PrologueView OnlineThe Last Of The AncientsProloguePrologue Darkness. All I can see is darkness. Well, maybe 'see' isn't the correct term here. I suppose I can 'sense' it more than anything else. Because I can't open my eyes yet, I will Try to explain how I got here. I can't remember what I was doing before I got here.... Oh! Okay, I think I can remember now. Human. I'm a human, or at least I was, or thought I was anyway. Sometime during my 23rd year everything changed for me. My name is... or was, Jason. I was pretty normal compared to most. Lived in an apartment with my two roommates, worked at an office, plenty of friends and family. I've lost track of time since then. I think I began to notice the changes during 2012. Anyway, I lived a good life... before everything changed. Well, 'lack' of change really. Hair stopped growing longer, couldn't keep it shorter for long, You know, stuff like that. Things passed normally for awhile. Except for the whole 'stopped aging' thing. But I wasn't the only one to notice this however. My friends and family began to notice this soon enough. I managed to stall them for a few years by blaming it on 'anti aging' products. But that could only work for so long. My family and friends began to distance themselves from me. While I stayed as I was in my 23-year-old body, my sister and childhood friends were all in their fifties. Soon, everyone I had known had passed away from old age or otherwise. I was forced to move away to escape suspicion from neighbors and others I knew. But fate would only stay in your favor for so long before it changed as well. There was an accident. Myself and three others were involved. An explosion. The others were killed instantly while I simply walked out, completely unharmed. Not a scratch on me. The doctors examined me. And I use the term 'examined' loosely. More like 'experiment'. They did everything they possibly could, short of cutting me open. I was terrified. Now, granted, I also wanted to know what had happened to me too. But I had been hoping for something less grotesque. Finally I was done being tested on. Or so I thought. I was strapped to an examination table. Titanium cuffs strapped to my wrists and ankles. An I.V. in my arm, and many different pads attached to my legs, chest, and forehead. I was facing away from the door. I remember hearing footsteps getting closer from behind the door. I heard the door open and slam shut. Then a voice from behind me. "Hello Jason. I am d-doctor Andrew Nelson a-and I am here t-to conduct the f-final test." I could easily tell that he was VERY nervous for some reason. Now, I don't know about you, but when your doctor is so nervous he's stuttering, it tends to make me just as nervous too. "Hey doc', why so nervous?" I asked him. He then came into view in front of me and replied. "Because of the task my superiors have given me." He had a grim expression on his face. I really didn't like that look. Like a man who is given no other choice. "Listen doc', I've been here for almost five hours strapped to this damned table. I'll admit that I'm gettin' a little anxious here." I told him. His next words did not alleviate my previously voiced concerns in the slightest. "I'm terribly sorry Jason. But I have no choice in what I am about to do to you. I can only hope that you can forgive me for this. Because I know for sure that God won't." Okay, I was nervous before. But now? Now I was fucking hysterical. Before I could 'protest' (and by 'protest' I mean thrash around while screaming like a banshee) he pulled out a large needle filled with dark green liquid. Now, it didn't take a rocket scientist to guess what that stuff was. It was most likely a lethal dose of poison. Because if I told anyone about the procedures they did with me, they would be sued, imprisoned, and executed. not likely in that order. I had calmed down now, no point in resisting now. Might as well make it as painless as possible for all of us. I was resigned to my fate now. He muttered an "I'm sorry" and brought the needle to the I.V. Time seemed to slow down as he pushed down the plunger on the needle. It seemed to take minutes but in reality it took seconds. I closed my eyes and prepared for death. It was a little cold for awhile. But after a few seconds, nothing. I opened my eyes to see the doctor staring at me, baffled. "That was supposed to kill me wasn't it?" I asked him. "Yes, yes it was." He replied. So i asked "So what now?" I was trying not to laugh at this point. But I could save it for later. " Um... w-well... Okay, I have no idea. I was supposed to perform an autopsy on you..." he replied. I did laugh now. " hahahaha! So what's stopping you?! The moment you tried to kill me is the moment you threw ethics and morals out the fucking window!" I burst out laughing again. Me and my big fucking mouth. Two weeks. Two weeks of non-stop pain and torture. They would cut me open, poke around a bit inside me, and cut tissue samples out of me. Generous samples at that. The worst part? I couldn't pass out or sleep during these experiments. They ended up gagging me and wearing headphones to block out my screams of pain. Then one day I heard a crash, followed by an explosion and gunfire. The door suddenly burst off it's hinges while men dressed in full black body armor and ballistic helmets stormed through. They unstrapped me and carried me through hallways and corridors littered with dead guards and medical staff. There were a few bodies that i recognized. Like Those of Doctor Nelson and the staff that cut me up all those times. I allowed myself a brief smile when I saw that. First smile in weeks. It wasn't long before I could hear the tell tale whooshing sounds of helicopter blades from outside. The men dragging me carried me to the helicopter and strapped me in. Once in the air, I actually looked at my rescuers. They wore all black combat armor, bandoliers full of ammo and flash grenades, and strapped to them were an assortment of MP5's and M16's. The soldier directly in front of me then handed me a headset and I put it on. "Can you hear me Jason?" He asked me through the headset. I replied "Yes sir." He shook his head at that. "Don't call me 'sir'. From what I understand, you're old enough to be my grandfather." He was right. By then I was eighty-three years old. Seems so young compared to now. "Sorry sir" He face-palmed."Ugh. What did I just say? Never mind." A new voice chimed in through my headset. "Jason Derahn, my name is Lt. General Sands." a gruff voice was saying from my headset. He continued. "I'm very sorry for what those scientists did to you in there. I shudder to imagine the horrors that you've been through in th--"I cut him off here. "excuse me Mr. Sands" I interrupted. "But just what do you hope to gain by assisting me? If I've learned anything it's that everything comes with a price." I said bluntly. "straight to the point hmm? I like that." Sands said. "Well son, I thin--" I interrupted again. "Mr. Sands, as your subordinate stated earlier, I am much older than I look. Please refrain from calling me 'son'. If anything, that is what I should be calling you." The silence from the other end told me that I was pushing his buttons. Another thing that I've gotten good at. "Yes, of course Mr. Derahn. I understand. As I was saying. I think you could be a valuable asset to us. The United States could use you on the battlefield." He said. 'Of course' I thought. 'They'll try to kill me with war instead of scalpels' "Of course, we'll teach you to wage war and defend yourself as well as those you care about." Sands added. That got my attention. I already know some martial arts, But I'm no expert. It didn't take me long to decide. "I'll do it." I told him. "Now I know you'll need some time to dec- what?!" He said, surprised. "I said I'll do it Mr. Sands." I repeated. He actually began to stutter. "A-are you s-sure? This is no easy decision." He stated. "I'm sure. Mr. Sands, I have no intention of getting captured and tested on again." He paused a moment. "Good, good. As soon as you land your training will begin." I fought for almost twelve years. For multiple countries and reasons. I was unstoppable now. Of course, being immortal helps would probably help with that. I was always sent on the worst suicide and impossible missions available. I couldn't die, so why not? I was a weapon of mass-destruction. A weapon of war. 'super soldier' didn't do me justice. More like 'demigod'. Because of this, I was feared throughout humanity. But soon, I managed to bring peace to us. Although not the way I was hoping for. The most powerful armies banded together to capture me. Although they couldn't kill me, they could trap me. They built a three foot thick titanium box, threw me in, encased me in cement, and buried me. So here I am, in a metal box, underground. I've stopped counting the years. Lost track at 200. I'm getting tired now. Really tired. Maybe I can sleep now. Sleep sounds good. So....tired.... Author's Note I'm not really sure where this story will go. I'll be updating this at random times. Pretty much whenever I feel like it. I get writer's block a lot, so bear with me.
Chapter 1View OnlineThe Last Of The AncientsChapter 1Chapter 1 Princess Celestia was in her throne room attending royal court, as she does everyday. Bored out of her mind. Listening to the rich, snobby, and downright rude, nobles speak about how they deserve this and rightfully have claim to that. So tedious! Rambling on and on about what some mere peasant did to offend them and blah, blah, blah. While all she would do is nod her head and offer a small "I agree" occasionally and pretend to care. After the last noble left she allowed herself a brief sigh and mental slap to the face to keep on task. However, the next pony to enter was one she was not expecting, although it was not unwelcome in the slightest. The newly hired royal archeologist, Dry Bones, walked up to beneath her throne and bowed. "Greetings Princess Celestia". he said. "Greetings Dry Bones. What brings you here hmm? Not that your visit is unwelcome at all." She asked him. She was interested in his discoveries in the newly rediscovered crystal caves under Canterlot. "Well, we have discovered an ancient....box of some kind. however that is now the amazing part! He replied excitedly. "The age of said box is not known for certain, but we know it dates back to pre-equestria! He exclaimed. Now The princess of the day was surprised. she couldn't even think of something to say! There have only been a few pre-equestrian relics found during her reign. and each of them revolutionized pony society! Hydroelectricity, light bulbs, and steam locomotion, to name a few. Dry Bones took her silence as an approval to continue. "Princess Celestia, this discovery could very well be an insight into pre-equestrian civilizations!" Dry Bones said. "Where is this artifact now?" Celestia asked. "It is still in the caves at the moment princess." Dry Bones replied. "Why hasn't this artifact been teleported to the archeology facility?" Princess Celestia asked him. "Well..... we can't move it. The crystals surrounding it have magic-siphoning characteristics. we can't get close to it without passing out from magic loss." Dry Bones explained regretfully. Now she understands. most ponies can't go near those types of crystals without losing significant amounts of magic. she only knows of a few who could last more than a minute in their presence. Herself and Luna are two of those ponies. "Then my sister and I will have to teleport in and then teleport ourselves along with this box out of there and into one of the castle's storerooms." Celestia explained to him. Her horn lighting up with an orange-golden glow to send a telepathic message to her sister to inform her of all the events that took place in the throne room over the past ten minutes. "Thank you for informing me of this Dry Bones. I must regretfully ask you to transfer this matter over to me and my sister for a while. We need to find out what this artifact is and make sure it isn't dangerous before I can allow you or your team to examine it." Celestia informed him. Somewhat saddened that he won't be able to look at it first he answered."Of course princess. It saddens me that I can't be the first to examine it, but I know that you must take the proper steps to make sure it is safe for us." Dry Bones said. "Thank you for being so understanding Dry Bones. I promise you, as soon as it is safe I will make sure that you are the first to be informed." Celestia said to him. "Thank you princess. I will take my leave now. Good day Your Majesty." Dry Bones said, excusing himself as he left. As soon as he was gone, Princess Luna teleported into the throne room in a flash of blue light. She had a smile on her face that would give Pinkie Pie a run for her bits. She trotted up to Celestia excitedly. "Tia! Oh, this is such exciting news!" Luna exclaimed while nuzzling her sister happily. "I know Lulu! Lets go and bring this box to the southeastern warehouse now! Celestia said, unable to contain her excitement any longer. "But we must be quick sister, even we can't withstand the crystal's effects for very long." Celestia said while charging up her spell. In a flash they were sent down into the caves, right in front of the box. Both Celestia and Luna were dumbstruck by the size of it for a moment. The object in question was a large metal box. The metal of some quality they have never seen before. It was about twelve feet long by twelve feet high. But before she could examine it further, she reminded herself that she was losing magic fast. So, with another flash, Celestia transported them and the box to the warehouse. Now they were in an empty warehouse with only them and the box. Examining it with uncontrollable smiles on their faces, Celestia and Luna began to use their magic to scan the box in every way they could think of when Luna suddenly gasped and recoiled in shock. Celestia stopped scanning immediately, fearing her sister's safety. "What's wrong dear sister?" Celestia asked, wondering why her sister reacted in such a way. "S-sister! Scan for a life signature!" Luna said in a mixture in fear and curiosity. Celestia was shocked by what her sister was implying, but complied nonetheless. What she discovered however made her have the very same reaction her sister had moments ago. There was indeed a life sign inside the ancient box. It shouldn't be possible! Yet here it is, right in front of her. She didn't know what consequences her next action would be, but she couldn't leave a living creature trapped inside that metal box! regardless of what might happen, that creature needs help! "Luna, go get the guards, medical staff, and metal smiths! We must get this poor creature out!" Celestia said quickly. for all she knew, this being was feeding off the magical energies crystals inside the caves to sustain itself for all this time. without those crystals to feed it, it would need to breathe and eat again to survive. That is, if it even needs to eat and breathe. Luna then dashed off to find those ponies and bring back help. She had come to the same conclusion as her sister. If that creature is going to survive, it needed to get out of that box quickly. Author's Note I'm editing these now. Also, how do I use italics? This has been bugging me for awhile.
Chapter 2View OnlineThe Last Of The AncientsChapter 2Chapter 2 It has taken longer than Celestia thought it would. Once all the ponies arrived, it took them four hours just to find out how to cut through the advanced alloy surrounding the creature. What was supposed to be a quick rescue turned to an impossibly long process to open the box. The unicorns metal smiths, as well as any unicorn guards nearby, were now at work trying to cut through the extremely thick and strong metal. They had finally started making progress, albeit very, very slow at that. 'How can this metal be so strong! It has taken ages to only cut a few inches in!' Celestia thought in frustration.' At this rate, it could take days just to get through this shell. and if there were layers.....' Celestia could only imagine what she could with metal such as this. Her castle could be impervious to pretty much anything she can think of, even dragon-fire. Her thoughts were cut off abruptly by one of the unicorn doctors that she assigned to watch the life signs of the creature inside. "Princess Celestia, I don't know how to explain this but..." The doctor trailed off. "What is it doctor? Is there something wrong with the creature?" Celestia asked worriedly. The creature could run out of magical energy at any moment, pretty much killing it. She wouldn't dare try teleporting it without knowing how much harm it would do to it. Without knowing it's physiology, she could accidentally harm it or leave behind some internal organs or appendages. That would not be a pretty sight. "No Your Highness, just the opposite in fact. I-I have no idea how to explain how.... but the creature is perfectly healthy, better than healthy in fact. and it isn't absorbing magical energy like all living things do..... it's CREATING it." She explained. 'what. how? that can't be correct.' All living things must absorb natural magic energy to sustain itself. The ley lines in the earth give this energy off normally, and nothing else can create it.Celestia thought. "That can't be correct, a being like that would have unlimited magical power. Even alicorns have their limits." Celestia explained while conducting the scan herself. And sure enough, the doctor was correct. Celestia was somewhat intimidated by this creature now. If it was a threat, she wasn't sure she or her sister could stop it. The Elements of Harmony are their only hope if it comes to that. "Guard, get me a quill and the red parchment, I have a letter to write." Twilight Sparkle was on a picnic with her friends Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. they had already finished their meals and were simply watching the sunset together. Applejack broke the silence. "Well gals, this is right pretty an' all, but i've got some apples ta' buck in th' morning." Applejack stated. "Alright Applejack, I need to go back to the library anyway. Spike and I still have some sorting to do before we go to bed." Twilight said while standing back up. Pinkie Pie, sad a little that her friends had to go but knowing that she had work to do to, got up as well."Yeah! I need to go to, I need to watch the twins in the morning." Pinkie Pie stated while hopping up and down with a big grin on her face. "We need to do this more often. Oh! I know what to do! We should have a HUGE picnic party next time and invite everypony! She exclaimed happily. "That's a great idea Pinkie! Next time let's get all the girls together!" Twilight said. They really need to spend some more time together, but Twilight has her studies, Applejack has to work on her farm, Rainbow Dash is busy trying new tricks or being lazy, Fluttershy has her animals, Rarity has some big fashion project, and Pinkie is always planning some party or another. "Ah agree with ya' there sugarcube. Us gals really need ta' spend more time ta' gether." Applejack said. Twilight was about to say her goodbyes when she saw a purple and green speck running towards them. As it got closer, Twilight soon recognized Spike running as fast as he could. A metal tube in his claws. Spike soon reached them but was too out of breath to speak correctly so instead resorted to incoherent babbling. "Ooh! I like guessing games! Um, is Gummy in the well again? Did Ditzy Doo crash into town hall again? Oh oh! Are aliens invading to suck out our brains?! O-" Twilight stopped her by shoving her hoof in her mouth. "Now Spike, what's wrong? Did something happen at the library?" She asked. "An urgent letter from The Princess! I couldn't open it because it needs your magic to open it." Spike explained. Twilight was worried now. The Princess only sends letters like this in an emergency. She quickly cast the spell to open the tube and pulled out a rolled up red scroll. 'This can't be good. Red letters mean there's a possible threat to equestria!' With that thought she unrolled the scroll and began reading aloud. "My Most Faithful Student, I need you and the Elements to come to Canterlot as soon as possible. We have discovered a pre-equestrian artifact with a living creature inside it. We have also discerned that it creates it's own magical energy. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how powerful this creature could be. Please hurry. Princess Celestia" "Come on girls, we have a train to catch!" Twilight shouted. It was well past midnight by the time the train pulled into Canterlot. And the Elements were now being escorted through the long hallways by two guards. after around ten minutes of walking, they arrived at the southeastern storage facility that the artifact was being kept in. Twilight had informed all of her friends about the letter back in Ponyville and they all left immediately. Two guards opened the door for them and shut it once they had entered. Looking around, Twilight saw what seemed to be a large metal container of some description, as well as some unicorns using magic to cut into one side of it. To the side were some unicorn doctors and medical staff. and observing it all were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Shining Armor. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, BBBFF! Its good to see you!" Twilight said, galloping to them and bowing to the princesses and hugging her brother. "Twily! I'm happy to see you!" Shining Armor said, hugging back. Twilight then nuzzled her mentor. "I am also glad to see you my faithful student." Celestia said, ending their embrace. "What is all of this princess? How is this creature still alive after all this time? Why are those unicorns cutting into it? What kind of metal is that? What a-" Celestia silenced her with a raised hoof. "We found this artifact in the crystal caves under Canterlot. After scanning it, we discovered that there is a heartbeat inside and began our efforts to open the box to help it. But that was hours ago." Celestia explained. "Why is it taking so long? Why not just cut it open and look inside?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Because dear Rainbow Dash, the metal surrounding the creature is incredibly strong. It is a type of metal we have never seen before." Celestia told her. "How long will it take to open it? I have so many questions I want to ask the creature!" Twilight asked excitedly. "Soon my student, we have almost cut through one of the walls. Myself and Luna have been taking turns these past few hours using our magic to cut through. I suspect it will only be an hour at most." 'What was that?' I asked myself. I was unfamiliar to this sensation. then I remembered. I was hearing something. I haven't used my ears in.....how long was it? What a rip off, I hadn't even dreamed during my sleep. Then I heard the sound of metal falling against something, producing a dull clang through the concrete. 'Will they even be human? I could have been asleep for millions of years for all I know. Maybe we colonized space. Maybe humanity finally destroyed itself and this is some new species that rose from the ashes.' Before I could debate with myself further, my vision was filled with blinding white light. I couldn't see a thing, I didn't even remember opening my eyes.\ I began to hear voices."....-incess, look, I've found the creature!" I heard a man say. Well, I assume it was a man from the tone of voice. "Quickly, I will teleport it the rest of the way out!" A female this time. 'wait. did she say teleport?' did we advance so much that we can do that now? Before I could ponder that more I began to feel a strange sensation all throughout my body. It quickly made me queezy. Then there was another bright light 'what's up with all the bright lights?' and I was suddenly sitting on the floor........in front of a group of ponies...........that were technicolored ..........'what' "Eew! It smells terrible!" A white colored unicorn shouted while moving a hoof to cover it's nose. ......wait a minute.........it can speak?........UNICORN? I noticed the others now. some had horns, some had ...wings? and the two taller ones had both horns AND wings. guess they're the leaders. "Well you try to smell like fresh daisies after spending God-knows how long trapped inside a metal box filled with concrete. I stopped counting time after around two-hundred years, but I assume it's been a few million years at least if you've never seen a human before..... and you're all talking ponies.....with wings and horns....." I stated. They were all staring at me with wide eyes and mouths agape. I don't think they were expecting me to speak. The first to recover was the tall white one. It had White fur with a multicolored rainbow mane that seemed to billow in an invisible breeze. Along with wings and horn. It spoke. "Human....but those are nothing more than old tale and legend. Never in my immortal life did I expect to find a creature such as you." She explained."I am Princess Celestia." Sher said. "This is my sister Princess Luna." She indicated the dark blue unicorn/pegasus next to her. When she indicated her sister, Luna then stopped gawking at him to introduce herself. "Greetings mortal. I am Princess Luna, ruler of the night an-" I cut her off by raising my hand. my joints popping as I did so.I winced slightly. "I do not mean to be rude, but I am not mortal.I have lived far longer than I would have enjoyed." I spoke, causing several gasps and more gawking from the smaller ponies and shocked expressions from the princesses. "But that's not possible! The princesses are the only immortals!" The purple unicorn shouted."And how dare you cut off Princess Luna like that! Don't you know any manners?!" She shouted next. She was getting on my nerves quickly now. "Do you not know that you are supposed to RESPECT your elders?! Or do ponies not have that tradition?" I shouted back at her. She recoiled slightly at that. "You don't look that old! You aren't wrinkled or blemished in anyway at all!" She shouted back at me. "If that's the case, are your princesses younger than you too? after all, they seem to be the most youthful ponies that I've seen!" I shouted at her. She started to blush along with the princesses from that remark. It took me a moment to realize what I had said until I too began blushing. "Are you truly an immortal as you said?" Luna asked me while still blushing slightly. Appreciating the chance to change the subject I replied. "Yes. I can't die from any means, natural or otherwise." I answered, while getting my blush under control. "Now, before you start asking me more questions, I would like some food and drink if allowed please. It's been a very long time since I've had nourishment." I stated. This made the princesses blush for a moment before answering."Of course.... What is your name anyway?" she asked me. Realizing that I had not told them yet, I was a bit flustered myself."Yes, of course. My name is Jason Derahn. But you may all call me Jason." Author's Note OK. I'm going through these chapters again to fix 'em up. I'm not sure if I'll continue with more chapters. I just had the urge to go through this story again.
Chapter 3View OnlineThe Last Of The AncientsChapter 3Chapter 3 We've been walking for around five minutes now. During this time I've been thinking about my situation. ' Overall I'm very confused. I don't honestly care what happened to humanity. But how does humanity vanish and then evolution decides to replace them with ponies? Not only that, but they are almost perfect representations of Greek mythology and children's bedtime stories! I may know all about rocket science and just about anything else really, but it doesn't take a scientist to know that that isn't how things work!' During my musings, one of the ponies spoke up, the posh-looking white one with purple hair and diamonds on her flank. "Darling I don't mean to be rude, but just WHAT are you wearing? Grey is such a bad color on you, and what is all that equipment you have?" She said. "Hmm?" I looked at myself and realized that she was right. Oh dear god, I look like I walked through a blender and I decided to run with scissors. Not normal scissors mind you, but a thousand scissors while running through Chernobyl with an army of mutants after me. That was not a fun mission, let me tell you that. My once pristine custom mercenary uniform that was originally G.I. green was now foghorn grey and was in tatters. I'm surprised it hasn't fallen apart yet. 'Oh Shit! My weapons! I need to check on them as soon as I get the chance.' You see, The people who put me in that accursed box weren't completely heartless. They let me keep my weapons and equipment. I know you must be wondering 'what kind of idiot lets their prisoner keep their weapons?' well, I suppose it could be called good behavior. I didn't fight back when they forced me into that box, mostly because they had the firepower of three armies and air forces all pointed at me. I may be stupid at times, but I'd rather be put in prison in one piece rather than God-knows how many giblets. However they knew what a veteran soldier was and still respected me. so they gave me some pressure sealed cases for my weapons. Good thing too, fuckers cost over four grand to buy and modify. "Well this.... um...I need new clothing soon. These will only last so long before they give out on me. And these boxes? These are the tools of my trade, lets go with that for now." No way am I going to tell them about my weapons and risk getting them taken away. No one takes my babies from me! She seemed to want to ask more but let it go for now. " Okay dear. But please allow me the honor of creating a new outfit for you, I can't wait to face a challenge like that!" she exclaimed. "Sure thing Miss...?" I realized that I don't know their names yet. They seemed to realize that now as well. "Oh! Where are our manners?! My name is Rarity darling. I run a boutique in Ponyville." She said. Now the purple one with dark purple with pink highlights in her mane and star shaped things on her flank spoke. "Sorry about not introducing ourselves before. My name is Twilight Sparkle, I work and live at a library in Ponyville and am Princess Celestia's star pupil." She told me. By now we had stopped in the hall for introductions. All eight of us...wait. there were nine of us weren't there? "Where's the pink one? is she st-" Pink. So much PINK. How is she on my head?! "Hi I'm Pinkie Pie! Sorry I didn't say so before but we were really busy and stuff you know withyoubeingalltrappedinthatboxremember?Oh!Weneedtothrowyoua'wealcometoequestria'partyforyou!Doyoulikepartieshuh?doyadoyadoya?" Then she finally took a breath. 'What' "What" it wasn't a question or a statement. Then she took a huge breath.'Oh shit! she's going to do it again!' Thankfully she didn't get the chance as she was yanked down by the orange one with blond mane and tail. "Sorry 'bout Pinkie. She can be ah might bit crazy now an' then." "Nah, it's okay. Just takes a while to actually understand her." I turned to Pinkie Pie. "Yes I do like parties but can it wait a few days so I can get situated here?" I asked her. Pinkie seemed to get a smile to big for her face when I said that."Sure!" Then she started bouncing in circles saying all the things she'll have at the party. The orange one turned to me again and took my hand and started shaking it. "Howdy ther' Ah'm Applejack! Ah' Own an apple orchard Me an' my family work at in Ponyville called Sweet Apple Acres!" She said. Not questioning how she can grip my hand with hooves, I gripped as tightly as her and responded."Nice to meet you Applejack! I know a hard worker when I see one, and I love apples. I'll have to stop by your orchard some time!" Now we stopped shaking and she had a bit of a blush. "Ah'll hold ya to that Jason!" She said while holding her hat down to hide her blush. I always had a thing for country girls. And that blush was pretty cute. Then the cyan mare with a technicolor rainbow mane and tail flew up to me while striking what I assume to be a heroic pose. "And I'm Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in Equestria!" She boasted. Something tells me she may be a teensy bit prideful. Reminds me of some air force jocks I knew once. Then there was an almost inaudible 'eep' and I looked at the source. And there, trying to hide behind her long pink mane, was the yellow coated pegasus. She seemed afraid of me so I crouched down so I wasn't so imposing with my height. She seemed to realize that we were all looking at her and tried to hide further behind her mane. Now she seemed to be terrified if her shaking meant anything. 'Urge to hug rising. Resist! Resist!' Then she emitted another 'eep' Yup, that's it, its over. I slowly wrapped my arms around the shivering bundle of cuteness-turned-physical and started saying quiet, soothing things to her. "Shh. It's okay. I wont hurt you, it's all okay. you're safe." I said in my quietest voice for only her to hear. She reminds me of my daughter Nadene. Sometimes this is what it would take to calm her down when we recently escaped hunters or she had nightmares. Soon she calmed down enough to look up at me. I simply stroked her mane and allowed her all the time she needed to calm herself. Then I heard her speak."H-hello I'm F-fluttershy an-and I'm sorry I was scared of y-you." She said to me. "It's no trouble at all Fluttershy. I would be scared too in your position. I understand. Are you okay now?" I asked. "Y-yes. Thank you for h-helping me calm d-down. She replied. I unwrapped my arms from her and turned to face the others. They were all looking at us wide eyed. I have come to the conclusion that this is awkward. Fluttershy then noticed as well and emitted another 'eep' and hid behind me. this seemed to snap the others of their trance. "Wow, I've never seen somepony become friends with Fluttershy that fast before." Twilight said. "Yes. I know. But now that introductions are over, let's get to the dining hall to get food for Jason here." Rarity said. They started walking down the hall and I was about to follow when I noticed Fluttershy shaking again. I couldn't snap her out it so I simply picked her up and cradled her in my arms. Her only reaction was an 'eep' and a blush from being carried. So, with fluttershy in my arms I followed the others. 'Why are these ponies so damn cute?' Author's Note Not sure if I'll be going anywhere with the Jason x Fluttershy relationship. She is best mane six pony.