Meating your idols

In a research lab, several scientists hurriedly worked. Dr. Strom. “Are the servos set?”

Underneath the Canterlot castle. Several scientists hurriedly worked Sunset shimmer “ Are the crystals alined?”

Asistent lamb “ Yes sir!”

Fazal pop. “ Yes, mam!”

Both Dr. Strom and Sunset shimmer. Everyone to your stations. I am powering up. (crack pow zap!) “It’s working it's working!

“ As the portal formed Dr. Strom peered into a strange new world. “ Is that a yellow pony in a lab coat?”

Who stared back at him. “Is that a pink ape in a lab coat? “

At that moment the two civilians collided. In a supremely harmonious fashion. Soon several gates between the worlds allowed covenant travel between them.

Jack Nather had lived in a quiet suburb away from too much stress. Until they built a gate ner by. Now the new homes are inhabited by ponies, yacks, and young dragons. Each able to speak. And there was but one thing to do. Through a party to meet everyone!

Feeling a bit solely awkward He allowed his Japanese wife Ami Mizuno. To make the guest list.

First on the list and to arrive was his neighbor Tom and his Gf. Pacific Breeze.

As Jack was liting the grill, Tom called out. “ Jack my restroom is all yours. Anything else you need? “

“Not right now thanks! You and Pacifica can Just relax and play corn hole while we wait for the others ” he hated to ask for the use of their home but the older human plumbing in Jacks. Couldn’t handle the pony.

Out front, Ami was stringing a set of banners out when Smokey flew over to her. She was a dark purple dragon with sleek almost scaleless skin. Lage forward-facing horns that would make decent weapons if her toothy grin and claws weren’t around. Ami had mistaken her for a monster the first time she saw her fly overhead.

Wich made her a bit self-conscious as she spoke. “H...I Ami, has the party started yet?”

“ Yes, just head on back and get comfortable “

Jack was tending the grill. And Smokey waved to him as she sauntered past “ Hi Jack. “ Jack's eyes fixated on her needle-like teeth. that shined like the world's most deadly string of pearls. And how she swayed with every step.

“Bad Jack you have Ami.” he melty scolded himself.

Then came the colp of hooves striking pavement announcing the arrival of the yacks from the duplex across the street. The two males each carried a keg in their horns. While there slim and shaved girlfriends toted a thick rope.

Ami escorted them back. Then the yacks slammed the kegs down next to the table.” Everyone. I am Stonehorn perpetrator at the grindstone gym.” Giving the other yack a headbutt.

“ And I am Bergeson, his business partner.”

Like I’m Mossy and this is Snowy. These two stud muffins are totally our fiancee’s”

As Tom officiated a tug of war between the two yaks. The girls sat at the table.

Ami started. “ So what brings you all to town?

“ All my friends call me Pacifica. As for why? I met Tom at a party and we hit it off. So I moved here to be with him. “

Mossy “ like, Prince Rutherford said, “Go and find out what humans are like. Then come back and tell your countryyak who they are.”

Snowy.” So we 4, totally did as he asked us to do.”

Smokey trebled for a moment. Then spoke in a low tone. “ I wanted to be away from other dragons.“

Picking up on her distress Ami paced a hand on her back. “It's all right if you don’t want to but care to elaborate? “

“I grew up in Manehattens dragon town. But when my molt happened I wandered the dragon lands. And I missed all the fashion and art the ponies had.”

Snowy “Like go on.”

Mossy “Ya girl like totally let it out! We are here for ya.”

“Just let her talk, girls.” Pacifica chided.

“It’s fine I need the support.” Pacifica shrank back a little from Smokey’s retort.

“Even when I was able to move back to dragon town. I felt like I didn’t belong. Everyone else acted all big and scaley. That was not me. Deep down I wish I was a pony.” Starting to tear up.” Is it too much to ask? To be able to walk outside in a frilly dress. Without being laughed at by other dragons?

Ami” This is America clothing welcomed.” mentally the thought “or rather encouraged.”

Mossy “ Like I have a totally rad idea! Why don’t we all take ember shopping next weekend?

Ami leaned in “That sounds like a great idea that is if you’re up to it Smokey?”

Snowy ” Like totally say yes, I have this one shop I’m suddenly dying to show you.”

Cheering up Smokey answered “ I would like that. “

Pacifica “How about we all drop off our favorite catalogs so that smokey can get an idea of what she likes? “

Smokey happily stated, “I would like that too.”

Then from the porch jack called out “ Everyone, the food is ready. Come and get it.”

Bergeson, momentarily distracted by the thought of food, grip faltered allowing Stonehorn to pull the rope away from him. Making them both fall on their haunches. With a loud thump.

“No fair he distracted me.“ Bergeson jokingly called out.

An equally jovial replay came from Stonehorn, ” You will get me next time I’m sure. The girls are waiting for us. Let's get in line.”

Jack had set out a tray full of buns stuffed with brats for the meat-eaters. While the carrot and parsnip dogs for the herbivores.

Which went smoothly until the yack’s turn. Stonehorn pulled him aside, “Jack thank you for cooking all of this. But the girls have us all on a diet. No processed food and the like.”

Jack had anticipated Something like this to happen. “No problem Ami and have plenty of salad for you. “ looking at his bride in the kitchen.

“Thanks for understanding. “As the yacks made their way to the high grass in the back half of the yard and started eating.

Ami walked up behind Jack holding a tray of what humans would call a salad. “ I told you leaving the grass long in the back, was a good idea. “

“How did you get so smart? My love.”

“ I blame my parents.” She teased. Mentally she thought all four of them.

As everyone but the yacks seated themselves at the table. Pacifica asked “ So what do you and Jack do, Ami?” before biting into a brat.

This shocked Ami’s perception of ponies being strictly vegan. Which caused her to stare blankly for a moment.

“ Equis to Ami, come in Ami.” Smokey teased.

What? o sorry, I guess I did space out for a moment. What was that you asked Pacifica?

“I asked what do you and Jack do for a living?”

“Well, I monitor and maintain the gate aperture. As for Jack. He is a master plumber. We met when he was fixing a leak in one of the flame retardant systems there. “

“That must be fun to work there. Watching all the creatures pass-through ” Smokey added.

“Not really I babysit a bunch of idiot lights, in a back room. Just hoping that none of them ever go off. “

“Bummer,” Smokey replied before biting into her one brat. She then flicked her head back like an alligator to swallow. For the others at the table, it was all a bit jarring. “ Sorry, we southern range dragons lack the tongue dexterity to swallow gracefully. “

Everyone awkwardly started apologizing for staring. When Pacifica managed to grab the group’s attention. “ Hey, that's what this party is about everypony… I mean. Creature getting to know everybody right. So there's nothing to apologize for.” everyone quitted for a moment then nodded their head in agreement.
Ami looked up from her plate ”Everyone is so different than they were in the show. I just feel a bit blindsided .”

“The show? “Snowy and Mossy simultaneously asked? “ Jinx. ahh ah ah ” Agin both spoke in unison.

Playing along, Ami continued “Snowy and Mossy, there is this show called My Little Pony. That aired for several years. It had ponies, yacks, dragons, griffins, and more species found on your side of the portal. My husband and I both loved it. Even though it was for little kids. It even helped us bond.

“Out of morbid curiosity can we see it? Smoky asked.

Ami felt a bit flustered at the request. “ I might talk Jack into moving the T.V. outside later. But I must warn you. It's not always flattering to certain creatures. In early episodes. “

“We are all big girls, right? If something is offensive we will just laugh it off. “Pacifica stared down the still giggling yacks.

“Yes, mam. “ Came back in playful tones.

Meanwhile, Jack and Tom quietly talked amongst themselves. Watching the tug of war.

“Jack, how is married life treating you?

“You should know. After all, you have been living with Pacifica for four months now.”

“It's six including the two months in our old apartment. But it's always been a temporary go with the flow party-down. Kind relationship between us. And I want something more. “

“I see.” Was Jack's only reply

Turning away from the girls. “Jack it's your party but I want to ask for her hand or hoof in matrimony in front of everyone. “

“How does she feel about it all? I mean about the important stuff like having a family and finances and stuff? “

“We are both pretty set for cash right now. As for kids she “accidentally” left out an ad for Princess Luna's new cross-species fertility clinic out on the coffee table. So I think she is on board with the idea.”

“Should decide it's the right time, go ahead. “

Eventually, Jack and Tom were roped into moving the t.v and its stand to the porch. While everyone else found a comfortable spot on the grass. And after a few mouse clicks, Pinkie appeared buried in a mountain of scrolls. It was the start of Pinkie apple pie. While everyone was engrossed by the images flickering on the screen. Two late arrivals having been stuck at work. Quietly sat in the back; the first was hippogriff/seapony by the name of Salina Blue. Dressed in her gate security uniform. The other was a white unicorn named Rarity. Wearing her nurse's uniform.

“That was a fun episode,” Smokey replied trying not to belch flames as she laughed.

“Yes indeed is there more of this show? Snowy and I found it almost funny.” Stonehorn asked.

Ami began leading a chant “Show us more.”

To which Tom stood up and spoke, “Settle down we have 9 seasons of the show to choose from. My next pick is called The Saddle Row Review.”

Before sitting back down with Pacifica. Who whispered isn't “ That the episode you said I had a look-alike in?”

“Why yes, That's why I picked it.” Tom quietly answered

The show went on and both Pacifica and latecomer Rarity’s eyes filled with wonder as their visage danced on the screen. As it ended Pacifica danced with joy until she saw rarity had fainted.

“ Omg, call a Doctor or something “ Mossy shouted

Salina Blue stood over her friend “ Just leave her there she will wake up in a moment or two.”

Ami “ Are you sure I shouldn't be doing something to help her?

She told me herself not to touch her when she is like this. Salina Blue then turned to the table. And picked up a brat. And mumbled to herself while she ate it. “ I swear I can't figure this mare out. She won't flinch while getting covered in blood. Perfectly willing to gut-punch an unruly Minotaur but the slightest bit of drama in her life and down she goes. “

Jack grabbed a paper plate and was fanning her with it as she came too.

Waking Rarity's eyes locked on Jack as the crowd stared back at her. “ Did I die and go to heaven. And wind up in the presence of the great Sir Jack.”

“ Who ?“

Her eyes adjusted and she saw his modern clothing.” false alarm I guess a girl couldn't be lucky enough to be in the arms of the great Jack nether.

“Actually you are Rarity. my name is in fact Jack. “ he paused for a moment.” Your name is Rarity right.

"Yes, but who told you." She turned her head as her likeness flashed during the theme song.“ Meeting the star of your favorite show only to find out you star in one of his.”

What do you mean I have a show?

“ Why yes darling, let me show you .” Rarity pulled out what looked like a small compact. Only for it to sputter then project a magic screen above it. “ Just give me a minute to pill up the right memory. With a slight twist of her head and a flick of her ear. My little human. Ep 26 Be wary of golden gifts. Started.

The opening clip was of a foreign dignitary. Offering a gilded box the king and queen of the celestial monarchy. Then departing. Only to reveal in the nearby woods, it was the demigoddess discord. After the break. Came the theme song rarity skipped all but the last course.

My little human! Lady discord” Your screams of fury can't be beaten!
Several Unvoiced speech bubbles ” Discord! “

My little human! Nameless elephant guardian. “ Careful to not get under feet. “

My little human! Sultry hydra “ Oo your all such treat.” Trying to snap at one of them.

“My little human! How do you always bet such dangers!” Bum bum bum tss.

In the palace dungeon, The stalwart 6 stood in front of their queen.

Rarity wipers in his ear “ There you are Sir Jack, back row center. “

Jack’s eyes went wide as I cartoonish version of himself with a sledgehammer strapped to his back. That looked a lot like the one hanging in his garage.

As everyone continued to watch.

Queen Clarity whose mere presence could dispel all but the malignant enchantments. Held up a box. “ Stalwart 6 I task you with carrying this box to the red cliffs of Mora. Then once there heaving it into the swells below. Be warned! At no time should you open it! For if you do all who look inside will be driven mad. “ Pointing to the nearby cells where two guards and four maids clawed at the bars trying to get the box.

They were present while I opened it.

Each of the stalwart six took note of their shrieks and pitied them. Sir Gillard took the box and placed it in a saddlebag. “Your will be done, my queen.”

Followed by the rest saluting in agreement.

Queen Clarity then turned her attention back to king Minovo .” My, I have the apple now? It was taking all of her power just to keep him calm.

Departing. As they walked through the door the scene jumped to several panels of a disguised Discord speaking to the nearby heads of the kingdom.

“Queen Clarity has found a longevity apple that will grant her 1000 years of life if she eats it by the lite of the full moon in three days. If you hurry you might be able to intercept her riders before they reach the ritual site. On the cliffs of Mora. “ and with that teams of riders were dispatched. To stop the stalwart 6.

A day's ride later.

Sir Atley the ranger road beside Sir Gillard then quietly spoke. “ We are being followed by at least four riders.”

“That makes five with the one riding in front of us. “ looking to each of his companions “ Ride for the bridge works! “ That was 4 miles away. Sadly for the stalwart 6. A second group of riders, dressed differently than the one’s chasing them, stood in their way.

The stalwart 6 drew their weapons and charged “ For Queen Clarity. Closely followed by their pursuers. And so the battle rolled and swayed beneath the trees. No horseman could standstill for more than a single strike. Without one of the other two factions flaking him.

Until one of the brigands cut open Sir Gillerd’s saddlebag. Causing the box to fall and smash open. Slowly driving all who saw the apple mad with desire for it. It rolled and flu about as friend and foe alike turned on its current holder. Even as Lady Discord cackled from a tree branch. Jack’s mind swirled as the apple called to him “Take me, come and take me.” With the last of his will, Sir Jack swung his sledgehammer and smashed it into a pulp. Distributing bits of it to everyone. Each of whom fell over in exhaustion.

“There now, we can all share it. “ Jack painted.

As smoke came from the bits of the apple it floated back to discord who, laughing her head off, jumped down. “ What a fun and merry chase. My how, you little humans are fun to torment.” Her enraged victims sent multiple knives flying at her. Only to embed themselves in the nearby trees. As a flock of mockingbirds flew overhead. “ Stupid humans thinking a mear blade can defeat me ra ra ra. “ Having had her fill of merriment. The birds flew off in a focus tornado.

Sir Tristam tethered as he stood, “ Gentleman I am willing to forget this whole encounter if you are.” Staggering back to his horse. Without a word, the three parties' pithy rode off in separate directions.

Fade to black.

As every creature was getting a refill of the yacks beer. Before starting up another mlp ep.

Rarity stopped jack Darling what do you think of the show My little human? And seeing yourself on screen.

“Well, it is a lot like the old 70s shows. That rerun when I was a kid. As for playing a part in it. I found it almost as unsettling as you did. At first. Now Why did you start watching it Rarity?

I was sitting on the couch with My little sister. And it came on after her favorite show. Then I got hooked on the romance lines.” her face somehow turned red enuff to show underneath her fur. “ I thought you and Broderick Steelman were an item. Hahaha. “ Her voice trailed off at the last part? But you wound up with a water nymph.

Jack facepalmed at the thought “ Show me both of them!”

After the episode of Mlp. the treasure of griffonstone. Rarity ran Mlh. The dancing dead. In which Jack had to cleanse a horde of skeletons in a necromancer's lair with his magic hammer. While the rest dealt with the necromancer. Cracking his sledge in the process. Forcing him to take it back to Broderick Steelman for repair. Steelman dropped his work and hugged him upon his arrival and offered to buy him a drink.”

"See Jack at the time how else am I to interpret it."

Jack hung his head “ Steelman” is a job title. Broderick Nather is my older brother.”

Ami rubbed his back. As Jack continued “Broderick is rather protective of his family. And was no doubt worried for Jack's safety.” staring down Rarity.

I know. There is an episode. Where the two of them get trapped in a mine together. That covers it. “ Rarity sheepishly admitted.

“Honey, you know third a lot of fanfics with Rarity in them too. “ Ami consulted.

“You're right I should just drop it in the spirit of friendship. “ Jack admitted

“How interesting darling’s it seems the next M.L.H. episode I should play is “ The Illusion of Caspian River.” In it, Jack meets Princess Mizuno .”

Aim’s eyes widened for a moment” Why that's my maiden name.”
Tom then interrupted. Much to Ami’s relief “ Everyone gather around. I have something for you all to witness. “ he took Pacific Breeze’s hoof “ Pacific Breeze will you do me the honor of being my bride.

Yes, yes a thousand times yes.

As everyone celebrated. Ami had thought she had gotten away from the subject. Until rarity made good on her promise to play “The Illusions of Caspian River.”

The cold open saw a male citizen of the village of Voltan. Running for his life as a water dragon chased him down, hitting him with a slurry of the town's refuse. Before fading to the theme song.

As the stalwart six rode into town the place recked of wet garbage.

From the battered windows came” There here. We are saved. Praise be queen clarity.

Then an old man stopped them. He had a noticeable cut on his face “ I am Lord Voltan. The leader of this once fine town. Brave knights the beast attacks us at night from the river. Please make haste and end it. ”

Sir Atley the ranger-led them. Slowly through town down to the river bank. His ever-watchful eye's trying to discern any trail left by the monster. But finding only bits of routine garbage thrown upon the shore.” I think we should head downstream as above us the river is clear.” Agin leading the way to a swampy bend in the river.

Sir Gillard held his hand up. ”Men the swamps to trenches for the horses so dismount. And keep your wits about you. “

As the stalwart six moved through the swamp they noticed all of the town's refuse had washed into it.

When from out of nowhere something shouted. ” Mercury aqua illusion!” In instinct. A dense fog enveloped them, causing visions of various loved ones, hated rivals, or injured maidens to fill their heads only to be plated with garbage. As they investigated them.

Realizing the trick. Each tried to stand their ground while calling out for their comrades. Who they thought they saw running towards them. Only to be covered in another wave of debris. Jack channeled holy lite into his hammer. Creating a 3-meter wide void in the fog. And prepared it to strike at the attackers. Slamming down on the next junk wave. Vaporizing it with holy magic.

“Mercury aqua dragon attack. A gritty jet of water snarled at him as it lunged forward. Jack instinctively uppercut it in the jaw cleansing the water it was made of. But it still hit him hard. Knocking him into the marsh.
Which bubbled and churned around his still growing sledge cleansing the pool.

His adversity. Shrieked with excitement. Thank you. I haven't felt this clean since you humans moved here and began dumping your garbage into me.

You're welcome, I think. Jack said as he stumbled to the bank.

“If you're able, can you continue cleaning me up? I will let your friends go.”

Jack could feel that she wasn't evil, just wronged. “ let my friends go first. and on my word as a paladin, I shall do so.

“Agreed. “ With a snap of her watery fingers. The mist cleared.

With the mist cleared he managed to single everyone and yelled “Follow me.” which his comrade's gladly did. Back to where the river entered the swamp.

Reaching the mouth of the river. "Guys, I am about to do something incredibly noble.“ Jack stated. Which to the rest of them meant brave but stupid. Sir Tristam rushed to his saddlebag and pulled out a small vile. “Looks like Jacks going to need this again.“ before running to catch up.

Once he had caught up. Both of them were knee-deep in the river. As he plunged the head of his hammer into the flow and a pale blue light drifted to every corner of the swamp cleansing the town's detritus. Jack was changing so much of the divine. His eyes also glowed blue while he did his work. Until his strength faltered and he passed out.

Sir Tristam tried to catch his comrade, but the waters rose to meet Jack and quickly deposited him on the shore. Leaving Sir Tristam to chase after them.

Once at his side Jack was forced to take a drink from Sir Tristam’s flask.

The water nymph shouted out. ”What are you doing trying to poison him?”

The power he channels is so pure it cleanses him as well. To the point of imminent ascendance. Lucky for us this elixir seems to stop that from happening. Who or what are you by the way?”

(The inside joke between the show's writers was it was sour mash whisky in the flask. )

Jack answered “ she is the spirit of the river and the cause of the disturbance. Sorry I haven't caught her name yet. “

“Princess Mizuno, guardian and ruler of the river Caspian, ” she then started tending to him.” her feelings of gratitude slowly building into love.

Back in town. Five of the intrepid heroes stood in the town's meeting hall hashing out how to fix the trash problem with the locals. Wile jack sat on the bank of the river. With his newfound love. Locked in a passionate kiss.

“Jack wherever you place a boat in the water. Know that I will be there to greet you.”

“Then I shall have to build a boat to carry with me wherever I go.”

Fade to credits.

Ami couldn't help but notice under all the scales and river stones how much her doppelganger looked like her.

"Shall I play another?" Rarity asked

Interrupted by the clock striking 11.

Ami had enough questions raised in her mind for one night. Look at the time. “ I must get everything cleaned up and into bed. “

And as the beer had taken full effect on the party-goers. They agreed So Most of them made their goodbyes then slouched their way back home. Leaving Salina Blue and Rarity to stay the night. As the portal was closed for the day.

Jack saw to it that. Rarity made herself comfortable on the couch. While Salina Blue opted to claim the guest tub. Preferring to sleep as a merpony.

Shutting the door to the bath he turned to see Ami standing in their bedroom door wearing only shark skin bracers and a smile.

“You know me too well, my love.”

“I saw you checking out smokey. And it's ok just to look. But it better be my bed you crawl into.“

“ I saw you checking out that guy. In Walmart the other day. But we promised to always be at each other's side. And I meant it. “

Shutting the door behind him.

Fin.