a friendly hello like everypony else."

He stood up and quickly waved his hand and then sat back down next to the table, placing his concentration back on his work.

"Anyway, as I was saying" continued Twilight, "I once visited your world not to long ago, so your physical appearance is no oddity to me. In fact, I actually took the form of your species during my time there."

"You did?" asked Cory with eyes still fixed on the mosaic.

"Sure thing." she replied. pondered Twilight. "So if you ever need anything or in a predicament where you feel like you don't belong, I'm here to assist and make you feel more..." At that moment, she noticed the finely crafted mosaic he was creating.

"Wow! did you make that?" she asked

He bowed his head down and nodded.

"Is that made out of confetti and streamers?"

He nodded again.

"Wow! That is one of the most beautiful works of art I ever laid eyes on," She commented "and a perfect item for my letter."

"Letter?" he asked meekly.

"Yep! You see," continued Twilight, "our land of Equestria is ruled by two powerful, yet pure of heart sisters: Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, and as a newly appointed princess, I believe it its my duty to let them know about your presence here, not to mention the fact that I encountered your kind before. Does that seem alright to you?"

Cory thought for a moment, and then nodded.

"Excellent." she responded. "Spike, take a letter." From out of nowhere appeared what looked like a small purple, bipedal lizard with green scales holding a quill and a scroll in his hands. Cory jumped to his feet and scurried back about two yards at the sight of him.

"Hey easy." Said Spike as he approached him. "I don't bite...much."

"Who is that?" asked Cory with a small voice.

"Oh, Sorry, where are my manners?" replied Twilight. "This is Spike. My trustworthy, right hand baby dragon. And no need to worry. He's harmless. In fact, he's been alongside me in almost every adventure I've taken."

"Yeah, including the one in your world." Acknowledged Spike.

"We're you a human too?" asked Cory

"No, I was a dog." He replied.

"Spike, lets not get sidetracked." reminded Twilight. She cleared her throat and began to recite her letter.

DEAR PRINCESS CELESTIA

The town of Ponyville and I have recently been given the gracious offer of welcoming a new member of our community. The reason I bring this up to you is because he is not of our world. His name is Cory. He is a human, which is a creature from the world I once visited when retrieving my crown. While I can say he may not be the most talkative of his species, I believe it is my duty to continue sending you letters about his progress as well as what he knows about the other world. In addition, he seems to be highly skilled at creating artwork out of random makeshift items. I will be monitoring what he does from time to time and send you pictures of any other work of his.

Your faithful subject and fellow princess ally
Twilight Sparkle

Then she took a picture of him alongside his artwork, rolled it up along with the letter and gave it to Spike, who promptly blew it away with his dragon breath. At that moment Rarity approached him.

"Cory," Said Rarity "I've just noticed how you we're wearing one of my new petite ensembles I made for you."

"You did?" Cory asked.

"Why yes, and I must say, it looks most becoming on you."

"I've noticed the two of you have already become acquainted." Said Twilight.

"Acquainted?" Rarity responded. "He is my new chauffeur, and he has been more helpful than anypony else I've ever worked with."

"Hey!" Responded Spike "Nopony's a better helper for Rarity than me!"

"Now Spike." laughed Rarity as she approached Spike. "Nopony could possibly replace you my little spikey wikey. You're just as helpful as he is." This made Spike's eyes turn into hearts and collapse in his own sea of love. Twilight rolled her eyes, picked him up with magic and trotted away.

"Well Cory, shall we?" asked Rarity

"Shall we what?" Cory asked.

"Be escorted to market of course." She showed him to the carriage from before and quickly slipped on his drivers hat and coat. "I'm going to need a few groceries since my nourishment supply is running thin, and I'm in need of strong gentleman such as yourself to assist me with the bags, that is..." she cleared her throat. "...if it wouldn't be so much trouble."

"Sure." he responded quietly.

"Excellent. Onward." Proclaimed Rarity and off they went to Market.

"Hey Cory!!" shouted Pinkie Pie. "Don't forget your welcome cake!" She tossed a box over to him right onto his lap. Inside it was a finely decorated cake that read: "Welcome home new friend."