Green Amaranth was looking down, silently wiping down the counters as it was almost time for the bakery to open, and almost time for everyone to wake up, which was the one thing that the zombie pony was not looking forward to. He flinched in surprise when one of the upstairs’ doors creaked open, followed by the sound of only one pair of hoofsteps, which was heading for the bathroom.

“Looks like one of them just woke up. It’s either the Cakes or Pinkie,” he thought. Green Amaranth closed his eyes, scared. “Please let it be the Cakes. Please let it be the Cakes.”

The zombie pony did not want to see or talk to Pinkie Pie right now because of what the party pony did to him yesterday at the end of their first date. Green Amaranth really hoped that it wasn’t her.

Few Minutes Later

The pony trotted into the dining area. The zombie pony was disappointed as it turned out that it was the party pony, who had a slightly confused look on their face.

“Damn it all to whatever place serves as the underworld down here! Just my luck,” thought Green Amaranth, frustrated. He had to put on a fake smile. “Hi there, Pinkie. How are you?”

Pinkie Pie’s expression changed as she then started to look hesitant while rubbing the side of her leg. “Um…Well…” said the party pony. “You see…

A familiar voice groaned inside her head. “Oh, for the love of-Just ask him already!” shouted the voice.

The voice was coming from inside of Pinkie Pie’s head.

The party pony winced a little from the volume. “Okay, Pinkamena. No need to shout,” thought Pinkie Pie. Then, there was an ashamed look on the party pony’s face. “Um…did anything happen after our date had ended, G.A.?” she asked.

Inside Pinkie Pie’s head, there was the sound of Pinkamena facehoofing and muttering something.

“She’s probably wondering if what happened actually happened. If I tell her, she’s going to feel bad, but if I don’t, she’ll only end up worried, wondering if it actually happened,” thought the zombie pony. Green Amaranth thought about it for a few more seconds before deciding. He then nodded with a look between anger and sadness. “Yeah, something did happen. Something I’ll never forget.”

The party pony became worried. After all, she did something that nopony, except for a meanie, would ever do in all of Equestria to another pony.

The zombie pony’s expression then turned into a smile. “After our date ended, we went up to your room, and then we talked,” said Green Amaranth, lying.

What he had just said had caught Pinkie Pie and the killer pony off-guard.

The party pony’s expression changed from worried to confused. “Huh?/Huh?” said Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena.

The zombie pony pretended like he never heard her. “We had fun talking for hours and hours until it was night time. After that, we said goodnight to each other, kissed, and then I left your room,” continued Green Amaranth, lying. “That’s all that happened.” The zombie pony was inwardly worried as he hoped that Pinkie Pie believed his lie. “I hope she believes it. It’s better if she didn’t find out what really happened yesterday. It’d hurt her if she realized what she did to me.”

Green Amaranth wasn’t willing to tell her just so the Pinkie Pie would be happy. Even if it meant that the zombie pony had to live with more trauma in his life. Meanwhile, the party pony was now feeling conflicted.

“Was it all really just a dream I had?” thought Pinkie Pie.

“If it was, then it was a really life-like dream. You should double check just to make sure,” said the killer pony. “Give me full control, Pinkie. I’ll question him to see if he’s sticking with his story.”

The party pony agreed with making sure with the zombie pony, but not with the other part where she gives full control to Pinkamena. “First, I agree with the double checking part since he might be lying to me about what happened last night. And second, no, I will not give you full control,” thought Pinkie Pie.

She grinned inwardly. “Are you sure? You did let me have full control last time during part of your date,” the killer pony informed.

“That was by accident, and I’m lucky that you didn’t hurt anypony. Now, shush,” thought the party pony. “Are you sure that’s what happened? Nothing else?”

He looked at Pinkie Pie with a raised eyebrow. “I know it happened, Pinkie. I’d tell you if something else had happened during that date instead,” lied Green Amaranth. A concerned look appeared on his face. “Pinkie, are you sure you’re feeling okay? Did you have a nightmare?”

She looked down at the floor, frowning. “You could say that,” muttered Pinkie Pie. “I guess it really was just a dream. Like I’d even rape him.”

The zombie pony had a worried look on his face. “Oh no. That’s terrible,” said Green Amaranth.

He went around the counter, and then the zombie pony held his hooves out.

There was a fake smile on Green Amaranth’s face. “How about a hug? They always cheer me up when I’m feeling down,” offered the zombie pony. “Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.” He really didn’t want to hug Pinkie Pie and was only being nice.

The party pony thought about it for a few seconds before making a decision. Pinkie Pie looked up from the floor with a small smile on her face.

“Sure,” said the party pony.

Green Amaranth’s fake smile had gotten wider to hide the fact that the zombie pony was not happy. Pinkie Pie then trotted over to Green Amaranth and hugged him. The zombie pony flinched as Green Amaranth was being hugged by her, which was making him feel a terrible sensation that was both cold and slimy at the same time going down his spine despite being dead, which was weird. The zombie pony hugged Pinkie Pie back so that she wouldn’t be suspicious. Though, that did make the feeling become worse.

“This feels even worse. I’m going to need a shower after this,” thought Green Amaranth. “Though, I don’t really shower since I’m undead. So, I guess therapy’s the only option.” The zombie pony then patted her softly on the back. “Take as long as you want. I’m in no rush.” He mentally slapped himself. “Why did I say that?!”

The party pony smiled, deciding to accept the zombie pony’s offer. “Thanks,” said Pinkie Pie.

Even though hugging her made him feel like he wanted to scream, at least the party pony was feeling better, which made the hug feel a little bit better to Green Amaranth. For now.

“...Mm-hmm,” said the zombie pony.

“This feels nice. I guess it really was a nightmare,” thought Pinkie Pie.

“I guess. But then how do you explain that second dream you had after the first one?” questioned Pinkamena.

“That’s a very good question. Maybe G.A. knows?” she thought. “G.A.?”

“Yeah?” he said.

“Is it possible to have a second dream during your first dream?” asked the party pony, curious.

Green Amaranth nodded. “...Yeah, it is. Though, it’s very rare for someone or somepony to dream within a dream,” answered the zombie pony. “I only know for it to only happen to characters in comic books or to characters in other forms of entertainment. For it to happen to you is very impressive.”

He didn't even have to lie since Green Amaranth was in fact telling the truth.

“That doesn’t sound impressive. It sounds like a headache,” said the killer pony, unimpressed.

“That sounds amazing,” said Pinkie Pie, impressed.

The zombie pony nodded. “Yeah, I guess it does,” he agreed. “At least that fooled her. Luckily, I remembered that or else it’d be a little hard to explain to her about why she had two dreams in one day. Now then, I just need to wait until she’s done hugging me, then she’ll finally let go.”

The party pony continued to hug Green Amaranth for a while, which was making the zombie pony feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable. Luckily, Pinkie Pie ended the hug and let him go, smiling as she felt better now.

“Thanks for the hug, G.A.,” said the party pony.

Green Amaranth smiled. “It was nothing, Pinkie,” he said. “Please don’t hug me ever again.”

The party pony, with a smile, then headed back towards the stairs to go and take a bath. As for the zombie pony, he decided to continue cleaning as he had nothing better to do. After putting the cloth away, Green Amaranth then went to go get the broom and dustpan.

“I really need to get a job and a place to stay soon. Can’t live with the Cakes forever,” thought Green Amaranth. “Wonder if anyone’s hiring?”

Once the zombie pony acquired the broom and dustpan, he then started sweeping while humming to himself.

Few Hours Later

The bell to the front door rang as it opened, and trotted in was Rarity and Sweetie Belle as they then headed for the register where Green Amaranth and Pinkie Pie were, chatting about something while Carrie was laying down on the counter, being petted by the zombie pony.

“Hello, darlings,” greeted the fashion pony.

Green Amaranth and the party pony looked in the direction of her voice and saw the two. Rarity and her little sister stopped in front of the counter.

“Hey Rarity, Sweetie Belle. You two came here for some snacks?” greeted Pinkie Pie.

“Well, actually no. I just ate a while ago,” she said. Rarity turned her head to look at the zombie pony. “And no, because I came here because I need G.A. to run an errand for me.”

Suddenly, a memory of a conversation he had with the fashion pony two days ago came across Green Amaranth’s mind.

Flashback Starts

The zombie pony was chatting with Rarity after the family had left, and felt worried. “Rarity…I need help with the date, and no, I don’t need a new outfit,” Green Amaranth explained. “I’m perfectly fine with wearing my cloak to my date.”

The fashion pony gave Green Amaranth a pretend scoff. “I wasn’t going to suggest that, darling,” she lied. Rarity really wanted to make an outfit for him for his date with the party pony. “I know that you’re perfectly fine with going on a date in your cloak that you’ve worn for almost two days now.” The fashion pony’s voice sounded a little strained.

The zombie pony wasn’t fooled at all. “Uh-huh,” said Green Amaranth, unconvinced. He then sighed. “Look, even though we’ve known each other for almost two days, I- and this is embarrassing for me -need to borrow enough bits for an entire day’s worth of a date, and I need to know if there’s a restaurant that’s perfect to take Pinkie to.” The zombie pony was becoming reluctant. “If you do these two things for me, I’ll…I’ll…” Now, he was hesitant.

She smiled, leaning in slightly. “You’ll…?” asked Rarity.

Green Amaranth sighed as the zombie pony knew that they really needed the fashion pony’s help. “I’ll…do some errands for you for an entire month,” he muttered.

Rarity continued to smile. “I suppose I should help you out. After all, you are my friend, and I am a generous pony after all,” she said. “Okay. I’ll lend you some Bits for your date, and I’ll also see if there’s a restaurant that’s perfect for you,”

Green Amaranth hoofpumped. “Yes!” cheered the zombie pony.

The fashion pony then started trotting back to their friends. Rarity only trotted a few steps before looking back at him, a smile on her face.

“By the way, I would’ve helped you out for free,” the fashion pony informed.

That instantly killed the sense of victory he had. “Huh?” said Green Amaranth, shocked.

“Just letting you know ahead of time, but you can start running errands for me the day after your date with Pinkie Pie,” Rarity informed, smiling.

She continued trotting on while the zombie pony stared at the fashion pony in disbelief.

“Fucking damn it. This is fucking bullshit,” he thought, frustrated.

The only reason Green Amaranth made the deal was that the zombie pony didn’t want to take advantage of the Rarity’s generous nature. It’d feel wrong to him is all, especially since the zombie pony considered her a friend.

Green Amaranth sighed. “Maybe it’ll be fun? I think,” he thought.

The zombie pony then trotted back over to the group.

Flashback Ends

“G.A.?” called out the party pony.

“Huh?” he said. Green Amaranth realized that he had been caught staring. “Oh, sorry. I was thinking about…new flavors of cupcakes. Like…Maybe something based on Apple Pies?”

Pinkie Pie looked excited. “Ooh! That one sounds like a delicious idea!” she exclaimed. “Mind if I make some?”

The zombie pony shrugged. “Go ahead,” he said.

The party pony smiled before zipping off to the kitchen, determined to make a new kind of apple pie cupcake flavor.

Green Amaranth stared and left before she could see the frown forming on his face. Rarity called out to him but the zombie pony never heard her. Concerned, she decided to place a hoof on his shoulder, which was a bad idea. He already had a hard enough time pretending to be fine around everyone, and having to hug or be hugged by Pinkie Pie, or even coming into contact with the party pony, but another mare? The moment the hoof touched Green Amaranth’s shoulder, he jumped back far away, scared.

The fashion pony was concerned. “Oh, my. Are you okay, G.A.?” she asked.

The zombie pony realized what he did and decided to lie.

“Sorry. I was deep in thought, but then you surprised me,” lied Green Amaranth.

Rarity did not believe his lie, but decided not to pry since the zombie pony would tell her when he wants to.

The fashion pony decided to change the subject. “How was your date yesterday? I’m guessing Pinkie Pie had fun at that restaurant?” asked Rarity, interested. “Give me the details.”

Green Amaranth smiled. “The date was great. We both had lots of fun,” he informed. “Before our date started, I gave her a bracelet that was sent to me as a gift. I wasn’t interested in wearing bracelets anyway.”

She was intrigued. “You gave her a bracelet? Why, that sounds like an absolutely lovely nice gift,” said the fashion pony.

The zombie pony chuckled. “Yeah. She really loved it,” said Green Amaranth. “So anyway, what did you need me to do?”

Rarity then remembered why she came to the bakery. “Oh! Well, I need you to watch over Sweetie Belle for me since I’ll be busy at the boutique with some clients’ orders,” the fashion pony informed. “She and her friends want to go into the Everfree Forest to visit Zecora. So, I also need you to go pick up Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and take them there too. Can you do that for me?”

He nodded as Green Amaranth was okay with taking a trip into the forest. The zombie pony’s been meaning to meet Zecora one day. “Sure, but where does she live in the Everfree Forest and how can I get there?” asked Green Amaranth.

The zombie pony really didn’t know which direction she lived outside of Ponyville.

Rarity just remembered that Green Amaranth’s still kind of new to the town and gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. I know the perfect guide for you,” said the fashion pony, reassuring. Rarity looked down at her little sister. “Can you guide G.A. and Carrie safely to Zecora for me? I don’t want them to get hurt by the dangerous animals that live there.”

The unicorn filly smiled. “Of course, big sis! We won’t let them get hurt,” said Sweetie Belle, determined.

He inwardly laughed. “Ha. More like they should be protecting the creatures of the forest from us,” thought the zombie pony, confident. “But just for today, I’ll play along.”

“Thank you, Sweetie Belle. I’m counting on you,” said the fashion pony, smiling.

Green Amaranth chuckled. “And I’m counting on you too as well. Alright, let me just get my stuff and then we’ll be heading on our way out,” he informed.

The zombie pony headed for the kitchen. After retrieving the zombie bunny and his saddlebags from the basement, and even told Pinkie Pie where they’ll be in case, she was wondering where they were, made it back to the dining area. Rarity and the unicorn filly were surprised and impressed to see him with new saddlebags.

“Oh, my. Those are some nice saddlebags, darling,” said the fashion pony. “Where did you get them from?”

“They were a gift that came with the bracelet as well. It was time that I needed new saddlebags,” Green Amaranth informed. “I even put all of my stuff from the old ones into my new saddlebags too.”

Rarity pretended to be jealous. “I wish I had somepony to give me gifts too,” she said.

The zombie pony chuckled. “Nice try. You’ll have to wait until Hearth’s Warming Eve for gifts from other ponies,” he said.

“But I can’t wait that long!” whined the fashion pony.

Green Amaranth rolled his eyes. “Just have patience, Rarity,” said the zombie pony. He decided to change the subject. “By the way, what about those Psychiatrists you were telling us about yesterday?”

Sweetie Belle became confused while Rarity was confused for a few seconds before remembering.

“I almost forgot. I was able to find two ponies who’ll see both you and Pinkie Pie tomorrow afternoon,” the fashion pony informed. “Their names are ‘Dr. Sunny Gleam’ and ‘Dr. Raindrop Storm’. If that’s okay with you?”

The zombie pony was okay with it. “It’s okay with me, but I don’t know about Pinkie. You’d have to check with her first to see if she’s free tomorrow,” said Green Amaranth.

Rarity knew that the zombie pony was right since she didn't actually know what Pinkie Pie’s schedule was for tomorrow. “I shall do that right now then, G.A. darling. Also, if you’re gone before I’m done with my talk with Pinkie Pie, then I’ll see you again later back at the bakery to pick up my sister,” said the fashion pony.

He nodded. “I’ll see you later too,” said Green Amaranth. “Come on, Sweetie Belle.”

After the unicorn filly said goodbye to her older sister, they headed on their way to go get Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Few Minutes Later

After retrieving the apple filly and pegasus filly, the zombie pony was now trotting through the town as the group was heading on their way to the Everfree Forest. They turned a corner and were instantly met with the sight of a familiar pegasus mare and an earth pony stallion, who was pulling a cart full of stuff in it. Well, the stallion wasn’t familiar to the three fillies, but he was familiar to Green Amaranth.

“Hey, Full Prize. Hey, Silver Charge,” greeted the zombie pony. He sounded happy to see Full Prize.

The female pegasus grinned. “Hey there, G.A. How’s it going?” she asked.

Green Amaranth smiled. “Everything’s going great. I’m taking the CMC to see Zecora,” he informed.

Full Prize smiled. “Oh, I met Zecora more than a week ago. She’s very nice, and she has nice rhymes,” said the female pegasus. She then became curious. “By the way, how do you know my cousin Silver Charge? I don’t think me and Swift Bolt ever introduced him to you before.”

The zombie pony shook his head. “You didn’t, but I did meet him yesterday during my date with Pinkie when he questioned us about a certain day,” Green Amaranth informed. “Also, CMC, meet Full Prize’s cousin and one of the Solar Guards, Silver Charge.”

“Hello!” greeted the three.

Before the stallion could greet the fillies, Full Prize had then interrupted him.

The female pegasus looked at Silver Charge with a raised eyebrow. “Hold on. You actually questioned them a day after ‘that’ happened and on the day of their date, cuz?” she asked. “And you wonder why you have a hard time finding anypony to date.”

Full Prize was only joking though, which the stallion knew she was. This is what they liked to do whenever they met up sometimes. Insult each other in a friendly way.

He looked back at the female pegasus, and then, Silver Charge grinned. “At least I didn’t accidentally crash into a cloud last month when I met a certain pony that I liked. What was their name again?” said the stallion, joking.

That had made Full Prize blush angrilly. “At least I didn’t trip on the carpet in front of everypony on my first day of being a Royal Guard,” she teased.

Though sometimes, their joking gets serious and then it turns into arguments.

“Go serenade your cactus,” said Silver Charge.

The zombie pony decided to interrupt it before something bad happened. “So, speaking of Swift Bolt, how are they doing? Also, what’s with all that stuff in the cart?” he asked.

Luckily, that stopped whatever argument was about to happen. The female pegasus gave the stallion a look that said ‘this isn’t over yet’ before turning to look at Green Amaranth.

“Well, to answer your first question, my little sib is doing a bit better. After we had left the party yesterday, Swift Bolt told our Aunt Sugar Blossom and Uncle Gold Note about the incident, which they couldn’t believe that our dad would try and do such a thing,” explained Full Prize. “We’re planning on getting them to see a psychiatrist in order to get them to stop blaming themself and to put the incident behind them. As for your second question, this is some of me and my little sib’s stuff. Our aunt and uncle decided that we should move out of Ponyville and to Manehattan to live with them in the Apartment building that they own. It’ll probably take two days or less for us to complete the move since we’ll be moving the stuff by train.”

She then glanced at Silver Charge.

“My cousin Silver Charge here offered to help us, including his dad, transport our stuff to the place since he has nothing better to do right now,” continued the female pegasus.

He rolled his eyes. “That’s not true, and you know it. I’m here on vacation since I’m using up some of my vacation days to help you,” said the stallion. “If I didn’t, it would’ve taken you all much longer to move the stuff. That’s why we’re transporting both of your stuff in two carts”

Full Prize only laughed in response. Meanwhile, the zombie pony felt kind of sad. He’d only known Swift Bolt for two days and the female pegasus for only more than a day, and now they’re moving.

“Oh. Well, that’s sad, but I understand why you two have to move,” said Green Amaranth. “I am going to miss you two once you and Swift Bolt move away from Ponyville.”

She smiled. “We’re going to miss you and all of Ponyville too, but don’t worry. Just because we’ll be moving far away to some city doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to be friends,” the female pegasus informed. “Even if we’ve only lived here for more than a month, it’s been pretty fun living in this town, I guess. One day, we’ll definitely return to visit all of our friends in Ponyville.”

The zombie pony smiled. “Can’t wait for that day to happen. Also, you two better be ready on the day before you leave,” he said. “Pinkie Pie’s obviously going to hold a party for you two.”

Full Prize groaned, knowing that Green Amaranth was right. While she’s okay with the party pony holding a party for them, the female pegasus doesn’t want to deal with any of the colts and fillies that will be attending the party too.

“Great,” she said.

Green Amaranth smiled. “Well, don’t let us distract you two from getting to the train. I’ll see you if we both have time tomorrow,” said the zombie pony. “How’s that sound?”

The female pegasus smiled too. “Sounds good. See you next time, G.A.,” said Full Prize.

“You too, Full Prize. Silver Charge,” he said.

“Bye! It was nice meeting you!” said the three fillies.

Silver Charge smiled, and then the stallion bowed. “It was nice meeting you three too as well. Until next time,” he said.

Both groups trotted past each other and continued on their way towards their destination.

Few Minutes Later

After traversing through the Everfree Forest, they arrived at Zecora’s hut.

Apple Bloom directed a hoof at the place. “We’ve made it. This here is Zecora’s hut,” she announced. “Pretty neat, huh?”

Green Amaranth was impressed. “Wow. This looks like a lovely place to live in,” he said. “Can’t wait to see the inside too. I bet it’s decorated lovely just like the outside?”

Suddenly, a voice sounded off behind them.

“Your compliment about my home is nice, kind, and sweet. Can you turn around so that I can see the new pony whom I have to greet?” asked a female voice.

The zombie pony quickly turned around, surprised as someone was behind him. The voice belonged to Zecora. He was about to greet her, when suddenly, the zebra looked at Green Amaranth with sad eyes and a frown on her face.

“Well, well, who is this that I see before me? For these two are not a pony or a bunny,” said Zecora, in a sad tone.

The zombie pony was shocked, while the Cutie Mark Crusaders were confused.

“No way. She can see what we really look like?” thought Green Amaranth. “If so, then I guess my and Carrie’s vibes must be showing Zecora our true forms. Well, me as a human, and Carrie as a normal bunny. But why is she looking at us with such a sad expression on her face? Maybe she sees something else along with it? I wonder what it is?”

Sweetie Belle approached the zebra. “Zecora, are you okay? You seem sad,” asked the unicorn filly, concerned.

Zecora, hearing the unicorn filly’s voice, snapped out of it. “I am fine, little one. There was some light blinding me that came from the sun,” she said, lying. The zebra looked at him. “Welcome to my home within the tree. And who might you be?”

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Green Amaranth, but you can call me G.A., and the one on top of my mane is my pet bunny, Carrie,” greeted the zombie pony. “I’m looking after the CMC for Rarity while she’s busy with some orders from her clients. Now that we’re here, can we continue our chat inside?”

Zecora nodded. “Yes, I think it’s better if we talk inside. The creatures of the forest do love to hide,” she agreed.

They all followed after the zebra into her hut. During the next few hours, they chatted, and the CMC even showed off their Cutie Marks to Zecora. Green Amaranth then brought up on potion making to her and asked if the zebra could teach the apple filly all about potions. Apple Bloom agreed with the idea since her Cutie Mark can be interpreted for potion making too. Zecora, after asking the apple filly some serious questions, accepted on taking Apple Bloom as her student. Once it was time, the group said goodbye to the zebra and headed back to Ponyville.

Author's Note

I know what some of you are thinking, "why didn't he just tell her the truth? She'd get over it eventually in the future?", right? Green Amaranth chose to lie rather than go out with the truth because if he had told her, we all know that Pinkie Pie would end up telling everyone rather than hide it. She would end up telling her friends, which is everyone in the whole town, but not the colts and fillies of course. With some time, some would get over it, but others would have a hard time trusting her again.

Right now, he's afraid of Pinkie Pie and doesn't want to be in contact with any mares right now. But G.A. needs to show that he's fine despite what happened to him. Don't worry. Ponies will find out. Soon.

Yeah. Someone had sent G.A. a gift that contained a bracelet, some saddlebags, and a few other things in it too.

Pinkamena will be making her appearances in the story from now on, talking to Pinkie Pie in her mind in italics, but when she's possessing Pinkie's body, which will happen sometimes, she'll be talking normally without any color. As for Pinkie Pie, when she's in the back while Pinkamena's controlling the body, she'll talk in italics like this instead.

Silver Charge is 16. He was also drawn by artistmans.

The human is what G.A. looked like before he ended up in Equestria. Both it and the one of G.A. with new saddlebags were drawn by ask-shutter-ghost on Tumblr.

I had to give up on creating the last part of the story that had G.A.'s conversation with Zecora as thinking up rhyming conversations was hard and exhausting.

The Psychopath proofread this chapter.

Comments are welcome.