Equis Dreams.by AiwhisperChaptersCh1. First dreamCh2. Second dreamCh3. Third dreamCh4. First Nightmare.Ch6. Dreamless sleep. (+world building)Ch7. Back to dreaming.Ch8. Buggy Distractions. (+ powers update)Ch9. Goodbyes.Ch10. Back to PonyvilleCh11. Awake.Ch12. Still Awake? (+powers update)Ch13. An equine visitor.Ch 14. A rude awakening.Ch5. First nightmare pt2.Ch1. First dreamFinally, time for bed. I had finally finished my evening chores after dinner and a long day of work so could finally sprawl myself onto my comfortable mattress. I then took one last look at my hands before turning out the light. See you in the morning. "Man I always hate that drop." I picked myself up and sat on my flank clapping my two front hooves together. "Nice they grew back. I was worried they wouldn't after last night when that manticore ate me." I growled at the memory then hung my head. "That was such a great dream before turning into a nightmare." For the last few nights I had been having re-occurring dreams. Every time I went to bed I would 'wake up' as a light green pony with a forest green mane. The start was always really great, waking up in a calm forest, but then I would end up eaten by something and wake up in a cold sweat before spending the rest of the night dreamlessly sleeping. "Okay lets see what it will be tonight." I look around myself then down at my flank, "Hey that's new." Taking a closer look there was now a stylized dreamcatcher on both sides. "Cool I got a tattoo. Hey Maybe that should be my name while here. Dream Catcher." I repeated the name a few times before nodding that it would work. Checking my surroundings and finding no immediate danger I began to walk in a random direction. After about five minuets of checking out the surrounding trees, "Walking in a forest after being stuck in the city all day is nice and all but I really wish something more would happen." I sigh. It wasn't long before I got my wish, my ears quickly swivel to the sound of rustling in from a bush nearby. I pound my front hooves together and say, "Finally some action, Maybe it will be something I can fight and last against." To my surprise another pony, a yellow pegasus with a triple butterfly tattoo steps out then freezes as she spots me. We both stare at each other for a moment before I raise a hoof. "Sup? I'm Dre..." "Epp," She rushes back the way she came without another sound before I could even finish. "Was it something I said?" I tilt my head and shrug. "Oh well back to..." I get cut off again, this time by a low growling from behind me. "well buck." Waking up in a cold sweat is never fun but at least I killed that wooden wolf. I quickly rub my arms together to get the blood flowing then flop my head onto the pillow. She was super cute... for a pony. I slowly get comfortable after checking the time then drift back off into a dreamless sleep. Okay alarms are definitely better than a nightmare for waking up. I stretch and grab my phone to turn off the alarm then check the weather. Its going to be a nice late summers' Saturday. Perfect for a walk in the park and lunch from a deli or something. I rub my stomach and poke at the pudge. I really need to get back into shape so maybe a long walk. Heading into the bathroom I finish up my morning routine then pause to look in the mirror. I do a doubletake as I look at my hips. No way. There, resting on both my upper thighs are the same tattoo from my dream with the same background as my fur color. "No bucking way." I rub my hands along both sides then smile. I had always wanted a tattoo but needles suck. I head back into my bedroom and put on some casual clothes. "Perfect they are easy to cover." I breath a sigh of relief that I won't have to explain them if I don't want. After a quick breakfast I get a phone call before heading out. "Hey Kiddo, What you up to today?" My dad asks from the other end of the line. "No set plans. Why what's up?" "So your mom and I need to head out of town for a week today and need someone to feed the animals here at the farm. Your sister was going to but then your nephew got sick. Mind staying out here, I'll leave ya food money." I can hear he is a bit desperate for help. Luckily I can work remotely so, "Sure I can come out today and stay. Would be nice to see Flicker after so long." That horse always did treat me the best. "Great, we will already be gone by the time you get here but you know what to do. Love ya Kiddo and thanks again." He hangs up after I tell him the same. I quickly pack up a bag with some spare clothes and my work gear then head out. After an hours long drive from the city I finally pull into the family farm's driveway. Stepping out of my car I head up to the front door and unlock it with my spare key. After setting my stuff in my old room I head back outside and take a deep breath. "Well I was going to the park anyway." I start heading out to the horse pasture where we kept our own and a few other families horses boarded, for a fee of course. I release a shrill whistle then yell out after hopping the fence, "Flicker where are ya girl." She quickly trots over and nuzzles me with a snort. "Well hey there to you too girl." I pat her withers. "Miss me?" She huffs then looks away almost indignantly. "Yeah, yeah. I really should come out here more often but the drive is super long. Anyway want to walk with me?" We start walking the fence, I get a tail flick to the back of my head for my trouble. After a long day of walking then taking care of the animals I head back inside and wash up. I impressed myself by being able to walk and work all day without getting tired. Even when I lived here I wasn't that in shape. My new tattoos surprise me by glowing a bit then returning to normal before I get dressed and have a quick dinner. Either I am going crazy or those things just glowed. I put the thought out of my mind and head towards my room. Once In bed I quickly fall asleep without all the noise pollution. Hopefully tonight will be more interesting. Looking around I find myself back in the clearing where the wolf got me from last night. It's corpse was still there, a small glowing green core in the middle of a stick pile. "I really need to start lasting longer in fights so I don't wake up." My curiosity gets the better of me and I poke the glowing core. It gives me a mild shock before it gets absorbed into my hoof. "Well that was different." After a short examination of my hoof I check the surrounding area and start walking the same directly the pegsus left last night. Thanks to the tracks she led I was sure of the direction. "Wonder If I will see her again." I shake my head, "She's a pony Catcher." I find the use of my new name more comfortable than expected. After wandering for a bit I stumble upon an actual path and begin following it. Not long after that my jaw drops at what I am now seeing. "A town. I was minuets away from a town the whole time!" I shout and throw my front hooves up to the sky. After another moment I shrug and start heading towards it. Heading down the street I get a few looks as well as waves and smiles which I happily return. Eventually my nose catches onto something and I get dragged along towards a market stall while my mouth waters. Wait why can I smell? Meh. "Well howdy there partner. Haven't seen you here around before." An orange mare with a golden mane wearing a cowboy hat smiles at me from behind the counter. "See anything ya like?" I nod dumbly, "Great what can I get ya? We have apples, Apple pie, Apple fritters, Apple Jack." She winks at that last one. "Oh that all sounds great but I, well I dont have any..." As I scratch the back of my head I find a small jingling pouch in my mane. "Well never mind then." Of course, dream logic. I hand over a few of the various coins, "Is this enough for a pie?" "Sure is Sugar cube, you have plenty of bits." She takes a few of the smaller coins pushing the rest and a pie my way. "Yall come back now." She waves as I walk away with the pie balanced on my back and the 'bits', as she called them, back into my mane. Love dream logic. After walking for a bit I end up near a fountain with a live lyre player and decide, "This is the perfect spot." I pull the pie off my back and dig into the flaky crust and sweet apple filling. "Man this is so good." The lyre player looks my way for a moment before continuing. I sadly finish the entire thing before I notice so decide to just lay there and pony watch from upon the fountain's edge. Turns out plenty of the ponies also watch me back as the mares flash me smiles or small waves sometimes even giving me a wink. I keep it polite and nod back not wanting to move to much. There are way to many mares here. "Oh my gosh, are you new. You look new and if you are then that means I get to throw a party." an excited bubbly pink mare exclaims, after bouncing on her hooves in front of me. "Party?" I smile. "Yep. I throw Parties for all the new Ponies of Ponyville. That's where we are by the way. You probably already knew that but what you probably dont know is that I'm Pinkie Pie and..." "Pinkie, darling, leave the poor stallion alone." A white Unicorn walks up behind her friend and flicks her mane while she uses magic to pull Pinkie back. "Sorry about that. Pinkie gets a bit excited around new ponies especially stallions. My name is Lady Rarity Bell and you are?" She holds her hoof out. I stand up and give it a quick kiss making her blush in surprise. "Dream Catcher. It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Rarity. You too Pinkie Pie." Pinkie's smile widens. "To answer your question, I am new to town. Just got here today in fact." "Oh this is so exciting, I'll need to let the girls know and invite everyone." Pinkie rushes off leaving behind a cloud of dust in her shape. I laugh and shake my head. "Is she always like that Rarity?" I give her a knowing smile. "Only most days, it's worse when a new pony epically a handsome stallion such as yourself comes to town." She flutters her eyelashes. "Oh, Idea. Why don't I give you a tour of the town before your welcome party." "Really? That won't cause you trouble?" "Not at all darling," She pulls me along and begins the tour of the town though pauses to ask. "Just a quick question, you are single, yes? Not in a herd or anything I would have to worry about?" I nod. "Perfect, onwards then." The tour ends around the evening after plenty of detours including a short spa visit for a hoof filing. No wonder the horses on the farm love that so much. The two of us make it to Sugar Cube Corner where Rarity lets me open the door. "SUPRISE!” I quickly flatten my ears as Pinky pronks up. "Did we surprise ya?" I nod and she says to the room, "He was surprised everypony." She quickly rejoins the crowd. After walking inside, "Hi there, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle though you can just call me Twilight. Welcome to Ponyville. You must be Dream Catcher." We bump hooves receiving a small static shock. I then look her over and notice her blush a bit, Huh horns and wings. "Yep, that's me. Nice to meet you Twilight, are you friends with Pinkie too?" "Yes, Pinkie is one of my best friends. We are both are wielders of the Elements after all." She says it like I should know. "Elements?" I ask anyway. "Oh wow, I thought everyone had heard of us." She then goes onto explain the elements and her friends all while we chat and trade stories though the evening. Four of her five friends eventually join us and a mare I recognize asks. "So your family owns a farm as well." Applejack asks. "Yep, for a few generations now. Mostly growing grains and stuff like that or housing animals." I nod. "Animals?" A yellow pegasus pokes her head out. "Yep and Hey I know you. You ran away yesterday." I point a hoof at her as the girls watch. Her eyes go wide and she rushes forward, "Oh my gosh you are okay. I felt so bad about running away and leaving a stallion behind but when I saw that Timberwolf I just had to go for help. You are okay right?" She panics while looking me over, sometimes a bit to close. "Yeah I'm fine," I pause for her name. "Fluttershy." She squeaks out while blushing after noticing how close she is to an unknown stallion and backs off. "I'm fine Fluttershy. I'm here aren't I." She smiles and nods then we all get back to talking. Once back tallking with Applejack I notice she keeps asking farm questions while sticking close. Throughout the afternoon other partygoers stop by to say hi, as well as marketing their products. The party goes on for about another hour until eventually only Pinkie, Twilight and I are left. "So, do you have a place to stay?" Twilight casually asks while Pinkie gives her a look. "Kind of, I just go to sleep and wake up at home. It was nice meeting you both and I hope to see more of you." I lay down on the floor earning a funny look from Twilight and Pinkie before I fall asleep and just disappear. "Wow what a great night," I stretch and check the time. Its just a few minuets before my alarm on Sunday. "I haven't slept that good in ages. Once finished with my morning routine I check myself over and find that nothing else has drastically changed. My 'cutie marks', worst name but that's what they called them, remain unchanged as well. After a quick breakfast and feeding the animals I check my phone and notice an unusual notification from my banking app. "What the heck is this transfer for fifty dollars to the Equestrian Dream's bank?" I then notice a new app for said bank and upon opening it find an account labeled in bits along with a purchase from Sweet Apple Acers. The app also has an asset list consisting of one Timberwolf Core 'in use'. "What the BUCK!?!" Author's Note If I get some decent feedback I plan to work on this and my other story. Ch2. Second dream“Have a good night.” Pinkie had waved goodbye to her new friend and gotten back to cleaning up after the party. She couldn’t remember his name but smiled. “Pinkie, what were we just talking about?” Twilight was shook her head a bit confused and felling like she just forgot something. “Also who was this party for again?” Pinkie smiled and put a hoof on her friend’s withers. “Twilight it was for our new friend…” Pinkie tapped her chin also unable to remember. She shrugged then finishes, “I don’t remember, but i’m sure we will see them again.” Twilight’s mane frazzled a bit as she glared at Pinkie. Pinkie just shrugged and pulled out a cupcake from her mane then ate it, “Want one?” Twilight returned to her library and sighed. She had stuck around a bit longer to help Pinkie clean up once she had calmed down. “How could I, the Princess of Friendship forget about a new friend’s name or even what they look like?” Flopping down onto her bed and stretching her wings spike grumbles from his one bed, “Hey Twilight, you’re back late.” “I was helping Pinkie clean up after the party. Spike, do you remember why we had that party?” She rolled onto her back but her new wings made it uncomfortable. She still hadn’t gotten used to them and Rainbow was still pushing for flight lessons. “Nope, but it was a Pinkie Party so it could have been for anything. Anyway, I’m going back to sleep. Night.” Spike conked back out immediately and began snoring. “Night spike.” Twilight said then tried to get comfortable. She also could no longer remember what the party had been for yet, for some reason it didn’t bother her. I was freaking out and pacing in the living room. After finding the first app for Equestria Dream’s bank, I had started a mental review. Wondering why I hadn’t freaked yesterday quickly took over my thoughts. When I found my cutie marks I thought nothing about them! The question was answered when they both glowed and I immediately calmed down. No wonder, these things raised my acceptance of the strange towards eleven. Now unusually calm, I checked my phone again and found another app labeled Equis Store. This one offered limited products such as apples from Sweet Apple Acres, with the ability to upgrade it…somehow. So here’s what I know so far. My dream world is real, I can bring money plus other stuff to that world and maybe back, and my phone and I became magical. “Cool.” I flopped down on my parents living room couch and checked the store app more closely. “So aside from buying stuff I can also sell stuff for bits or dollars, Nice. It looks like the bank is also an inventory but how does that work?” I closed my eyes and thought about holding a bit in my free hand. A golden coin appeared moments later and a notification popped up showing the withdrawal. “Wow it’s real gold. Wonder if I can sell it for a money glitch.” My phone gave an angry buzz and a red notice was on the screen that I read. “The Equis Dream’s bank does not recommend such actions as it will cause recalibration of the exchange rate. Current exchange rate: one dollar equals two bits.” Thinking about it, Makes sense, can’t just go flooding the market with gold and not expect consequences. I close my hand around the coin and picture it back in my account, causing it do disappear. “Wonder if I can store other stuff.” I grab a book from the coffee table. Focus on storing the book I manage to store, then retrieve it from my inventory. This earns a few more notifications in the process as well as information about the current storage limit. “A limited number of items [10:stacks] may be stored and brought with you anywhere, cash not included. Asset storage may be upgraded and please beware of consequences when transferring items between realms.” “Bet it would make theft super easy.” I casually remark and earn another red notification. “Please note only owned items can be stored without explicit permission.” “I wasn’t going to really become a thief.” I huff. I spend the next few minutes browsing the store. Every food item conveniently has a disclaimer on human/equine compatibility so I decide to get a few apples. The moment I buy them they show up in my assets as a stack and I pull one out. “Damn Applejack really does grow the best apples.” I smile after taking a bite of the sweet, delectable fruit. “Bet I could make a profit transporting these things.” There was no warning notification this time, however the store’s purchase limit meant if I wanted bulk orders I would have to buy them in person/pony. “Hey kiddo how’s things going?” My dad asked. He had called to check in and let me know they made it safely to the hotel. I was currently sitting outside on the farm house's massive porch enjoying the evening breezes. “Going great dad. Animals are all fine so just been hanging out around the farm. A few people stopped by to check on their horses or ride today but not much else. Your employees took care of the guests so I just relaxed.” “Great, I forgot to warn you about that so your mom and I got a bit worried.” He chuckled. I laughed, “I know it’s been like ten years since I’ve moved over to the city but I didn’t forget everything about farm life.” “Good. Thanks again for taking over for a bit and see you in a week.” We exchanged goodbyes and hung up. After heading back inside I got ready for bed, set my phone on the nightstand, and tried to get comfortable. Wonder where I'll end up tonight. "Ugg." I quickly stood up and swiveled my equine ears. I was back on the outskirts of Ponyville but luckily not in the Everfree. "Wonder what time it is here." As if to answer my question my cellphone dropped on the ground in front of me. "Huh." I picked it up with my hoof and read "9:15, that's about the same time I went to bed back on earth. Now how to send this back." Concentrating didn't work so, I tried putting the phone in my mane instead where it quickly disappeared. "Nice, that's handy." I laughed at my own joke while heading into town. Plenty of ponies I had met yesterday gave me friendly waves that I happily returned. "Wonder what I should do now? I could find a job like back home or something." The possibilities left me somewhat overwhelmed once I realized I knew nothing of this world. I had only ever considered it a dream until yesterday but now realized I should take it more seriously. "Oh! didn't Twilight say she ran a library." When I made it to my destination I was about to knock then remembered, Its a public building, so I just opened the door instead. The Golden Oaks smelled heavily of old parchments and books, it was wonderful. While taking a deep breath, "You know I thought only Twilight did that." I coughed a few times looking sheepish. "Hey Spike, yeah I just love the smell of old books ya know." It looked like he didn't recognize me for a moment then rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh hey, Dream Catcher right? No worries, what can I, Twilight's Number one assistant, help you with?" The young dragon smiled. "Well I was looking to check out a few books and I'm guessing I probably need a library card." I smiled back. "Did someone say library card?" Twilight came down excitedly and jumped behind her desk almost tripping on her wings. Once she sat up, "Hi." "Hey Twilight, yeah I want to check out some books." My tail swished a bit at the prospect of learning about a whole world filled with magic. She paused similarly to Spike before speaking. "Sure Dream Catcher, lets get you all sorted out." The whole process was fairly quick and only cost ten bits. "So you only have to renew your card once a year and you can check out any book for a week without renewing. I don't really charge late fees unless another pony wants the same book or for the more popular ones like Daring Do. So what are you going to check out first?" I rubbed my chin with a hoof. "Well I don't really know. Got any books on magic for beginners?" She levitated over a small stack of books from various shelves, "Sure here you go. These are more for unicorns though so they won't really help an earth pony you know." "Oh." I was a bit disappointed inside and gave a fake smile and rubbed my neck. "It's more of a curiosity since I haven't really gotten out much." "Well I'm not one to deny anyone seeking knowledge." She finished with an enthusiastic smile. Over the next hour I browsed a few books while Twilight did her own studying. It's crazy to think how only two alicorns keep the whole planet alive with the sun and moon. I had just finished a reading a chapter in the Basic History of Equestria. "Hey Twilight?" I now needed to quell my curiosity. "Yes?" She mumbled from behind her book. "You're a princess right?" "Yes, though Like I said, I don't use my title often." She blushed a bit while looking over her book. "So do you control a heavenly body similar to how Celestia and Luna manage the Sun and Moon?" I casually asked. "Not at all. I am the princess of Friendship and Magic so my domain is more intangible." She went back to her book. "Huh." I looked over towards her cheeky and said under my breath. "Well I wouldn't say you don't at least manage one heavenly body princess." I went back to my own book but I could feel her looking my way with ears perked up. After spending the morning in the Library and checking out a few books I decided it was time for lunch. Apparently, even asleep I'm going to need to eat. I eventually found a nice Café and sat down in the last open table. "Afternoon, can I start you with a drink?" The server asked cheerly, as if she just loved her job, while she passed over a menu. "Lemonade please." I smile at her and she quickly trotted off. Ponies are so super cheery all the time. "What to get, what to get?" I tapped my chin. "You should get the daisy sandwich it's really good." Said a smiling peagsus sitting across from me with a bubble cutie mark. "Hi I'm Derpy Hooves. All the other tables are full can I share yours?" "Sure, help yourself." "Oh, thank you!" she clapped her hooves together. "Most stallions don't want to sit with me and give the wrong impression. What that impression is I don't know though." She gave a cute little tilt of her head while her eyes looked in two different directions. "I Couldn't tell you either Derpy," I shrugged. "Oh good, we can both not know together." She nodded sagely, as the waitress brought my drink and took both our orders. The two of us shared a nice lunch and she told me all about her job as a Mailmare. "Sometimes I just really don't know what goes wrong you know? I try to make sure everyone gets their mail but ponies still yell at me." I had no idea how anyone could yell at such a cute creature. "It's ok Derpy, I bet you always try your best." She perked back up right away and nodded so intensely she knocked her glass over spilling it. "Ops let me just." Over the next few moments she went from trying to clean up the mess to falling on her face with her rump in the air and lemonade on her head. She sniffled. "I don't know what went wrong." I quickly got up to help her and wiped off her mane. "There, there Derpy it was just an accident." "Thanks, your super nice. Well I have to get back to work now." She gave me a quick nuzzle, which made my fur a bit sticky, then flew off. "She didn't pay for her lunch." I said to myself, shook my head, and laughed at the absurdity of the situation. "I really don't want to work tomorrow." I had found myself in park outside of town after lunch and decided to just lay around in the grass on a hill. Becoming a pony with fur had made certain actions so much less uncomfortable. "Well hey there partner what are you doing here." Applejack had just walked up with a basked and blanket on her back. There was a dog the size of a small foal following along next to her. "Just laying around." I looked at her, upside down since I was currently on my back. She blushed and I noticed my bits were all exposed. I quickly rolled over and blushed. "Yeah I can see that. Are you joining us for the Pet Playdate?" She chuckled as the dog bounded up to me and gave me a sniff. I gave the good girl pets and she melted right under my hoof. "Wow Winona must really like ya." "Yeah I love dogs. And no I was just hanging out, what's a Pet Playdate?" "Why darling it's when all of us get together with our pets and have a picnic." Rarity had just walked up with a cat on her back. "We try to get together once a week. A stallion such as yourself is more than welcome to join us even without a pet." She flashed me a smile and a wink. "Now Rares I was just about to explain all that to him." Applejack said while laying out her supplies. Winona had already run off after a leaf. The two argued for a moment but were quickly interrupted by a purple blur crashing between them causing a dust cloud. "Bah ha ha ha." A cyan pegsus, Rainbow Dash, landed right after. "Twilight you won't ever learn to fly if you keep doing that." Twilight spit out some grass as an Owl landed on her back and a tortoise with a propeller landed next to Dash. "Ug I really don't like to fly, and Dash you didn't..." She cut herself off and panicked a bit when she noticed I was sitting there snickering a bit. "Dream what are you doing here?" A few mane hairs frizzled out of place. I shrugged. "I Didn't know this was you girl's spot but decided to stick around." Eventually Pinkie and Fluttershy showed up as well to join the conversation. We all hung out into the evening until I felt a strange tickle in my ear. "Something wrong?" Fluttershy asked sweetly. "Oh, oh, is it Dreamy SenseTM?" Pinkie noticed my ear twitching. "No I think its..." I woke up. Twilight and the girls all blinked for a few moments then went back to chatting. Applejack was a bit confused when she had to pack up an extra seventh plate. I Slapped my old alarm clock next to my bed that read 5:00. I had forgot to change the set time, one from forever ago, when I turned it on the night before. I don't even need to get up this early any more. I feel bad for leaving the girls hanging. Laying in bed I tried to get back to sleep. It didn't work, I grumbled then got up. "May as well watch TV or something before work time." I then remembered the books I checked out and tried to summon one. The moment it appeared I was all smiles and got to reading in bed. Ch3. Third dreamBreakfast turned out better than expected thanks to AJs apples. I had thrown together some cinnamon oatmeal with lots of small chunks of the fruit then took it outside to eat on the porch. That was the thing I missed most when I had moved out, the family farmhouse had a large wraparound and covered porch that was perfect for enjoying the outdoors in any weather. As I sat at on of the outdoor tables eating and watching the sunrise, I thought back about the weekend. Can’t believe I’m working today like normal after everything. I chuckled to myself. I went to a party and met so many ponies. Heck I spent most of my day/night as one. I stretch then stand up to head back inside to take care of the dishes. Once finished I grab my work computer and spread out at the dining room table. It’s going to be a long Monday. Twilight unhappily checked then double checked her list of currently checked out books. It was early into the night after the Pet Play date and she had decided to check all of her lists before bed. Something was wrong with this one however, as there was missing information near the bottom. “Spike!” She yelled out. “Yes Twilight?” The sleepy dragon asked from his bed. “Did you and Rainbow play a prank on me with invisible ink again?” She huffed, none of her other lists had any errors so it was her best idea. “No. I know better than to mess with your lists after last time. Why?” “Because there’s a three pony gap in my ‘Checked Out Books’ list. See.” She hovered the list over to him. “Maybe you just forgot to write the names?” He yawned. “Spike you know I always write the book title then the name of the pony that checked it out and always in that order and there’s three books listed without names ‘Beginner’s guide to magic’, Basic Equestria History’, and an ‘Equestrian atlas’.” She listed at the drake. “Sorry Twilight I don’t know what to tell you except that I’m going back to sleep and you should get some too. Don’t forget we have the Summer Sun Celebration next weekend.” Spike grabbed his blanket and wrapped it over his head. Twilight gasped, she had forgotten that the celebration was coming up. She eventually gave up on the unusual list and flopped onto her bed. She had already had a long day with her friends and was to exhausted to deal with a mystery right now with everything else going on. My day had proceeded smoothly. I had finished my work tasks well before dinner, so wouldn’t have to work overtime and nothing was behind schedule. This was a nice outcome considering my work flow was thrown off by working from my parents place instead of my home office. At least it’s just a week. I stretched in the chair after logging out of my laptop and decide to head outside for a short walk before dinner. Once changed into outdoor wear I find, to my pleasant surprise, quite a few guests riding their horses and decide to head down to the paddock to watch. Glad the farm is doing well, but why do I suddenly have a strange urge to run? I kick the dirt, giving into the temptation and run a lap of the fence, a few of the riderless horses following along. After my second lap I feel more invigorated yet only continue on to finish with a third. Once a few of the guests had noticed and started watching I thought it best to stop. I could never run like that before. Making my way back inside the house I remove my sweat soaked outfit and hop into the shower. Washing quickly I put on some fresh clothes before preparing some dinner. Using the money my parents had left I decide to buy fresh ingredients from my new app. Might as well use it. Lets see, fresh vegetables from Carrot Top’s with some pasta should be perfect. I wasn’t the best cook but superior ingredients definitely made all the difference. After scarfing down dinner I spent the rest of the evening reading the books I had checked out to get myself more acquainted with Equestria. When I finished reading about the various pony tribes including the main three I thought to myself. You know, being an Earth pony isn’t so bad. That’s probably why I could run like I did today. After storing the books I then stored a couple more items I might need in Equestria then headed off to bed. “Back again. Let’s get these books returned.” I began walking into Ponyville, heading straight for Twilight’s library. Would be nice if I didn’t always appear outside of town. When I reached her tree and walked inside I found a very frazzled Twilight with Fluttershy trying to calm her down. “Twilight, it’s ok. It’s just a little mistake.” “But it’s not.” She huffed. “Today it’s just my list for books tomorrow it’s something worse and then who knows what! Im supposed to be a princess for Celestia’s sake.” I watched the to go back and forth a bit before finally speaking up. “Um, Is now a bad time?” “Ep” Fluttershy hid behind her mane while Twilight looked towards me like a mare possessed. “Oh Hi. Dream Catcher. What can I help you with today.” She gave me a smile that wasn’t quite right. “Well, I just needed to return some books.” I pulled them out and set them on the desk. I then backed away slowly towards the door before being stopped. Twilight who had just read one of the titles yelled. “You had these books?!?” She then took a deep breath and looked to calm down. “Yeah? You lent them to me yesterday.” I tilted my head confused she had forgotten. Twilight then mercifully laughed. “You were right Fluttershy. I was overreacting.” She trotted away to happily shelve the books. ”Yay.” Fluttershy cutely exclaimed which made me “daw.” “So Dream what are you up to today?” A much more relaxed Twilight asked after returning. “Nothing planned, why?” Twilight is one odd girl, her freaking out was a bit funny. “Fluttershy and I were just about to get brunch with the girls. Care to join us?” “Sure but isn’t it a Monday, What about work?” I ask while following the two towards a cafe. I don’t notice them earning a few jealous glances from other mares in town. “Well as you might recall my friends and I are all self employed or have flexible schedules so nothing to worry about.” She smiled and gave me a wink. “What about your work?” “Well I technically work at night so my days are one hundred percent free.” “That sounds nice.” Fluttershy have a small smile. After arriving Rainbow was the first to greet us. “Hey girls, hey Dream Catcher. What are you doing here?” “Like here in Equestria or in Ponyville or?” I joked which caused her to roll her eyes. “Here for brunch ya dork. Twilight didn’t say you would be joining us.” “Rainbow darling is there a reason he can’t join us for a meal?” Rarity gave a knowing smirk. These ponies are a riot. “Wha, no. I was just curious.” Rainbow pouted as the three of us sat down to join Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack. Pinkie was not at the table. “It is nice to see ya again Dream, farm doing well? Also Twilight, Pinkie can’t join us. The Cake’s got a big order they needed her help with for the upcoming celebration.” AJ looked a bit disappointed. “Understandable.” Twilight nodded. “Yeah the farm is doing great AJ in fact we had quite a few visitors recently. Also what celebration?” This earned me a few looks. “Why only the summer sun celebration of course. It’s the longest day of the summer and when Celestia personally raises the sun for everyone to see instead of from her usual balcony. It’s quite the spectacle.” Rarity gushed. “See, typically the amount of magic required to move the sun is to much for the common pony to be close to daily, so she can only preform the ritual publicly once a year. But everyone knows that right?” Twilight lectured. “Um not really.” I rubbed the back of my neck. Twilight was shocked. “What but everyone knows why we have the celebration.” “Uh Twi. I didn’t know that either. I just always thought it was an awesome party.” Rainbow awkwardly laughed. “Grr. Anyway this year is special since I get to participate in the event.” Twilight smiled then frowned. “Though I really don’t know if I’m ready.” “Your going to to greet Twi. Especially with me training you.” Rainbow boasted. After a few more encouraging words towards Twilight, the conversation then turned lighter and we all ordered our food. Brunch was great and I was surprised when the girls offered to pay for me. When I asked about it Rarity tittered. “As if we could let a stallion pay darling.” This took me aback since guys are typically expected to pay their own way. Granted I have noticed that there are WAY more mares around. After brunch the group split up to all get to work and I found myself without much to do. Normally this time would be spent sleeping if I was back home and yet I had yet to find myself tired after essentially being awake for the entire weekend. I honestly don’t know what to do with all this extra time. “And I’m lost.” After walking around Ponyville aimlessly I then decided to walk a trail in the Whitetail woods. It was supposed to be much safer than the Everfree despite the two touching. “Well I could just go to sleep and wake up back near town tomorrow. Nah, there’s still hours left before I need to wake up back home.” I continued to walk in a random direction before hearing a low growl that I recognized. “Oh no you don’t, I’m ready for you this time.” I smiled and pulled out an axe from my mane. Holding it was awkward but it was better than nothing. I braced myself and faced the Timberwolf head on. The fight lasted longer than I wanted but I made it out with only a few scratches this time. “Ha, told you I was ready. Could do with a better weapon to use as a pony though ” I panted and stored the now broken axe. Once stored I then touched the glowing green core and again it was absorbed by my hoof, this time however I felt a vibration from my mane. “What the.” I pulled out my phone and read the notification. ‘Two upgrades available: 1. Upgrade the Equis Store, costs one Timberwolf core. 2. Unlock the Equis map functionality of your phone, costs one Timberwolf core.’ “So I have to pick one option until I beat another wolf.” Without a moment’s thought I unlocked the map and the core went from ‘1. Available/1. In use’ to ‘2. In use’ just like the first. “So that’s where the banking app probably came from. The cores give me new stuff, nice. Wait where’s the map?” I checked my phone and there was no new app. Instead I found it merged with google maps and was just a toggle button to switch between Earth and Equis. Unlike the Earh map however, only Ponyville and some random areas of the forests were showing on the Equis map. “Guess I have to fill it out myself by exploring.” Using my new map I made it back to town just in time to fall asleep. “Well let’s start the day.” I stretched in my bed then got started on my morning routine. Ch4. First Nightmare.“Finally done for the week.” After spending the weekdays working from an uncomfortable setup in my parents dining room and my weeknights hanging out in Equestria I was ready to head back home tomorrow after my parents got back. Sure it had been a nice change of pace but I needed some familiar surroundings. The Summer sun celebration starts tonight, should be fun. To bad Twilight will be in Canterlot. I had just finished my Friday night dinner when there was a knock at the door. “Hello, can I help y-?” I cut myself off when I saw that it was two police officers. “Hello are you related to the owners of this farm?” One of them asked. “I’m their son. What’s this about officers?” I was worried one of the guests or employees had gotten into trouble or hurt. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but your parents were in a car crash this morning. It took a while for the local police to confirm their identities and relay the information to us so we could track you down.” He somberly replied. “What?!” Are they ok?” The sudden news had me overwhelmed. “I’m afraid not son. They died on the scene.” I didn’t even remember the rest of what was said after he finished, handed me some paperwork, and drove off with his partner. After setting down the paperwork on the kitchen counter I picked up my phone and tried to call my sister. She didn’t answer. “Right she’s probably working her night shift job. What am I supposed to do?” I collapsed onto the couch and curled up into a ball. I didn’t cry but it was as if my mind had just shut down. I was stuck like that until I eventually passed out. “Buck!” I had forgotten to brace my legs and fell onto my stomach just outside of Ponyville near Sweet Apple Acres. “Why can’t I just bucking sleep tonight!” I screamed towards the sky. “Everything alright there Sugarcube?” Applejack was close by pulling a cart. “No everything is not bucking alright!” I snorted then covered my head with my forehooves. “Woah there nelly. What’s got you so upset partner?” She trotted over and put a hoof on my withers causing me to flinch. As if a damn had broken from her contact I began to cry. I didn’t care if she heard me I just had to let it out. In a split second I found myself in a tight hug with AJ stroking my mane. When I had finally let out all my tears for the moment she looked me in the eyes and asked. “What’s going on?” She asked in her most soothing tone. I wiped my eyes with a fetlock. “My parents died AJ. Gone just like that.” I clapped my forehooves together. Her eyes went wide and she quietly asked. “How?” “I don’t know exactly, the po-guard found me today and told me before handing over the papers. Today was supposed to be special but now…” I sniffled. “Don’t you worry none about that.” She gave me another hug. “Why don’t you head over to my place and I’ll meet you there after dropping this off for the party.” She motioned to her cart with her head. “But won’t they need you?” I wasn’t thinking quite straight. “Sugar you look like ya need me more.” She gave me one last hug and headed off. I began a slow march towards her house. After what felt like hours I made it to the front door just as Aj was running back. “You could have gone inside Sugar.” “I just got here myself.” I gave a fake chuckle that caused her ears to droop. After leading me inside. “Now you just sit on the couch and I’ll whip you up some breakfast before we talk.” She came back with fresh cold milk and apple pie for us both and nuzzled up close. “Want to talk?” I shook my head and we both slowly ate in silence. Once we finished AJ spoke again. “Ya know. I lost my parents when I was really young. Granny did her best raising the three of us but it was hard between that and all the chores. We eventually bounced back and you will to.” She nuzzled under my chin and I felt a spark. I sighed and stared at the ceiling. “Thanks AJ. It’s just so surreal you know. One moment I’m having dinner and the next the guards show up and tell me my parents are dead while traveling. I mean what’s going to happen to their farm? I live in the city right now and didn’t have plans to take over yet. Do I need to move back and take over or…” I began to hyperventilate until she nuzzled me again. “Now I can’t say I know everything about your situation but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just take it one day at a time as my friends like to remind me.” She laughed to herself. “Did I ever tell you about the time I tried bucking the entire orchard by myself until Twilight convinced me to let her help?” “No.” The thought made me laugh. “Well let me tell ya it was a crazy story.” She then proceeded to tell me the entire story along with others. We paused for lunch and I eventually began telling stories of my own involving my parents and we both shared stories well into the evening. “Applejack, where are you?” Rarity’s voice suddenly rang out for, the front door. ”here you are darling we haven’t seen you all day…” her voice trailed off when she spotted AJ and I cuddling on the couch. “Now Rares it’s not what ya think.” Aj started but was cut off. “As much as I want to investigate this dear we have an emergency.” “What’s wrong Rarity?” I asked. “Just look outside!” She lead us both outside and we froze. Both the sun and moon were up causing a half day half night effect. “That’s not all. Strange vines have been showing up all over town.” Said vines were also present on the farm, slowly creeping towards the house. “What in tarnation.” “This isn’t normal right?” I stared wide eyed. “Of course not. We’re all gathering at the library. Twilight’s wards should be enough to protect us as we check her books.” Rarity began leading the way and flank bumped AJ. “Now darling why don’t you tell me what was going on with you two.” She stage whispered. “Rarity. Not. Now. It was a private matter and if the stallion wants to tell you he can later.” Applejack hissed. “Thanks AJ.” They both look my way as we trot into town. “I can tell you later Rarity but one crisis at a time please.” “Oh. Very well.” She pouted. “Princess Twilight.” The guard ran up to her. “Do you have news about the other princesses?” She asked hopefully. “Princess Cadence is fine in Crystal Empire but still no word on Princess Celestia or Luna. We’ve also gotten reports that Ponyville is under attack by vines from the Everfree.” She replied. Twilight’s face fell and she barked orders before flying off with spike back to her home. There was a crash when Twilight suddenly appeared in the library. She was surprised and relieved when she found us. “Twilight!” All the girls yelled as I helped spike get up. “Oh thank goodness you’re here Darling.” Rarity swooned. “I hope you know we normally wouldn’t go through your books without permission.” Fluttershy explained. “I don’t know if you noticed but the Everfree is a tiny little bit out of control.” Pinkie interrupted. “Did princess Celestia send you to help take care of all this?” Rarity asked hopefully. “Not exactly.” Twilight stared but stammered. “You see the princesses are both…” “They’re missing!” Spike yelled from my side. “Missing?” The girls and even I gasped. “Yes I don’t know who has taken them but I have a hunch we’re going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back.” Twilight passed out some necklaces to each of her friends from inside a glass case while taking the crown for herself. As the mares all talked I zoned out until something about discord was mentioned and they all ran outside. Once there Twilight casted a spell that summoned a strange creature in a bathtub singing a song about winter. “Oh ho. Now Twilight you know Princess Celestia told you to give me a heads up. I was in the middle of an invigorating shower.” The creature mock complained. “Enough Discord. Release princess Celestia and Luna and stop the Everfree from invading.” Twilight yelled and I watched as Discord disappeared, turned into a vine, and wrapped around Twilight. “Now whatever are you talking about?” Discord acted hurt. This guy is crazy. Reminds me of Q. “Don’t you play dumb with us Discord we know you’re the one behind all of this.” Applejack pointed a hoof at him. As I watched all this I actually started quietly laughing at how crazy it all was. Here I am in a magical pony land after being told my parents just died while Q teases my new friends. Wait… “Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what you’ve done with the place. But I couldn’t possibly take responsibility, I’m reformed, remember?” Discord replied while taking pictures using an old camera. “Yeah right!” Rainbow flew into his face. “This has your cloven hooves all over it.” “I’ll have you know I only have one cloven hoof.” He detached it and held it up. That was what broke me, I busted up laughing at the whole scene. “This is just. This is so.” I couldn’t even finish and just kept laughing while rolling on my back with everyone staring at me. Even Discord was thrown off his game as he watched me. “Um, who’s the new guy?” Discord popped a neon sign into existence with the word ‘New’ on it. “Now Discord you leave him alone.” AJ jumped in front of me and growled protectively. “He’s been through enough today.” “It’s alright AJ. I needed a good laugh.” I got to my hooves and gave her a friendly nuzzle that caused her to melt. “Oh no. So Honestly has a new special somepony in her life.” A little crowd of Discord’s cheered while confetti rained down. Great Discord is really stirring the pot. Guess it’s in the name. “Enough!” Twilight flared her wings and stomped her hoof. “Tell us the truth Discord.” “Well now it seems we reached an impasse. What do friends like us do at a time like this Princess Twilight?” Discord asked while playfully hiding behind me. “Congratulations on the promotion by the way.” He flicked her crown and flew away a bit. “I say we just blast him back to stone.” Rainbow flew into his face. “But what if he really is telling the truth.” Fluttershy protected Discord as the others prepared to use their elements. “Fine.” Twilight huffed. “If you’re not responsible then help us figure out what’s going on.” “After all the accusations I don’t really feel up to it. Why don’t you ask if your zebra friend knows anything.” He was knitting some of the vines into an arrow. “Zacora!” Twilight yelled and they all ran over except me. “So Q, what’s really up with the vines?” I asked Discord as the other all talked. “What’s this now?” Discord floated over with a telescope and got a closer look at me. “What are you and how did you know that name?” He rubbed his chin and gave me a curious look that caused me to shrug. Before we could talk more Twilight drank a potion causing her eyes to turn white and I suddenly found myself in an castle alongside her. “What the?” I bumped into Twilight. “Dream catcher? What are you doing here, where are we?” Twilight looks around. “Not another step!” Princess Luna yelled at us. At least we thought it was us until I realized. “Twilight I think it’s just a memory.” I was proven right once Celestia walked through Twilight. “That was strange.” She said as we both watched the scene of Celestia and Luna fighting unfold. In the end Celestia won using the Elements of harmony. As Twilight cried from the memory we were both brought back to the present. Discord was clapping at our two pony play as the girls looked concerned. That was intense but not very helpful. “Twilight what happened and why was Dream Catcher effected?” AJ asked. “Did you find out who’s rump we need to kick?” Rainbow asked. “We saw something from a long time ago but it doesn’t explain what’s happening now and I have no Idea why Dream was dragged along.” Twilight looked concerned. “It probably has something to do with this mark of his.” Discord magnified my mark. “It is related to dreams.” “It doesn’t matter why. We didn’t find the answer you needed.” I said. Twilight then drank more of the potion and off we went again. First we watched the fight with discord then learned about the Tree of Harmony. It was going to be a long night. Ch6. Dreamless sleep. (+world building)Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply, only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5] More upgrades available via cores or other actions. Ch6. Dreamless sleep. (+world building) For the first time in a while I woke back up in my own bed without having gone to Equestria during the night. I was both concerned and relieved, after everything that had happened recently I wasn’t sure about going there. Though, I really had been craving a fight. “Some other time.” When I made my way into the kitchen I found a note from my sister that she had gone back home but would text me later. “Guess I better head out as well. I’ll need to start packing up my house sooner rather than later.” I sighed and looked around the family farmhouse. Neither my sister or I had been able to reach our youngest brother as he was always traveling so would just pop into our lives at random. Heh, he and discord would probably get along. After a quick breakfast I hopped into my car. As dad always said, it’s best to keep moving forward. I rubbed a tear out of my eye as I pulled out of the driveway heading towards the city. “Why is this so confusing?” Twilight slammed her head onto her desk. She had been up all night in her library trying to find anything about the chest that she felt was currently mocking her. “Twilight, Darling, are you awake?” Rarity walked into the library. “Oh sweet heavens you look dreadful.” Rarity rushed over to her friend who looked up with bloodshot eyes. “Well good morning to you too Rarity.” Twilight grumbled. “Eh heh, sorry dear you just surprised me. I came over because Pinkie invited the five us of to breakfast.” Rarity smiled and tittered when Twilight’s stomach grumbled. “I could eat.” She stood up on shaky hooves. “So I take it you’ve been working on that box?” Rarity nudged her side and helped Twilight stand up properly. “Ug, yes. It just doesn’t make sense. Six of us yet seven key holes. If the box wasn’t from the tree of Harmony I would suspect discord of playing a prank.” The two of them left the library heading towards Sugarcube Corner. “Yes well just let us know if you need any assistance dear.” Rarity gave her a friendly nuzzle. “Thanks Rarity.” The two of them went inside and were greeted by their friends. “Did the city always look like this?” I was near my house now and even though I recognized everything it all looked dull. It’s probably because Equestria and the farm are so much more colorful. Pulling into my driveway I shut off my car and stretched after getting out. “Good to be… home.” I sighed. It was more of just a house these days after a failed marriage and other recent events, the farm and Equestria felt more like home after just a week. Honestly moving back to the farm won’t be so bad. Just wish mom and dad would be there too. Once inside it wasn’t difficult deciding where to start. “My home office and bedroom will need to be moved first as the farmhouse has anything else I could need for daily living.” I rubbed a hand over my face. I had years of built up general clutter. “Guess I’ll start with organizing.” I pulled out my phone with the idea of putting on music then remembered the inventory feature. “This might not be so bad.” I bought a few boxes using the store feature then began packing everything I wouldn’t need anytime soon into them. Since my inventory took things as stacks i had to pack loose items up first to fit more into it. “So Twilight any luck on that box?” Rainbow asked as the group was finishing up breakfast. Rarity shot her a glance as Twilight groaned. “No.” Twilight slumped onto the table. “I honestly didn’t think the library would be that much help. It’s not like much is know about the tree of Harmony and even the princesses know nothing about it giving out locked chests.” She groaned and levitated the muffin Pinkie had set in front of her muzzle into her mouth for a bite. “Aww cheer up Twilight it’s not like there’s a rush or the tree set a deadline.” Pinkie was bouncing around still passing out muffins to her friends then the other customers. “The tree didn’t do that, did it? I don’t really remember.” Fluttershy spoke for the first time in a while, humming at the taste of the muffin. “Mmm, blueberry.” “Well no. But I just don’t like not knowing something.” She huffed and sat back up. “Sugar you need to get out more, being cooped up all day can’t be good for ya. Y’all ain’t a chicken.” Applejack laughed while Rainbow groaned at the lame joke, Pinkie laughed. “Why don’t ya come out and go for a walk on the farm or something?” “You might be right girls, it hasn’t been that long since we got it and it’s probably not meant to be opened alone.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks.” I took one last look around my empty office and shut the door. “One room done just a couple left to go.” My house wasn’t very large just two small bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen that transitioned right into the dining/ living room. I had been proud at the time when I had first bought it for my ex and I but now the place just felt hollow. I didn’t normally cry but, “dang ponies getting to me.” My inventory was half full of packed boxes now and I had no intention of packing up my furniture just yet. As I ruminated on what to do next my phone vibrated. ‘Cragadile core available: available upgrades. 1: Equis Bank larger inventory size. (2 levels per one Cragadile core)’ “Guess I know what I’m getting.” I pressed the upgrade button and unlocked more slots. It was nice that different cores had different values. ‘Upgrade purchased. Congratulations! Due to a recent heroic act and your continued upgrades you have also unlocked a hidden feature. ‘ When the notification disappeared there was a new Icon of my cutie mark on my phone with no name. Opening the new app I found a picture of my earth pony body in the upper left with blacked out boxes filling the rest of the screen. “What do I do here?” As if to answer me. ‘Please pick one box at random to unlock a new form’ I clicked on a random box and smiled at what I saw. “Huh this should be interesting.” Ch7. Back to dreaming.“What am I?” When I had fallen asleep after doing some more packing I had decided to try out the new creature I had unlocked. “Also where am I?” It was dark and damp but I could still see. I could tell I hadn’t arrived around Ponyville but must have still be on the same planet, probably. “Hey you.” A creature who looked just like me, black with wings and a horn and filled with holes approached. “Why are you partially disguised as a pony while inside the hive?” It took a moment to realize the voice wasn’t spoken aloud but in my mind. Wait it isn’t the only voice I can hear. “Um, am I?” I tilted my head. “Yeah bug brain.” The creature poked my flank. “You still have a cutie mark.” Sure enough My mark was still there. “Hey don’t call me a bug brain.” I growled and bared my fangs with a hiss. Instead of the other creature getting angry it laughed. “Nice to see you’re not a soft infiltrator, unlike drones.” He,she, it? I couldn’t tell the gender easily, It continued laughing as it walked past me wherever it was headed. I shrugged off the strange encounter and thought about what was said. So apparently I’m a Changeling, never heard of those from Twilight’s books, and an Infiltrator at that. As I walked around the hive I continued to learn more about my new situation thanks to the constant buzz in the back of my mind. It’s almost like the internet. I made sure to not share information about myself except for the bare minimum else it would have been bad. Changelings could apparently sense emotions which we fed off of, along with shapeshift. I tried this out by turning my right forehooves into a hand. “Cool.” I changed it back and continued walking the hive and giving some aggressively friendly greetings to my fellow lings since that’s what they seemed to like. What I really found myself enjoying was not having to learn names, they just kind of flowed into the front of my mind when looking at someling else. I’m picking up the lingo real fast, better be careful. “Infiltrator four zero four, come to the throne room right now!” An authoritative female voice rang out in my head. Somehow I knew she was referring to me so I listened. Ha my changeling name is ‘not found’. Traveling through the hive was made particularly easy thanks to the hive mind directing me along with my newfound ability to fly and walk on walls. When I arrived at the throne room I politely bowed before the queen, Chrysalis. “Yes my queen?” I casually asked, apparently I didn’t act scared enough and this surprised her along with the guards. She buzzed her wings and slowly stepped off her throne to get closer to me. “Who are you?” She circled me while sniffing me. I wasn’t repulsed by her actions and just tilted my head. One thing I had noticed was while other changelings had eye plates mine were the same as the queens, silted and more pony like. “You’re connected to my hive mind and yet I can’t just pull information out of you. I don’t remember any of the females giving birth to someling like you either.” She spoke in a two tone voice that I found strangely alluring. Good to know she doesn’t birth every changeling like actual insect hives. I noticed the guards had lowered their spears. Maybe I’ll get that fight after all. I smiled at the thought of finally getting some of my anger out, it wasn’t like I was going to kill anyling though. From what I gathered off the hive mind, fighting was how they operated. As I pondered this the queen turned away and started walking back towards her throne. “Guards throw him in the dungeon while I decide what to do with him.” As they approached I yelled at her. “Do it yourself coward!” Every changeling in the room went silent, even the buzz of the hive mind dimmed. Chrysalis turned around ever so slowly. “What did you just say worm?” I gave her a cocky smile and took a short step forward with each word until I was muzzle to muzzle with her. “Do. It. Yourself. Coward.” I then licked her cheek. Why the heck did I just do that? She immediately fired off a blast of pure magic and I went flying into the back wall with a sticking crunch. “Clean that mess up.” She dismissively waved her hoof and sat back on her throne. “What mess your majesty?” A drone asked. “The one I just made of four zero four.” She huffed at the idiot. “There isn’t one.” The drone replied. Chrysalis blinked slowly then rubbed her cheek where she had been licked. “Just who was that.” She mumbled to herself. I awoke with a sharp intake of air and breathing deeply. I was getting used to this routine whenever I died. “Dang she’s strong, didn’t even get to actually fight.” I laughed a bit but also felt sad and frustrated. “Her reaction when I licked her was cute though.” I checked my phone and noticed I still had a couple hours before my alarm, not that I had work. Today would be bringing my stuff to the farm then calling the realtor to start preparing to sell off my house. “Going to be a long few weeks.” I fell back onto my pillow. “Grr what is going on with the hive mind today.” After the incident in the throne room Chrysalis had returned to her bedchambers to scan the hive. She had found a disturbing gap in the minds of her citizens. Quite a few of them had apparently seen four zero four but none of them could remember what he looked like or any other definite details. Even she could only remember vague information such as how he had licked her and challenged her in the throne room. “Gah, what on Equis is wrong with me.” She rolled back and fourth on her bed then had a startling realization. “A royal… it’s the only thing that makes sense. No ordinary changeling could survive that blast or hide themselves in the hive mind.” She knew other hives were out there but they rarely had contact. For the first time in ages chrysalis stopped worrying about ponies but about her fellow Changelings. Twilight was having a strange day. She had remembered something about the box given to her by the tree. “Are ya sure there was another pony with us Twi?” Applejack asked while scratching her chin. She had been the first friend she was able to find after rushing out of the library. “Yes. The only problem is I can’t even remember if it was a stallion or mare or what tribe they were. It’s like something took my memory of them.” Twilight groaned and a few other ponies glanced at the new princess as they walked through market street. “I believe ya sugar it’s just I don’t even remember another pony being with us though that night was a strange one. For some reason I spent the whole party at the farmhouse until rarity found me.” Applejack passed over a few apples to the latest customer. “Did you call darling?” Rarity, who had been shopping, walked over to the stall. “Nah I was just telling Twilight about how you came and got me from the house on the day we found that box.” Applejack waved a hoof. “Oh yes. Speaking of which you must tell me about your romantic encounter that day.” Both her friends gave Rarity a confused look. “With the pony you spent the day with instead of coming to the party?” “Uh, Rarity I don’t remember spending the day with anypony.” Applejack made another sale but Cheerilee looked interested more in the gossip than the apples. “Of course you did. Why…” Rarity tapped her chin. “Actually, I can’t remember what they looked like.” “Ah ha, see I’m not the only one.” Twilight’s friends looked at her. “There’s a mystery pony none of us can remember.” “What mystery pony.” Pinkie gasped. “Did I throw them a party.” She mentally checked her records. “Phew, I did throw them a party.” “Wait, Pinkie you know who these two are talking about?” Applejack paused until her recent customer coughed and she apologized and finished the sale. “Nope.” Pinkie gave a Cheshire smile. All her friends and even a few nosy ponies groaned. When I finally woke up properly I quickly finished my morning routine and sent work an email. They knew I was taking time off but had requested exact dates of when I should be back. “I love my job but dang all companies are the same. Maybe I should quit here soon if I’m going to be working the farm.” On one hand it felt like a waste of my degree but on the other it would be nice being my own boss. “Plus I have my new opportunity.” I pulled out my phone then sighed. Some things were going better but others weren’t. On my phone was a text from my sister about the funeral arrangements and how she had finally gotten ahold of our youngest brother. “Great, still have to deal with this mess.” I pocketed my phone and headed towards the front door to start the day. Ch8. Buggy Distractions. (+ powers update)I was currently living in a strange duality of life. At ‘night’ I would spend my time in the changeling hive and during the ‘day’ I would talk with the lawyer or real estate agent. I found myself quickly becoming attached to the buggers same as I had with the ponies. They were adorably stupid since apparently even though they all had access to the hive mind most lings didn’t have the brainpower to make use of it as it would waste love energy. Currently I was teaching a group of drones to play cards. I had felt bad that they had practically no entertainment in the hive. “Go fish Digger.” The ling drew a card with a happy smile. Most of the lower drones had no names, only numbers but they had started naming themselves lately. Though they could probably use some advice. “your turn shovel.” They had been picking random names related to their jobs in the hive. “Got any fives?” She smiled and pointed at another ling playing cards with us. “I do have a five, here.” His goofy grin never leaving his face as they traded cards. The little buggers really were cute and that’s why it made me angry when I thought of how chrysalis treated them. She may be a queen but she’s definitely a mad one. I made sure to share some love with them when I was around since I had an almost unlimited supply, being that I was human underneath. “Good job you two. You all have really gotten a hang of the game maybe we can try rummy next.” I wasn’t going to teach them betting games just yet considering they had nothing to bet with. “And what exactly is going on here!?” Queen Chrysalis stepped into the tunnel my small group was hanging out it. “Run it’s the queen.” Every ling quickly scattered, except for myself. “Four zero four. I see you are back.” The queen hissed. She had given up attacking me on sight after the third try since I couldn’t actually die, though that didn’t stop her from eventually trying. “Oh, hi Chrissy.” I smiled and waved at her while using my magic to gather up the cards, I had been practicing after that first night and it was a really fun distraction. “Want to play cards?” “No. I do not want to play cards.” She stomped forward. “I want. You to stop interfering with my hive.” “No can do. You buggers are just too cute. Especially you your majesty.” I gave her a wink. For an equine she did have a dark allure to her, plus she could transform into anything which had some implications. “Grr. I know I can’t permanently kill you but that doesn’t mean I can’t torture you first.” She lit her horn. I quickly stepped forward and licked her check and shared a bit of love with her as I did so. “Where’s the fun in that?” She quickly blasted me and killed me off. Queen Chrysalis glared at the fresh scorch mark where Four zero four once stood. She was getting better at remembering things about them whenever they disappeared but it used up much of the hive mind’s resources. The only reason she bothered was because four zero four always donated vast amounts of love energy whenever they visited and it was a boon for the hive. “Why must that changeling be so annoying.” She rubbed her cheek with a blush then shook her head and stomped off to continue her inspection of the hive. She needed to make sure her drones weren’t goofing off playing one of the games that Four zero four brought. I woke up feeling well rested and took a stretch. Chrissy had blasted me well into the Equis evening so I wasn’t up much earlier than normal. Currently I was back to sleeping at the farm after moving most of my stuff the past few days. My inventory was a godsend. After my morning routine my mood began to turn sour again. There were still funeral arrangements to make and lately our youngest brother had been making things difficult with the inheritance. While we had managed to contact him he had yet to come into town so getting him to sign paperwork was like pulling teeth, without any anesthetic. “Why does that ass have to be so difficult.”I sighed and began making breakfast. Word of our parents death had begun traveling through the patrons of the farm and most of them had been accommodating when we told them we would be shutting down around the days of the actual funeral but they were welcome to ride any other day as normal. My sister and I had been debating canceling the other events in their honor this year, such as pumpkin and apple picking, but the farm and our employees couldn’t afford to take that time off. “I always forgot how much work really went into this place even with the hired help.” As I sat down to eat my breakfast I began going over another stack of paperwork for the day. It was going to be a long one. Twilight slumped over in her desk. For the past few days she had been collecting reports of the mysteriously missing pony that nopony could quite remember. Pinkie had the most and most useless information out of every pony. “How does she know this ponies favorite cake flavor is angel food cake but not their name or cutie mark!” Twilight face planted onto the desk’s top. “And Applejack knows they own a farm but not where or what they grow.” She turned her face and rubbed her cheek on the cool wood, blowing out a puff of air so her notebook page turned. “Not even Discord can find anything about this mysterious pony. Heck I can’t even be sure it’s a pony.” “Twilight are you still awake?” Spike yelled from the top of the stairs. “Yeah Spike. I’ll be up in a minute.” Twilight stood upand stretched while taking one last look at her notes. She hated having two mysteries. The day had dragged on just as I feared but I had made progress. Thanks to the current housing market my house was already getting offers and it wasn’t even officially for sale yet. Not only that but my brother had finally signed the paperwork so the transfer of the farm to my name was officially in the works. “I’ll still have to buy out my siblings but the house sale should just barely cover it.” While I loved both my siblings dearly my brother was much to flaky to keep the place running and my sister couldn’t just uproot her own family to take it over. I still wondered if I was making the right decision but when I looked outside at the farmland, it became clear I was. There is another good reason to move out of the city, my newfound powers. I held up my hand before concentrating and turning it into a hoof after a flash of blue fire. It turned out that my human form could do whatever my Equestrian body could do which now included both my Changeling and Earth pony magic. Changing my hand back, I pointed my finger at the sink and a few of the dishes were enveloped in my blue magic and floated into the dishwasher. “That will never get old.” The first time I had used my powers I did receive a warning. ‘Caution: Due to Earths stagnant magical field, powers may be weaker on earth. Note: As you use your powers and loosen up Earth’s magical field it will effect the local environment.’ I’m a bit wary of bringing magic to the city. When I dropped back into the hive I reconnected to the hive mind and shouted “Hello every ling!” I got hundreds of replies and immediately started roaming the halls to avoid Chrissy. I had thought about switching back to my pony form and visiting Ponyville but my heart just wasn’t ready for their brand of friendship. “Hey Four oh four.” Chitin waved me over, she was one of the love collectors. “Hey love bug. Good haul?” I bumped her side and gave her some family love. The hive was very accepting of their own especially if you could deal with being aggressive, friendly, and aggressively friendly. It was an odd combination and I suspected why they couldn’t get along with ponies since they couldn’t deal with the aggressive part. “Decent.” She hissed. “Thanks for the top off. So question for you, are you a royal?” I narrowed my eyes. “Did Chrissy put you up to asking?” “The queen? No, you’re the only one around here that has a mane and eyes like the queen and she hasn’t disposed of you yet.” She shrugged. “I was just going to ask you to be my mate next cycle if you were.” Changelings didn’t do marriage, a male and female changeling or a female changeling with a male of another species, would have sex to produce eggs that would then be managed by the hive. It was their way to keep up the genetic diversity, Chrysalis actually refused to participate. “Wow I’m flattered.” I wasn’t quite sure how else to respond. “That a yes?” She punched my shoulder. “Um sure. If I’m around why not.” I nodded and decided it would be a good chance to get away. As I was once again meandering around the hive spreading some love Chrissy found me. “You.” She stomped over to me. “Me.” I nodded and decided this time I would blast her, it wasn’t an instant kill but pushed her back. “What?” She blinked a few times, stunned. “I’ve been practicing.” I took a fighting stance. She ran towards me and fired off her own beam. A few changelings watched as we traded blasts and began betting on the outcome. “Five rocks on the queen.” One bug shouted. “Suckers bet… twenty pebbles on Four oh four.” The two hoof bumped. The two of us probably only lasted ten minutes before we were both breathing heavily. I may not have had as much practice but I knew the hive had a love shortage so she couldn’t bring out her full power while starving. “You know Chrissy, you don’t have~ to blast me on sight.” I huffed. “Of course I do, you’re corrupting my hive. My changelings are supposed to be warriors but lately I catch them exchanging hugs. Hugs! Of all things.” She growled. “Hugs are nice, and filling.” A random ling shouted out then hid when the queen shot a look that direction. I slowly stepped over to her and gave her a nuzzle. “Why so angry all the time when we could produce our own love?” I quietly asked. “You wouldn’t understand.” She replied then blasted me. When I woke up in my bed I blinked a few times then got comfortable. Dying was no longer a stranger and wasn’t as bad as the first few times. I wonder what she meant. I got myself comfortable and fell back into a dreamless sleep. Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5]Form change: function allows for picking what you wake up as in Equestria. (2 forms currently available) *Earth Pony *Changeling [6] More upgrades available via cores or other actions. Ch9. Goodbyes.“My parents are… were two of the greatest people in my life. They loved this farm and always enjoyed the guests who visited.” I looked out over the crowd at my parents funeral. It was filled with relatives, family friends, and even long time guests of the farm. Would I ever have this many people at mine? “Our Mother honestly never wanted to be a farmer’s wife, or so she told us when she was upset, but my siblings and I knew she was full of horse dung.” This got a quiet chuckle. “My father on the other hand grew up here and just like me had ventured out into the city where he met the second love of his life.” I choked up and shook my head. I then crumpled up the long speech I wrote as none of it felt right. “With all the good my parents did around the community neither of them deserved to die in that car crash. In their memory I will be taking over the farm and ensuring that things won’t fall apart around here. I know it won’t be the same, since I can’t bring the same love and passion into like they did, at least not just yet but I’m going to try.” I bowed my head towards their urns. “I love you mom and dad and I’ll make sure this place stays alive.” I wiped a tear from my eye and my sister came up to say her goodbyes. She gave me a hug on my way to sit down and we both had to choke back more sobs. As my sister spoke I only half listened to her eulogy and farewell to our parents until she motioned for our brother to come up. He refused to speak and instead remained seated just hanging his head. Bastard finally showed up and can’t even say goodbye. I spat on the ground in anger and thought about punching him until I noticed that he was crying where he sat. And he’s probably having just as rough a time as my sister and I. I slowly stood up and put a hand on his back. He flinched and looked up. “Go say goodbye before it’s to late little brother.” He finally stood up and spoke his peace. Once he was done the three of us took their urns out to the orchard and scattered their ashes as the crowd all watched. Some were crying others just said ‘Goodbye’ and left early. Everyone then headed back towards the main barn where the wake was being hosted so we could talk and share stories. When the day was finally over and everyone had left I felt empty. I was a bit reluctant to fall asleep but with everything that happened there was just no fighting it. I fell asleep on the couch without even making it back to my room. “Aw damn it.” I had fallen roughly on my hooves when arriving at the hive. After brushing myself off I sat there just reminiscing about the day until a voice broke me from my thoughts. “Well, well, well. Look who Showed up again.” Chrissy rounded the corner with a smirk. “Ready for another round?” “Not tonight Chrissy.” I hissed out as I hung my head. She looked taken aback for a moment then buzzed her wings. “It’s daytime you worm. Now tell me what’s wrong.” I was a bit surprised when she sat down next to me. When I didn’t speak she poked my side. “Speak.” I sighed. “I buried my parents today.” “Oh, is that all?” She waved it off with a hoof. “I have buried hundreds of changelings what’s two more.” I looked at her in shock. “I knew you were cold but…” then it hit me, she probably had buried hundreds of her own kind with how long lived she was. I hugged her. I don’t know why but I clung onto her like a life raft at sea and didn’t let go. “You poor thing.” I didn’t forget about what I had been through today but the realization of just how bad it could be struck a cord. “Let go of me.” She tried prying me off her but failed. My earth pony strength apparently worked in my changeling body just as well as my human one. “No.” I didn’t yell, I just said it with such finality that she gave up. I don’t know how long I held her feeding her my emotions from the day. I noticed at one point that she had eventually begun hugging me back. I could tast some conflicting emotions wafting off her but said nothing. “You will tell noling of this.” She rested her chin on my head and nuzzled it. After what felt like hours of us just cuddling and sharing emotions she spoke again. “This is why it’s so hard to share love. Goodbye.” I almost didn’t catch the last part before she leaned back and blasted me into a stain on the hive floor. When I woke up the next day I was feeling surprisingly well rested despite having died again. My mood only soured slightly when upon entering the kitchen I found a multitude of leftovers still out. “Ug I guess I forgot to clean up after the wake.” With a flick of my wrist the dishes began emptying their contents into the trash and washing themselves and my good mood instantly returned. “Having access to the hive mind really is convenient for learning magic. Though I should probably do some actual studying with Twilight again, at some point.” I thought about my pony friends and everything that had happened when I last saw them. “I’ve been a terrible friend to them lately.” I mumbled to myself after realizing I had not seen them for a few weeks. After finishing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen I made my way outside and headed towards the barn. While the farm was closed to the public we still had employees coming to take care of the animals or clean up the areas that were open to the public. “Morning Boss.” Miller, one of the stable hands, greeted me. He was currently brushing down one of the stallion’s belonging to a guest. “Morning Miller, you know you can just call me Anthony. How is everypony doing today.” It took me a moment to realize why he was giving me a funny look. It wasn’t until he chuckled that I let out my breath. “Heh, ‘everypony’ that’s not a bad way to say it. Well the horses are all doing fine though they can tell something is wrong around here.” He sighed and gave the stallion a pat on his side. “Tell me about it.” I walked off towards Flicker’s stall and her ears perked up upon my arrival. “Hey there girl. Keeping the rest of the herd here in line?” As I stepped into her stall I put my hand on her neck and she pushed against it to say ‘hi’ then something happened that made my eyes go wide. She proudly spoke, “Of course I’m keeping the herd in line. This farm would become chaos if I didn’t.” She let out a snort. “Heh.” After everything that happened recently I just went with it. I didn’t even notice my cutie marks glowing a bit. “True, true.” I pulled out her brush and she gave a pleased whinny. “You and my parents really kept this place together.” “Exactly, glad you’re finally listening properly. Where are your parents anyway, we haven’t seen them for a while.” She tilted her head my way. And a few of the other horses chimed in with ‘yeah’s. I paused my brushing. “Well girl they passed away, the funeral was yesterday that’s why so many people were here.” I rested my forehead on her neck. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Flicker’s ears pinned back. “It might sound selfish but what’s happening with the farm, guests and the herd and I?” “Thanks Flicker.” I resumed brushing her. “And no need to worry, I’ll be staying here to take over the farm. The guests will be allowed back in a few days once some paperwork is done so the herd shouldn’t get lonely without riders.” “Oh good. I wouldn’t want someone like your brother taking over.” We both laughed at that. Flicker had never once let my brother ride her. “Hey boss, everything alright over there?” Miller shouted from across the barn. “Yeah Miller. Just catching up with Flicker as I give her a good brushing.” I replied. “Got ya. Well I’m going to start letting them out for the day then move onto my other work. Mind giving me a hand when you’re done?.” He began opening the stall doors. “Sure. In a few minutes.” I returned to finish brushing Flicker in comfortable silence. After I finished helping let out the horses for the day, I returned to the house. Once comfortably seated on the front porch I pulled out my phone to see if I could figure out what happened in the barn. Turns out I had gained the new availability ‘speak/read any equine language’ as a reward for getting a love filled hug from the Changeling Queen. Guess it even works on earth horses. As I was putting my phone away I noticed a car coming up the driveway so stood up to see who it was. A woman in a suit stepped out and started walking my way when she spotted me. “Good morning, are you Anthony?” “I am. What can I help you with?” I was a bit concerned it might be someone pushy looking to buy. “I represent your parents estate. You may have spoken with some of my colleagues over the phone before? There are a few things that have to be done in person for legal reasons, hence why I’m here today.” I relaxed as she spoke. “Oh, that makes sense. I remember being told they would send someone out. Come on in.” I led her into the dining room to sit. “Can I get you anything?” “No thanks.” She set some paperwork on the table so I sat down next to her so I could look it over. “Most of what I have is just the promissory forms for buying out your siblings. Things like how long you have to pay or get a mortgage to buy them out. Things like that.” “Shouldn’t be an issue once I sell my house in the city.” She nodded and had me sign some forms. “Finally we just have the business side of things. Considering this is a working farm and you receive guests you do have to maintain a few standards. Luckily your parents set everything up with our law firm ahead of time so there’s not much you need to worry about right now aside from maintaining proper records for taxes and things like that.” She passed over some more paperwork and a copy for me to keep. “Yeah I remember most of it.” I signed and we spent the next few hours together going over everything else including if I wanted to make any changes to the business plan with her Law firm. “Alright everything looks great. Thanks for taking time out of your day to continue working with us.” She gave me a handshake after standing up. “No problem. Best to get that out of the way now before an issue pops up.” I walked her to the door and made sure she drove off safely. Once she was gone I plopped down on the couch and took a deep breath. That took way too long. My stomach then grumbled and I decided it was time for lunch. Walking into the kitchen I flicked my wrist and the kitchen filled with activity of leftovers coming out of the fridge and filling a plate. “This will literally never get old.” Ch10. Back to PonyvilleWhen I finally fell asleep for the night I arrived just outside of Ponyville. I had decided it was finally time and had gone back to using my Earth pony body. It would be a good idea to stay out of the hive for a while, since I needed to give Chrissy some space. It was also time I visited the girls again. “Hmm I don’t look any different, that’s good but it feels strange not having wings or a horn.” I stretched out and tried a few things while still on the outskirts of Ponyville Proper. “Looks like I can’t shapeshift, fly, or…” my hoof glowed and the grass around my hooves grew a few inches taller and a few pebbles floated up. I smiled at the sight. “Looks like I can still use a bit of active magic.” Having access to a hivemind had taught me quite a bit about this new world though I took it all with a grain of salt. After a few more checks I began happily trotting towards town. When I arrived in the town proper, I then made my towards Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. One thing I won’t get tired of is getting good food over here. The hive has nothing good to eat, not that I needed to. “Good morning and welcome to…” Pinkie started then gasped and ran over to give me a hug strong enough to lift me off my hooves. “Dreamy! You’re back, I was so worried when you disappeared.” “Morning Pinkie.” I gave her a few pats on the back as we hugged. “Sorry for not coming back sooner.” She set me down and gave me a serious look while holding me in her hooves. I pinned my ears back as none of the other customers paid us any mind, apparently chalking it up to Pinke’s antics. “Where have you been mister, Twilight has been freaking out about a missing pony, meaning you, all week.” My tail instinctively tucked between my legs. “Sorry Pinkie I was busy and had to take care of a few things, like my parents funeral.” Her mane deflated and she just squeaked out an ‘oh’. “Yeah it happened just before that big mess with the vines and I only got a chance to tell AJ about it.” “So, are you moving back to Ponyville for good?” She gave me a hopeful look and I smiled. “I was always coming back but I may go on other adventures. Oh, let me tell you about my latest one and some new friends I made.” That got her to smile and her mane became poofy. “New friends? Yay, let me just get us some food and fetch some ponies.” She rushed off after I gave her my order and told me to sit down. It wasn’t long before she came back with the girls following behind her. They all gave me a look and became teary eyed. “Hey girls.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “You’re okay!” Fluttershy practically yelled, which was normal volume for most, and gave me a hug. “I’m so sorry to hear what happened.” She teared up and rubbed my mane like a foal. “Welcome back partner.” Applejack gave me a hug next. “Pinkie mentioned you had to take care of your family business?” I nodded. “Yeah, it’s taken care of now, so I’m back for good.” “Well that’s lovely darling.” Rarity gave me a polite hoof bump then everypony sat down except Twilight. “It’s you.” She whispered then suddenly rushed over and practically squished her face against mine. “You’re the seventh key. You went with us to put back the elements of harmony but why can I only remember you now?!? And where did you go?” I leaned back nervously as the other girls watched with mixed looks of curiosity and trepidation at their friend’s behavior. “Uh Twi. I think you’re scaring the poor stallion sugercube.” Applejack grabbed her friend’s tail and pulled her back. “No, this makes no sense.” Twilight held her head between her hooves and began crying. “You, you died.” She looked right at me while the others gasped. “Twilight, Darling I hate to ever disagree with you darling but how could a dead pony be sitting with us having breakfast.” Rarity nervously looked between her friends for assistance. “No Twilight’s not exactly wrong, it probably did look like I died from her perspective. I have an~ enchantment on me so that any time I’m in a dangerous situation I just poof back to my home.” I looked at Twilight. “I’m sorry for worrying you, I know how that feels.” I pinned my ears back. “A security enchantment?” She calmed down as I nodded. “That’s brilliant! I should do something like that for my friends and I.” The other girls breathed a sigh of relief and Pinkie brought all of us a big breakfast to celebrate and catch up. “Oh darling I can’t believe you went through all that.” Rarity blew her nose into a handkerchief. I had just finished telling them about my parents funeral and all the things surrounding it. I was going to tell them all about my cute and slightly stupid bug friends, but at the first mention of ‘changelings’ Twilight got extremely hostile. Instead I switched to how I would be taking over the family farm. “Now wait a second there partner. If you’re taking over your family’s farm why are you moving into Ponyville?” Applejack looked a bit confused considering the I hadn’t lied. “Well Ponyville will be like my second home. Most of the actual farm work is done by our employees these days. As my parents got order they mostly did management work or ran the special operations like apple or pumpkin picking so I’ll be doing the same.” I explained. “What’s so special about apple picking? AJ does that all the time.” Rainbow looked around the table and the girls shrugged. “Oh it’s when we let guests onto the farm and they pay us to harvest their own apples.” I took another sip of my milkshake. Pinkie really makes these well. “Now wait a second there Sugarcube. Why in Celestia’s name would ponies pay you to do work?” Applejack sounded highly skeptical. “Well. City ~~pe~~-ponies like to bring their foals out for the experience of seeing a working farm and getting ‘straight from the farm’ apples they get to pick out themselves and eat straight from the tree, instead of leftovers from the bigger grocery stores like in Manehatten.” I tapped my chin. “So my parents decided it would be a great opportunity to have tourists or class trips come visit us. Granted they’re only allowed in specific areas, as the rest are for us to properly harvest. But we also do other events like ‘pick your own pumpkins’, ‘corn mazes’, and even weddings.” AJ got a thoughtful look. “Huh. I never would’ve thought of something like that. I mean we do have cider season but not much else to get ponies visiting our farm.” “It sounds like a great educational experience as well. Imagine if Canterlot foals came out to learn about farming.” Twilight looked starry eyed. “Or imagine the dresses I could make for the brides.” Rarity got a similar loo. “I don’t know if I’d want all those fancy unicorns out visiting constantly.” Applejack winced from the glare of Rarity and Twilight. “Uh, no offense girls.” “None taken darling. I expect It would be a lot to deal with.” Rarity idly waved a hoof. “Yeah. My parents had to go through quite a few legal issues at first to set up the farm for having guests visit like that. It was worth it in the end though, the farm might not have survived without the extra income.” I leaned back thinking about the few bad harvest seasons of other crops. “Well you certainly gave me something to think about.” Applejack finished off her milkshake and stood up. “Speaking of farm work I best be getting back to it.” “Oh. Maybe I could throw a party for the grand opening of your farm Aj.” Pinkie practically bounced in place making everypony laugh. Applejack just tipped her hat with a thoughtful look as she walked out the door. It wasn’t long before the others got back to work leaving only myself and Twilight at the table. “So. Got any plans today?” I casually asked. “I got nothing going on so want to hang out?” I regret asking to hang out. I had been dragged to Twilight’s library, literally, so she could show off the box. “So this is it. I think the tree gave it to me for a reason but I really don’t know. I mean it has spots for seven keys but nothing will open it. I tried unlocking spells, raw magic, and I even had the girls bring over all kinds of keys.” She touched her hoof to the box. “It’s definitely a unique kind of crystal but even when Spike tried to bite it he couldn’t make a scratch.” She looked at me hopefully and with a few stray mane hairs. “Any ideas? The girls didn’t really have any.” I tapped my chin with a hoof. “You said it came from a magical tree right?” She nodded. “Then maybe you have to go on some kind of quest?” I thought about all the fantasy stories. “Quest?” She tilted her head. “Yeah. Like to prove yourself. From what I know there’s six main elements of harmony so something to show that off?” I shrugged. “That sounds ridiculous/great.” Twilight and Spike spoke at the same time. “Spike why would the tree send us on a quest?” Twilight huffed. “It’s a magical tree Twilight and Dream has a good point. That’s normally how it goes in comics.” Spike puffed up. Twilight waved a wing dismissively. “Comics aren’t real.” “ Says the magical unicorn in pony land.” I laughed and Spike joined me. Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Joke all you two want but I will figure this out. Besides it still doesn’t explain the extra keyhole. There’s only Six elements.” Twilight smugly crossed her forehooves. “Fine you win Twilight. Hey Spike why not show me some of those comics.” I gave him a brohoof and we got to reading as Twilight went back to her research. Ch11. Awake.I felt wonderful. Better than I had in years as I ran around the horse paddock with Flicker behind me. She could still easily outpace me and my two legs, but was instinctively falling into formation behind me. Ever since moving onto the farm full time a couple weeks after the funeral it had become my morning routine to visit with the horses and run a few laps before the staff showed up for the morning chores. “Woah girl.” I called out as we slowed down. The first workers’ truck was heading up the driveway and I didn’t want to show off how fast I could now actually run. Grabbing Flicker’s lead rope I slowed to a walk and pat her on the neck. “Great run today.” “Yeah.” She was panting and leaned into the contact. “Morning boss.” Miller Called out from the side of the barn. He had been the one to drive up as he was on the early shift today. “Morning.” I undid Flicker’s lead and she walked herself into the barn and into her own pen to drink some water. She even kicked her own stall door closed before laying down in her hay. Miller just shook his head as I walked into the barn behind her and grabbed my own water bottle before plopping down on an old rocking chair in the resting area. “You have a real knack with them. Even after what happened I’ve never seen the horses so calm.” He pulled a brush down from one of the walls and began heading towards one of the stalls for the daily grooming. Our clients were allowed to show up any time without appointments to go riding so we made sure to keep their horses well groomed and ready for action. “Yeah. I wasn’t always like this.” I rubbed my hips and the hidden tattoos under my shirt. “But it has felt more natural lately. It helps they’re all so smart.” Around the barn I could hear the horses talking amongst themselves about whether or not their riders would show up today, about the summer weather and food. Like chatty school children they are. I shook my head. “Well it’s a good thing. So how have you been after… everything?” Miller asked from across the barn and the horses got quiet. I could tell they were all listening in. The mares around here really love gossip. Same as Ponyville I guess. Leaning back and rocking slowly I sighed and took another drink. “Honestly, aside from missing my parents like nothing else, things are going okay. They really kept this place in good shape so I just have to make sure it stays that way to honor them. I already quit my other job and my house should be sold soon. It’s honestly crazy how fast someone wanted it.” I set down the bottle and had to remind myself not to use magic. Already I had felt it getting easier around the farmhouse I I expected it might start causing changes soon. It already was with the level of intelligence the horses could now display. “And the rest of the family?” If it was anyone else asking I wouldn’t have answered but with how long he had been working on the farm he was practically family. Miller had even tried dating my sister but it hadn’t worked out between them. “Sis is holding up. Her husband has been super supportive and the kids have kept them busy. My brother went right back on the road like normal but at least he took care of things that needed taken care of. I just hope he doesn’t blow all the inheritance he’ll be getting.” I stared at the ceiling and pictured him gambling it all away in a casino before shaking my head. “I doubt he will, but still.” “Yeah that brother of yours might be a bit wild but has a good head on his shoulders.” Miller had already finished the first horse and was onto the next. I still didn’t know all the names since Flicker was the only one our family owned. Though she’s more like part of the family since she was born on the farm. “True.” I stood up and stretched though my shirt was sticking to my back. “Anyway, I’m heading up to the house for a shower and some paperwork. Holler if you or any of the others need anything once they show up.” “Will do boss.” He said jokingly. “And stop calling me boss.” I huffed in an equine manner. After a nice long shower I found myself sitting out on the porch to work. Normally the farm didn’t have this much paperwork but with me taking over, there was still plenty to do before the end of summer and the start of harvest season. From my spot I could tell quite a few guests had arrived and their children were happy to be out riding again. A few of the teenagers were semi professional riders so having the farm closed to the public during everything had slowed their practice. Luckily I hadn’t received any complaints from parents but it was always possible. “I wonder what AJ would think about this place?” I asked myself while looking out over the farm. Thanks to my grandparents having the house built on a hill you could easily look out over the main driveway, barn and other buildings built over the years in front of the house, the orchard off to the relative left, and the fields that were on the right that wrapped behind the house. Technically the current house wasn’t original, as the first had been torn down by a twister, but it was still a great home. Applejack sneezed onto the freshly cleaned plate from a late supper while her sister laughed. “Ain’t you supposed to be cleaning the plates sis, not making them dirty?” “Get over here you!” Apple Bloom took off running as her sister chased her out of the kitchen for laughing. It wasn’t long before she was caught and receiving a tickle attack, begging her sister to stop as they both laughed. Big Mac just shook his head and began drying another dish. “Fillies.” “Yeah I bet she would.” I tried to take a sip of my soda but groaned when I found the can empty. Using a bit of magic I teleported one from the fridge before getting back to my paperwork. “I really need to bring the farm up to digital standards next.” As I worked I felt the air shift and looked around. Summer was only about half over but the breeze sent a chill down my spine. What was that? Standing up I circled the house and looked out in every direction, finding nothing unusual I just sat back down in my original spot. Strangely enough when I went to reach for it I found that my soda was gone. Shrugging and figuring one of the kids had gotten away and was playing a prank I yelled out. “You know there’s a vending machine next to the barn!” I chuckled and got back to work after teleporting another from the fridge. “Dang kids always sneaking out of the public areas.” After another few moments I jumped when I heard another noise but relaxed when I spotted one of the family cats. “Geez, don’t scare me like that Mo.” The black cat tilted her head then strode over before pouncing onto my lap. She immediately began purring as I stroked her fun. “Guess I’m just jumpy today.” Ch12. Still Awake? (+powers update)Looking around I couldn’t help but feel confused. I had just gone to bed for the evening after some reading then work up by falling onto my hooves, as was the new normal, but tonight was different. “Am I still on earth?” It only took a few moments of looking around my dark bedroom to confirm but I was definitely still on earth, the only difference being that I was now in my changeling form. Looking at the bed I breathed a sigh of relief when I found it empty. “Okay so I only have one body. That’s good, I couldn’t even imagine how strange it would be to see myself sleeping. But why am I here?” Walking out into the living room everything felt familiar yet strange as my hooves made contact with the hardwood floor. The house wasn’t designed for equestrian proportions so I felt much too short in my own home. Before I could ponder my situation further I felt a buzzing in my mane coming from my phone. Reaching in to grab it, I pulled it out and read the notification. ’Emergency! Unknown magical signature detected on property. Please investigate for own safety.’ My breath hitched as I realized what was going on. The strange feeling I had gotten earlier today must have been related. Sticking my phone back in my mane I stepped outside and took a deep breath. My equine nose was better at picking up smells and I felt I found one right away. “Something else is here.” Circling the house like a bloodhound I picked out the smell and followed it out into the cornfield. Even with how dark it was my changeling eyes could easily see in the blackness of the night. When I did eventually find something, it wasn’t with my eyes or nose but a spike in emotional essence that gave the creature away. Something is out there. Whatever it is knows I found it and this is on the run! Wrong! Everything was wrong, wrong, wrong. The stars were in the wrong place the sunlight was wrong and even the moon was wrong and refused to speak with her. All around princess Luna the world she found herself in was screaming at her that she did not belong. First it was the magic, the word was full of it but it was almost so stagnant it made her sick. Next was the air, even knowing she was on a farm, it smelt of chemicals and industry. Finally was the creatures, tall ones that laughed and played as they rode on the backs of other equines that were also much too tall. Wherever she had ended up after chasing that nightmare was apparently worse than tartarus. “Whoever is out there I can sense you. I mean you no harm!” Luna ran from the chasing changeling. It confused her that a changeling was here and chasing her considering she couldn’t even fly or teleport with such sickly magic fields and yet, somehow the changeling was having no issues following after her. Whatever I was following was scared and angry and I could sense it. I tried calling out but it only made the creatures fear worse. I thought about flying lower so I could see whatever it was but I didn’t feel like fighting inside the corn field. “Whatever or whoever you are, I honestly mean you know harm. Please stop ruining through my corn field so we can talk.” The creature obviously couldn’t see through the stalks as it wasn’t even running in a straight line. It’s haphazard path was already leading it back towards the house. “Lies.” Came the feminine reply, sounding heavily winded. “Why should we believe a changeling? For all I know you brought me to this wretched place!” The female continued to run as I followed. “Hey my farm isn’t wretched!” I was getting tired of chasing so began to channel magic in my horn. “Changelings don’t farm.” She yelled back. Rolling my eyes I unleashed my magic and picked the creature up. To my surprise it was a larger blue pony with wings and… “Princess Luna is that you?” I was so shocked I almost dropped the alicorn right back into the cornfield. “Let me go foul creature!” She tried flailing all her limbs but it didn’t break my hold. “Luna calm down.” I began flying back towards the house, carrying her in my field behind me. She didn’t even look at me until we landed back on my front porch. I luckily wasn’t foolish enough to let her out of my hold just yet. “What now creature, will you give me to your queen?” Luna glared at me looking like she would have pounced if given the chance. “Chrissy? Nah she’s a friend at best not my ‘queen’.” I smiled. “If I let you go, will you just talk for a bit?” Luna glared but nodded. When I relaxed my magical hold she stretched her wings and I was worried she would fly off. Instead she just ruffled them and straightened some of her feathers before going back to glaring at me. “So~…” I eventually broke the tense silence. “What are you doing here?” I awkwardly chuckled. Luna looked around then narrowed her eyes at me. “And where exactly is, here?” “Ah right. Welcome to my family’s farm. We are in Kansas, in the United States, on planet Earth.” I puffed up proudly. “Kansas?” Luna looked confused as she said the word a few times to herself. “Another planet?” “Yep. Home of wheat, corn, twisters, and~ not much else.” I joked the rolled my hoof. “So, how did you get here.” Luna took a few deep breath’s and after beginning to relax as she explained. “I was following a nightmare through the dream realm. It entered a strange daydream and when I followed I ended up here. I tried exploring further but the magic is too stagnant beyond this place. I spent the day hiding and trying not to be caught.” My eyes widened a bit. I had been daydreaming while doing my paperwork around lunchtime, until a strange bug fell from my head onto my lap and I promptly killed it after brushing it off. My phone had also vibrated at that time but I ignored it so as to not miss lunchtime with the workers. “I see. Well that makes a bit of sense.” Luna narrowed her eyes at me. “You know something don’t you changeling?” She snorted. “Maybe. How about introductions first. I’m Dream Catcher and I’m not a changeling, I just look like one right now.” I showed off the cutie mark on my flank. “I’m actually a human, one of the creatures you probably spotted today, and I’m from this planet. I have the ability to travel to other worlds in my dreams with the most recent being your world, Equis.” I wasn’t about to mention it was the only world I could travel to. “Then why do you look like a changeling?” She began to relax again after judging that I was telling the truth. “Oh, I just take on the appearance of a native species to blend in. Normally I’m an earth pony and often visit with Twilight and her friends but sometimes I visit the changelings.” I flicked my ear. “That nightmare must have been attracted to the daydream I was having earlier today and you inadvertently followed it through. I already killed it by the way so you don’t have to worry.” “I see.” She hesitated for a moment. “If you know Twilight Sparkle can you please return me to Equestria then?” Luna asked very politely. I rubbed the back of my neck. “Hehe. That I don’t know. I’ve never brought anyone with me and I’m surprised you’re here. Wait let me check something first.” I pulled out my phone before she could get angry or ask further questions. She looked curious as i began checking the screen. Powering on the device, I found that the emergency was resolved now that I had found Luna and there was indeed one more notice about killing a nightmare. ‘Congratulations! For killing your first nightmare you’ve unlocked the “Bring a friend” feature. You can currently travel with one friend you share a bed with. (Sentient creatures only) Notes; Creatures from Equis will become human in shape but retain magic. Humans will become a creature that suites them best. “Friends” will not be saved from death on either world so be careful!’ “Well can you bring me home or not?!” Luna was getting impatient. “I can.” I smiled and put my phone away. “It will just take a day.” “Why?” She looked skeptical. “It’s my power. It has a limited use and I already used it to find you tonight. Sorry.” I sheepishly replied. Luna sighed. “Fine. It’s not ideal but acceptable. In the meantime why don’t we continue conversing and you can tell me about your world.” “Sounds great.” I motioned for her to head inside after opening the front door for her with magic. Celestia looked towards the heavens. “Where are you sister?” Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5]Form change: function allows for picking what you wake up as in Equestria. (2 forms currently available) *Earth Pony *Changeling [6] Bring a friend: Function allows you to bring one friend you share a bed with between worlds. *Equis creatures become human (sentient only) *humans become random creatures *friends are not immune to death (be careful and don’t leave them behind) [7] More upgrades available via cores or other actions. Ch13. An equine visitor.I don’t want to get up. I was currently laying peacefully in my warm and comfortable bed after talking with Luna most of the night. After our initial rough start, the princess of the night had warmed up to me and we happily talked about her work of patrolling dreams or other similar topics. She had become especially interested in my power to travel to her world via dreams and we had eventually fallen asleep while chatting in the living room. I must be back to being human now. Groping around the blankets I paused for a moment as I felt something familiar yet unexpected. Opening my eyes to confirm my suspicion, I gulped at the sight of a beautiful blue haired woman wrapped in my arms. At first I thought she was naked but relaxed a bit when I noticed she was wearing underwear similar to her original coat color. Oh Luna is going to kill me. Before I could move or try to escape my predicament, the sun peeked through the curtains and Luna rubbed her cheek against my chest while mumbling. “Five more minutes Tia.” “Um Luna I’m not your sister.” I chuckled and idly stroked her long hair. It looked so inviting I found myself instinctively curious and unable to help myself from letting it flow through my fingers. Luna slowly cracked one eye open, blinked slowly, then screamed and kicked herself alway from to only to fall right off the bed. “What are you doing to us foul creature!” Rolling my eyes and trying to contain my laughter at the, now human woman, growling at me from the floor on all floors. Why do I find this kind of alluring. I eventually responded after taking a deep breath. “Luna. It’s me, Dream catcher. This is my normal look. See?” I motioned towards my exposed hip and cutie mark. Luna hesitantly crawled back into the bed before examining herself. She held out a hand then experimented with flexing her fingers and Looking herself over, inadvertently giving me a show at the same time. “What have thou done to us?” “Sorry again. It looks like my magic has transformed you into a human so you can blend in. You will go back to normal when I bring you back tonight and you still have your magic.” I proved my point by levitating over a shirt using magic. I had to keep from blushing as she groped herself and continued flexing her new limbs. “I see. Why and I in your bed though?” She narrowed her eyes. “We went to sleep in the living room.” I shrugged and stood up to finished getting dressed as she sat on my bed. I could feel her watching with a slight blush of her own. “Magic. I travel when I fall ‘asleep’ so when we fell asleep in the living room you came with me and when we fall asleep tonight is when I’ll bring you back to Equestria.” “Fascinating.” She tried standing up on two legs but tripped. I quickly grabbed her hand and helped her balance. “Standing like this is most unusual, but it does make us quite tall.” She looked down at her athletic legs and bare feet. “I must ask though, why are you getting dressed?” “Ah, well. Humans don’t have fur any longer so clothing became a necessity then a societal norm. Anyone not wearing the appropriate clothing in public is shunned and could even get into trouble with the law. It’s also considered… intimate to be naked with someone of the opposite gender.” I couldn’t help but give Luna another once over. Dang she looks good as a human. “Should I also don some clothing then? It seems I was already provided some coverage.” She did a twist and ran a hand over her own cutie mark that was upon her hips. I swear she’s doing this on purpose now. I could only nod and retrieved some of my mother’s old clothes I hadn’t gotten around to getting rid of yet. They fit her well enough but not perfectly. “So what are we doing today Dream?” Luna smiled after getting dressed. Flicker looked upset when Luna and I entered the barn after a long breakfast. Luna asked about almost every appliance and needed help with her new limbs. Even now she was struggling with walking yet learning quickly. Luckily for us it was Monday so there were no guests in the barn and the farmhands were already out doing other tasks around the property. “Where were you? I wanted to run.” Flicker neighed angrily. “And who is this?” “Hello, ~~we are~~ I am princess Luna.” I was only slightly surprised that Luna could understand the horses. “So you’re why he missed our morning run?” Flicker gave a snort. I walked over to give her neck a pat then rested my head on her withers. “I’m sorry girl. But you know I can’t go running every day.” “So, is she your mate?” Luna looked between us and I couldn’t help but laugh. Even Flicker gave an amused snort. “No! Flicker here is like my younger sister. My parents are the ones that raised her after her mother passed away during her birth.” I gave Flicker a few comforting scratches as her ears lowered and she pressed against me. “Most of the others here are just boarders that we take care of since their riders don’t have the room.” “Riders?” Luna looked confused as she entered the pen and let Flicker giver her a curious sniff. “Horses and humans have had a long standing bond for a few thousand years now. They let us ride on their backs to travel faster and in exchange we help keep them safe from other predators and house them. Thats a very oversimplified explanation anyway.” I shrugged. “In recent times it’s not as common with modern transportation technology.” Flicker was warming up to Luna and was now receiving ear scratches from the night princess. “What a lovely bond. Ponies have only recently begun connecting with other races and Trains are not as common as ponies think.” “Hey boss.” All three of us flinched a bit when Miller spoke from the open barn door. “Oh, who’s the new girl? She an employee or guest.” I glanced at Luna unsure how to answer at first. “Personal guest.” Miller gained a sly smile while leaning on the doorframe. “Good for you. Well I’m done for now so I’ll be in the reception in case any guests show up.” He winked and walked away. Luna looked confused by the interaction as I face palmed. “What did he mean by guests?” I then spent the next few minutes explaining how the farm worked before I decided it was time to do something else.”Hey Luna want to go play some games?” She tilted her head in a very cute equine manner as I just smiled. "Haza! I win again." Luna excitedly shouted from her spot on the couch while munching on some chips levitating in her blue magic. She had quickly learned how to use her powers again even when complaining about missing her moon. "How?" I was still shocked as I set my controller down. We were twenty matches in on Mario cart and she had won over half of them. “Just how!?” I pouted at the recent loss. "Simple. You need to 'get good noob' as you said to me before." She stuck her tounge out at me. "This is a most wonderful game. Much better quality then the ones at home." She motioned towards the TV. "Equestria has video games?" I found that even more suprising than losing. “Yes. Mine sister has taken us to an arcade before as part of my education. They were nothing quite like this however. She lead back and closed her eyes while humming contentedly and floating over another chip into her mouth. “These snacks are also most excellent.” “Having a good time?” I was genuinely curious as I put away the controls and noticed her relaxed state. “Verily. Ever since my return I have been feeling pressured to catch up with my sister and not many of our little ponies even relax around us.” She sighed. “Twilight Sparkle and the elements are the closest thing to friends I have and yet I do not often get to see them due to them all living in Ponyville.” “You know the girls explained the elements to me before. Were you really that ‘Nightmare Moon’ creature at one point?” She flinched as I sat back down next to her on the couch. “Yes. Our anger and jealousy did consume me at one point, turning me into a monster.” She looked about ready to cry and I couldn’t help but pull her into a hug. “Well you definitely made another friend today, if you’d like.” I again instinctively began stroking her long blue hair. She nodded and buried her face on my shoulder. “I’d like that very much Dream Catcher.” I couldn’t help but laugh and almost fall on the floor as I watched the drink glass continue to spout flames. “How do you burn juice?!” Luna jaws trying to make us lunch but was currently frowning as she extinguished the flames with a wave of magic from her hand. “This is only my third attempt at cooking. The castle chefs won’t let me practice after I ruined one of the ovens.” “But. It’s. Juice.” I shake my head a shoo her out of my kitchen. “Just go sit back down and play o another game, you might like Zelda. I’ll fix us up some lunch. You’re lucky you’re cute and know those extinguisher spells.” I missed her blushing as she walked back towards the living room. It wasn’t long before I joined her with some salads and drinks floating behind me. Luna was too busy swinging her sword in the game to noticed, or so I thought. “This game is even better than the racing one.” She paused and looked at the plates I had set on the coffee table. “Thank you for the meal.” “It’s nothing fancy but I figured something light would be best after all the snacks we ate.” I picked up a fork full. After a few more hours of video games and a healthy dinner it was time for bed. “So all we do is sleep and arrive back in Equestria?” Luna raised an eyebrow as she looked at the bed. I had already stripped to my boxers and was laying back down. I couldn’t sleep in anything more and ponies were always naked anyway. “Yep. We have to be in close proximity and when we ‘wake up’ in Equestria it will be close to Ponyville. I don’t have a home in your world yet to set as a waypoint so it’s a bit random.” Luna also removed her clothes and awkwardly joined me in bed. “I see. Just don’t try anything.” I found myself trying not to laugh as it wasn’t long until she was the one cuddling my side in her sleep. “Sweet dreams Luna.” I wrapped my arms around her and let sleep take over. Ch 14. A rude awakening.I once again woke up feeling warm, comfortable, and more content than I had in a good while after all the recent loss of my parents and other twists in my life. “Good morning Dream.” Luna’s silky voice tickled my ear in a joking tone. “It appears it’s your turn to wake in my bed. We are glad you kept your promise of seeing me home.” I was about to respond with my own joke but was rudely interrupted. “Sister!” The door to Luna’s room slammed open. Luna quickly pulled me to her chest and hid me using her wings and the blanket. “Why is the moon still up?” I didn’t recognize the voice but suspected it was her sister, Princess Celestia, that I have been told about. “And what are you still doing in bed?” When we were humans, she was the smaller one and I could easily hold her in my arms. Currently, as ponies, our size disparity was reversed and a Luna was quite a bit larger. This allowed her to nervously squeeze me like a stuffed toy held between her forelegs and wings. Its not bad being held like this. “I apologize sister I had a~.” Luna yawned. “long night. I will lower the moon right away.” Before either of us thought better of it Luna lit her horn causing me to let out a surprised whimper due to the sheer amount of magic now running through Luna and myself as she lowered her celestial body. A sound which I unwittingly tried to silence by burying my muzzle into her chest fluff, my warm breath in turn caused her to squirm and almost ‘drop’ the moon. As another side effect of the magic, being too much for my Earth pony physique to properly process, I ended up having an extremely pleasurable experience that ended up all over the stomach of the mare I had budding attraction towards. “Luna, what was that sound and, why does it now smell like stallion essence in here?” Celestia asked right as Luna’s wings stiffened from what just happened. The sudden movement threw off the blanket hiding me and I was now being stared at by Celestia after having just cum all over her sister’s stomach and teats. I finally spoke up after a moment of us all just looking at each other wide eyed in uncomfortable silence. “Luna, I am so sorry. I wasn’t expecting all that magic, it just felt so~ good.” I put plenty of emphasis into the words. Luna’s cheeks became redder with her wings fluttering as she slowly looked down to confirm what had just happened. I was also still out of my sheath so she earned herself a good look at everything I had to offer. “Guards!” Celestia yelled out into the hall then at me. “Get off my sister!” She charged her horn and I ran for the window in a panic, my hooves inadvertently making the mess on Luna worse by spreading it around. After throwing the window open I yelled back, “See you again Luna,” then jumped to my ‘death’. This won’t be a fun wake up. Celestia stood in shock as she helplessly watched the unknown earth pony stallion jump out the window after finishing his assault on her sister. Celestia may have been angry but hadn’t wanted the stallion dead… yet, sadly she knew even the strongest of earth ponies couldn’t have survived from falling out her sister’s tower window. Luna on the other hoof was preoccupied with the sticky substance now fully coating her stomach fur. She had never laid with a stallion but wasn’t unaware of such things. Blushing she used her hoof to bring some to her nose for a sniff and even thought about tasting the pleasantly salty smelling liquid before Celestia spoke and she had to hastily lower the hoof, lest she be caught. “Sister, I’m sorry I over reacted.” Celestia had gotten over her shock. “I didn’t mean to scare your stallion friend like that.” Celestia hung her head and lowered her ears. “I’ll make sure the guards find his body for a proper burial and so you can say farewell.” “Body?” Luna was still shocked, but for an entirely different reason, then began laughing at the absurdity of the entire situation as she used her blankets to wipe her stomach off a bit. “Oh Tia, there’s no need to worry. Dream Catcher will be fine.” “Luna how can you say that?!? No earth pony could survive such a fall.” Celestia was appalled by her sister’s lack of concern. She also crinkled her nose at the smell emitting from her sister’s fur. “Maybe for an ordinary earth pony. Ug, I need a shower. Dream Catcher however will be fine. He is an ‘Earth’ pony. Him and I will probably have to have an awkward conversation but that should be the worst of it.” Luna pulled herself out of bed and walked into her bathroom, her hips and tail swaying a bit. Celestia just watched with her mouth open, fearing her sister may be in shock, then glanced back at the window. Her guards eventually showed up and she ordered them to search for a body as Luna’s maid came to clean up with a knowing smile on her face once she smelt the essence of stallion while she pulled the bedding for cleaning. “oww~.” I woke up cold, with a sore back, and alone in the middle of the night upon my bed. “Why did I panic like that? Stupid pony flight instincts.” Thinking it over though I had just defiled Luna then gotten yelled at by one of the most powerful creatures on Equis that also happened to be her older sister. “Great, I hope Luna isn’t mad or grossed out. I really liked hanging out with her.” Luna happily ate her breakfast as Celestia just watched with concern. “Luna are you sure you’re okay after everything that happened this morning?” “Never better.” She smiled between bites of pancake. “Why?” Luna had taken a nice long warm shower while remembering the fun she had had with Dream Catcher. Their time together may have ended abruptly and awkwardly but she knew they had become friends and would eventually see each other again, how couldn’t they with such compatible powers of dream magic? “Well the guards never found your… friend.” Celestia coughed the last word into her hoof. “Oh it’s fine Tia. He is probably at home safely sleeping by now.” Luna waved her wing dismissively. “Luna, how are you not concerned about him?” Celestia was beginning to worry that Luna might be in denial over the stallion’s death. “Frankly sister we are surprised you are, considering you caused him to jump out our window.” Luna joked back and finished another bite. Celestia slammed her fore-hooves on the table after recovering from that verbal barb. “I’m not. I’m worried that you are not taking the death of your friend seriously! Your denial is becoming a serious concern. “Death?” Luna tilted her head in confusion. “Who’s death?” Celestia felt like she was talking to a wall. Putting a hoof against her chest then taking a breath to calm herself she then spoke slowly. “Luna. Your friend jumped out your window. Yes?” “Yes?” Luna gave another cute head tilt. “A window that is over twenty stories in the air above your rock garden?” “Yes.” Luna raised an eyebrow. “So… I am sad to say that the earth pony who jumped out of that window is likely dead since no pony without wings could survive such a fall.” Celestia tried to sound empathetic. “Nope. He’s fine.” Luna smiled. Now that she realized where the confusion was. Only she knew of Dream’s powers so he was being underestimated. Celestia groaned, slapped herself with both forehooves, and knew it was going to be a long day. I awoke to the sun shining into my room after a night of dreamless sleep and stretched. The best part of being my own boss now was that I no longer had a set schedule. If only it didn’t take the death of my parents. With that depressing thought now stuck in my head I rolled out of bed and lumbered into the bathroom for my morning routine. Once finished I made a quick breakfast and took it outside to the porch to eat. “Sucks I couldn’t spend time with Luna in the castle.” I spoke to myself while sipping from my mug of coffee. “Why, did she have to go home already?” The information about Luna’s visit had obviously spread. “Bah!” I almost dropped my mug and fell back off my chair. “What is with ponies scaring me today?” I put a hand over my chest to calm my heart. “Ponies boss?” The amused female farmhand commented “Never mind. What can I help you with Rachel?” I set my mug down and began patting down my shirt since I had spilled some coffee on myself. “Just wanted to remind you we have that field trip coming out today to see the horses. You know, In case you find any kids around you don’t recognize.” She was still trying out to laugh as I cleared myself up. “Right. I’ll stick around outside today just in case.” She shook her head and walked off. I could tell the others would get a laugh. “Definitely going to be a long day.” I gave up cleaning myself off to go get changed. Ch5. First nightmare pt2.After Twilight and I finished the last vision we knew what to do. “Alright Girls, Dream and I found out we need to return the Elements to the Tree of Harmony.” Twilight explained. “The what now?” Rainbow Dash gave a confused look. “The Tree of Harmony. It’s where the Princesses found the elements and built their castle above it.” Twilight explained. As she and the girls talked Discord floated back over near me. He pulled out a magnifying glass and began to inspect me. “Can I help you Q?” My patience was running thin now and my sadness was slowly turning to anger after watching those visions. “Just trying to figure you out my little pony friend. It’s not often I run into something that stumps me.” Discord turned into a stump. “Also you keep using that name.” He changed back and pulled on his beard. “Alright girls let’s get moving.” Twilight announced. I wasn’t about to be left alone with Discord/Q so followed along. Once we were deeper into the forest Twilight slowed down next to me. “Dream you know you didn’t have to come along. Us mares can handle this, we are the Elements after all.” The others were walking ahead of us and chatting. “Like I would let my new friends go alone. Besides I could use the distraction.” I lowered my head a bit and huffed. Twilight put a comforting wing on my back which surprised me. “Want to talk about what happened? Applejack said she found you while really upset but not why.” “Maybe later. One life altering event at a time right?” I joked but she nodded along. As we got deeper into the forest we came upon a swamp one filled with monster crocodiles. The girls and I fought them but it wasn’t going well. Rainbow was trying to distract it while Applejacks rope was pulled from her teeth after lassoing it. I noticed Twilight fall at one point and was about to be eaten by the beast. “Twilight!” Running over I pushed her out of the way and was swallowed whole. “Dream Catcher!” Twilight held her hoof out as tears filled her eyes. Her friend had just saved her life and gotten eaten in her place. After a few moments however she couldn’t remember why she was crying. “Twilight are you okay?” Fluttershy asked after rushing to her side. Twilight grimly nodded and promised to look into why she felt this way later. “Twi, I think you need to go back.” AJ held her hat to her chest. “If something happens to ya…” “But… do you all think that?” Her friends all gave sheepish looks but she couldn’t argue. One terrible thing had already happened, even if she couldn’t remember what. Twilight flew off towards town crying again at her friends behavior. “Did we have to send her away?” Pinkie had deflated. “I don’t like it either Pinkie but she almost got eaten!” Rainbow half yelled. “It’s a miracle the thing collapsed dead when it did. Why did that happen Fluttershy?” “Um, it almost looks like it choked on something.” She poked the poor creature,sad it had died but glad her friends were safe. After a short rest the five moved on towards the castle of the two sisters. I took in a massive amount of air when I gasped awake. I was still on the couch after passing out the night before. “Well that sucked. At least Twilight is alive.” I sat there with my hands on my face for a bit. It was still the middle of the night when I received a notification that made me laugh wile reading it. ‘Cragadile core acquired.’ “Hahaha the bastard probably choked while eating me.” I set my phone back down, I can check what it does later. Then took a look around the darkened living room. Along the walls were dozens of family photos including my parents, sister, and I. “Fuck I don’t even know if she’s aware of what happened yet.” I fell back onto the couch and decided to call her. Since she works nights sometimes she just might be awake. When she picked up, “hey bro what are you doing up?” “Hey sis. Listen do you have a minute?” I was never one to drag out conversations with her or her with me. “Sure what’s up?” She matched my hesitant tone. “It’s about mom and dad.” I slowly explained what the cops had told me earlier, pacing the living room as she listened. About halfway through the conversation she had excused herself from work and was heading here. “You sit tight and I’ll be right over.” She hung up after that. I was extremely grateful when she hung up to focus on driving and then decided I might as well send my own job an email about how I would be taking some time off. “Well there’s one less thing to worry about.” Twilight, her friends, The Princesses and even Discord sat staring at the box given to her by the tree of Harmony. “Why the heck does it have seven keys when there’s only six of us?” Applejack was the first to speak up. Twilight was practically pulling her mane out over the inconsistency, six she could understand but seven? “Discord did you have anything to do with this?” Celestia eyed him. “Muah? Not a chance. I’ll admit I left those seeds behind but even I couldn’t effect this. Also I have had the strangest feeling I have forgotten something ever since you five sent Twilight back to town and then she caught up to you all.” He used the same magnifying glass on the box. Twilight’s friends all splayed their ears back and apologized again for sending her away. Twilight wasn’t quite ready to forgive them but was also focused on the strange feeling she had been having as well. “Just what am I forgetting.” She mumbled under her breath. As soon as my sister showed up we shared a long hug both of us crying. The sun had come up while I was waiting for her so had prepared us both breakfast while waiting for her. “What do we do now sis?” I asked while doing the dishes. We had both calmed down during our meal. I just can’t sit still now. Why do I have to worry about those ponies too? I knew the answer was because they had become my friends. “Well I can’t move out here considering my husband and I have our own kids to worry about. The schools and our jobs are too far away from the farm.” She sadly answered while blowing her nose. “Guess I’ll do it.” I nodded setting a clean aside glass to dry. “You’re really going to leave the city, you?” She sounded surprised. “Yeah well it’s not so bad any longer. I only left for college and didn’t move back because getting internet out here used to be a pain. Both those issues aren’t a factor any longer or worth losing the family farm.” I shrugged. “Alright we’ll I guess we better get working on… arrangements.” She started to cry again. By the end of the day we were both exhausted. Due to the nature of our parents deaths and their wish to be cremated the ashes were already being sent to us from out of state. Funeral arrangements and letting the family know had taken up most of our time as well as closing the farm to the public for the next few days. “Well I think that was about everybody from their contacts list.” My sister had just finished informing one of our mothers friends about the upcoming wake. Everything would be at the farm so there was no need for a venue. “Yeah and I just got done speaking with the estate planner. He is already working on getting everything in our names.” I replied. “Ours? But you’re going to live here.” she sounded confused by that. “Sis the farm was obviously left to both of us, if it’s an issue I’ll just buy you out of your half after I sell my house in the city.” “Right. Makes sense.” She shook her head. “I have been awake for way to long and should really get home. But maybe not until after a nap.” She yawned. “One last thing, tell me about that tattoo later.” She yawned again before heading towards one of the guest rooms. Looking myself over I only just noticed my Pajamas didn’t fully cover the marks on my hips and sighed. A long day finished and another long night incoming. I then sat down for a light dinner and considered fighting a few timberwolves tonight just to spend the rest of the night fully sleeping if I ‘died’. Why not? I need to hit something with my hooves after all this.
Ch1. First dreamFinally, time for bed. I had finally finished my evening chores after dinner and a long day of work so could finally sprawl myself onto my comfortable mattress. I then took one last look at my hands before turning out the light. See you in the morning. "Man I always hate that drop." I picked myself up and sat on my flank clapping my two front hooves together. "Nice they grew back. I was worried they wouldn't after last night when that manticore ate me." I growled at the memory then hung my head. "That was such a great dream before turning into a nightmare." For the last few nights I had been having re-occurring dreams. Every time I went to bed I would 'wake up' as a light green pony with a forest green mane. The start was always really great, waking up in a calm forest, but then I would end up eaten by something and wake up in a cold sweat before spending the rest of the night dreamlessly sleeping. "Okay lets see what it will be tonight." I look around myself then down at my flank, "Hey that's new." Taking a closer look there was now a stylized dreamcatcher on both sides. "Cool I got a tattoo. Hey Maybe that should be my name while here. Dream Catcher." I repeated the name a few times before nodding that it would work. Checking my surroundings and finding no immediate danger I began to walk in a random direction. After about five minuets of checking out the surrounding trees, "Walking in a forest after being stuck in the city all day is nice and all but I really wish something more would happen." I sigh. It wasn't long before I got my wish, my ears quickly swivel to the sound of rustling in from a bush nearby. I pound my front hooves together and say, "Finally some action, Maybe it will be something I can fight and last against." To my surprise another pony, a yellow pegasus with a triple butterfly tattoo steps out then freezes as she spots me. We both stare at each other for a moment before I raise a hoof. "Sup? I'm Dre..." "Epp," She rushes back the way she came without another sound before I could even finish. "Was it something I said?" I tilt my head and shrug. "Oh well back to..." I get cut off again, this time by a low growling from behind me. "well buck." Waking up in a cold sweat is never fun but at least I killed that wooden wolf. I quickly rub my arms together to get the blood flowing then flop my head onto the pillow. She was super cute... for a pony. I slowly get comfortable after checking the time then drift back off into a dreamless sleep. Okay alarms are definitely better than a nightmare for waking up. I stretch and grab my phone to turn off the alarm then check the weather. Its going to be a nice late summers' Saturday. Perfect for a walk in the park and lunch from a deli or something. I rub my stomach and poke at the pudge. I really need to get back into shape so maybe a long walk. Heading into the bathroom I finish up my morning routine then pause to look in the mirror. I do a doubletake as I look at my hips. No way. There, resting on both my upper thighs are the same tattoo from my dream with the same background as my fur color. "No bucking way." I rub my hands along both sides then smile. I had always wanted a tattoo but needles suck. I head back into my bedroom and put on some casual clothes. "Perfect they are easy to cover." I breath a sigh of relief that I won't have to explain them if I don't want. After a quick breakfast I get a phone call before heading out. "Hey Kiddo, What you up to today?" My dad asks from the other end of the line. "No set plans. Why what's up?" "So your mom and I need to head out of town for a week today and need someone to feed the animals here at the farm. Your sister was going to but then your nephew got sick. Mind staying out here, I'll leave ya food money." I can hear he is a bit desperate for help. Luckily I can work remotely so, "Sure I can come out today and stay. Would be nice to see Flicker after so long." That horse always did treat me the best. "Great, we will already be gone by the time you get here but you know what to do. Love ya Kiddo and thanks again." He hangs up after I tell him the same. I quickly pack up a bag with some spare clothes and my work gear then head out. After an hours long drive from the city I finally pull into the family farm's driveway. Stepping out of my car I head up to the front door and unlock it with my spare key. After setting my stuff in my old room I head back outside and take a deep breath. "Well I was going to the park anyway." I start heading out to the horse pasture where we kept our own and a few other families horses boarded, for a fee of course. I release a shrill whistle then yell out after hopping the fence, "Flicker where are ya girl." She quickly trots over and nuzzles me with a snort. "Well hey there to you too girl." I pat her withers. "Miss me?" She huffs then looks away almost indignantly. "Yeah, yeah. I really should come out here more often but the drive is super long. Anyway want to walk with me?" We start walking the fence, I get a tail flick to the back of my head for my trouble. After a long day of walking then taking care of the animals I head back inside and wash up. I impressed myself by being able to walk and work all day without getting tired. Even when I lived here I wasn't that in shape. My new tattoos surprise me by glowing a bit then returning to normal before I get dressed and have a quick dinner. Either I am going crazy or those things just glowed. I put the thought out of my mind and head towards my room. Once In bed I quickly fall asleep without all the noise pollution. Hopefully tonight will be more interesting. Looking around I find myself back in the clearing where the wolf got me from last night. It's corpse was still there, a small glowing green core in the middle of a stick pile. "I really need to start lasting longer in fights so I don't wake up." My curiosity gets the better of me and I poke the glowing core. It gives me a mild shock before it gets absorbed into my hoof. "Well that was different." After a short examination of my hoof I check the surrounding area and start walking the same directly the pegsus left last night. Thanks to the tracks she led I was sure of the direction. "Wonder If I will see her again." I shake my head, "She's a pony Catcher." I find the use of my new name more comfortable than expected. After wandering for a bit I stumble upon an actual path and begin following it. Not long after that my jaw drops at what I am now seeing. "A town. I was minuets away from a town the whole time!" I shout and throw my front hooves up to the sky. After another moment I shrug and start heading towards it. Heading down the street I get a few looks as well as waves and smiles which I happily return. Eventually my nose catches onto something and I get dragged along towards a market stall while my mouth waters. Wait why can I smell? Meh. "Well howdy there partner. Haven't seen you here around before." An orange mare with a golden mane wearing a cowboy hat smiles at me from behind the counter. "See anything ya like?" I nod dumbly, "Great what can I get ya? We have apples, Apple pie, Apple fritters, Apple Jack." She winks at that last one. "Oh that all sounds great but I, well I dont have any..." As I scratch the back of my head I find a small jingling pouch in my mane. "Well never mind then." Of course, dream logic. I hand over a few of the various coins, "Is this enough for a pie?" "Sure is Sugar cube, you have plenty of bits." She takes a few of the smaller coins pushing the rest and a pie my way. "Yall come back now." She waves as I walk away with the pie balanced on my back and the 'bits', as she called them, back into my mane. Love dream logic. After walking for a bit I end up near a fountain with a live lyre player and decide, "This is the perfect spot." I pull the pie off my back and dig into the flaky crust and sweet apple filling. "Man this is so good." The lyre player looks my way for a moment before continuing. I sadly finish the entire thing before I notice so decide to just lay there and pony watch from upon the fountain's edge. Turns out plenty of the ponies also watch me back as the mares flash me smiles or small waves sometimes even giving me a wink. I keep it polite and nod back not wanting to move to much. There are way to many mares here. "Oh my gosh, are you new. You look new and if you are then that means I get to throw a party." an excited bubbly pink mare exclaims, after bouncing on her hooves in front of me. "Party?" I smile. "Yep. I throw Parties for all the new Ponies of Ponyville. That's where we are by the way. You probably already knew that but what you probably dont know is that I'm Pinkie Pie and..." "Pinkie, darling, leave the poor stallion alone." A white Unicorn walks up behind her friend and flicks her mane while she uses magic to pull Pinkie back. "Sorry about that. Pinkie gets a bit excited around new ponies especially stallions. My name is Lady Rarity Bell and you are?" She holds her hoof out. I stand up and give it a quick kiss making her blush in surprise. "Dream Catcher. It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Rarity. You too Pinkie Pie." Pinkie's smile widens. "To answer your question, I am new to town. Just got here today in fact." "Oh this is so exciting, I'll need to let the girls know and invite everyone." Pinkie rushes off leaving behind a cloud of dust in her shape. I laugh and shake my head. "Is she always like that Rarity?" I give her a knowing smile. "Only most days, it's worse when a new pony epically a handsome stallion such as yourself comes to town." She flutters her eyelashes. "Oh, Idea. Why don't I give you a tour of the town before your welcome party." "Really? That won't cause you trouble?" "Not at all darling," She pulls me along and begins the tour of the town though pauses to ask. "Just a quick question, you are single, yes? Not in a herd or anything I would have to worry about?" I nod. "Perfect, onwards then." The tour ends around the evening after plenty of detours including a short spa visit for a hoof filing. No wonder the horses on the farm love that so much. The two of us make it to Sugar Cube Corner where Rarity lets me open the door. "SUPRISE!” I quickly flatten my ears as Pinky pronks up. "Did we surprise ya?" I nod and she says to the room, "He was surprised everypony." She quickly rejoins the crowd. After walking inside, "Hi there, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle though you can just call me Twilight. Welcome to Ponyville. You must be Dream Catcher." We bump hooves receiving a small static shock. I then look her over and notice her blush a bit, Huh horns and wings. "Yep, that's me. Nice to meet you Twilight, are you friends with Pinkie too?" "Yes, Pinkie is one of my best friends. We are both are wielders of the Elements after all." She says it like I should know. "Elements?" I ask anyway. "Oh wow, I thought everyone had heard of us." She then goes onto explain the elements and her friends all while we chat and trade stories though the evening. Four of her five friends eventually join us and a mare I recognize asks. "So your family owns a farm as well." Applejack asks. "Yep, for a few generations now. Mostly growing grains and stuff like that or housing animals." I nod. "Animals?" A yellow pegasus pokes her head out. "Yep and Hey I know you. You ran away yesterday." I point a hoof at her as the girls watch. Her eyes go wide and she rushes forward, "Oh my gosh you are okay. I felt so bad about running away and leaving a stallion behind but when I saw that Timberwolf I just had to go for help. You are okay right?" She panics while looking me over, sometimes a bit to close. "Yeah I'm fine," I pause for her name. "Fluttershy." She squeaks out while blushing after noticing how close she is to an unknown stallion and backs off. "I'm fine Fluttershy. I'm here aren't I." She smiles and nods then we all get back to talking. Once back tallking with Applejack I notice she keeps asking farm questions while sticking close. Throughout the afternoon other partygoers stop by to say hi, as well as marketing their products. The party goes on for about another hour until eventually only Pinkie, Twilight and I are left. "So, do you have a place to stay?" Twilight casually asks while Pinkie gives her a look. "Kind of, I just go to sleep and wake up at home. It was nice meeting you both and I hope to see more of you." I lay down on the floor earning a funny look from Twilight and Pinkie before I fall asleep and just disappear. "Wow what a great night," I stretch and check the time. Its just a few minuets before my alarm on Sunday. "I haven't slept that good in ages. Once finished with my morning routine I check myself over and find that nothing else has drastically changed. My 'cutie marks', worst name but that's what they called them, remain unchanged as well. After a quick breakfast and feeding the animals I check my phone and notice an unusual notification from my banking app. "What the heck is this transfer for fifty dollars to the Equestrian Dream's bank?" I then notice a new app for said bank and upon opening it find an account labeled in bits along with a purchase from Sweet Apple Acers. The app also has an asset list consisting of one Timberwolf Core 'in use'. "What the BUCK!?!" Author's Note If I get some decent feedback I plan to work on this and my other story.
Ch2. Second dream“Have a good night.” Pinkie had waved goodbye to her new friend and gotten back to cleaning up after the party. She couldn’t remember his name but smiled. “Pinkie, what were we just talking about?” Twilight was shook her head a bit confused and felling like she just forgot something. “Also who was this party for again?” Pinkie smiled and put a hoof on her friend’s withers. “Twilight it was for our new friend…” Pinkie tapped her chin also unable to remember. She shrugged then finishes, “I don’t remember, but i’m sure we will see them again.” Twilight’s mane frazzled a bit as she glared at Pinkie. Pinkie just shrugged and pulled out a cupcake from her mane then ate it, “Want one?” Twilight returned to her library and sighed. She had stuck around a bit longer to help Pinkie clean up once she had calmed down. “How could I, the Princess of Friendship forget about a new friend’s name or even what they look like?” Flopping down onto her bed and stretching her wings spike grumbles from his one bed, “Hey Twilight, you’re back late.” “I was helping Pinkie clean up after the party. Spike, do you remember why we had that party?” She rolled onto her back but her new wings made it uncomfortable. She still hadn’t gotten used to them and Rainbow was still pushing for flight lessons. “Nope, but it was a Pinkie Party so it could have been for anything. Anyway, I’m going back to sleep. Night.” Spike conked back out immediately and began snoring. “Night spike.” Twilight said then tried to get comfortable. She also could no longer remember what the party had been for yet, for some reason it didn’t bother her. I was freaking out and pacing in the living room. After finding the first app for Equestria Dream’s bank, I had started a mental review. Wondering why I hadn’t freaked yesterday quickly took over my thoughts. When I found my cutie marks I thought nothing about them! The question was answered when they both glowed and I immediately calmed down. No wonder, these things raised my acceptance of the strange towards eleven. Now unusually calm, I checked my phone again and found another app labeled Equis Store. This one offered limited products such as apples from Sweet Apple Acres, with the ability to upgrade it…somehow. So here’s what I know so far. My dream world is real, I can bring money plus other stuff to that world and maybe back, and my phone and I became magical. “Cool.” I flopped down on my parents living room couch and checked the store app more closely. “So aside from buying stuff I can also sell stuff for bits or dollars, Nice. It looks like the bank is also an inventory but how does that work?” I closed my eyes and thought about holding a bit in my free hand. A golden coin appeared moments later and a notification popped up showing the withdrawal. “Wow it’s real gold. Wonder if I can sell it for a money glitch.” My phone gave an angry buzz and a red notice was on the screen that I read. “The Equis Dream’s bank does not recommend such actions as it will cause recalibration of the exchange rate. Current exchange rate: one dollar equals two bits.” Thinking about it, Makes sense, can’t just go flooding the market with gold and not expect consequences. I close my hand around the coin and picture it back in my account, causing it do disappear. “Wonder if I can store other stuff.” I grab a book from the coffee table. Focus on storing the book I manage to store, then retrieve it from my inventory. This earns a few more notifications in the process as well as information about the current storage limit. “A limited number of items [10:stacks] may be stored and brought with you anywhere, cash not included. Asset storage may be upgraded and please beware of consequences when transferring items between realms.” “Bet it would make theft super easy.” I casually remark and earn another red notification. “Please note only owned items can be stored without explicit permission.” “I wasn’t going to really become a thief.” I huff. I spend the next few minutes browsing the store. Every food item conveniently has a disclaimer on human/equine compatibility so I decide to get a few apples. The moment I buy them they show up in my assets as a stack and I pull one out. “Damn Applejack really does grow the best apples.” I smile after taking a bite of the sweet, delectable fruit. “Bet I could make a profit transporting these things.” There was no warning notification this time, however the store’s purchase limit meant if I wanted bulk orders I would have to buy them in person/pony. “Hey kiddo how’s things going?” My dad asked. He had called to check in and let me know they made it safely to the hotel. I was currently sitting outside on the farm house's massive porch enjoying the evening breezes. “Going great dad. Animals are all fine so just been hanging out around the farm. A few people stopped by to check on their horses or ride today but not much else. Your employees took care of the guests so I just relaxed.” “Great, I forgot to warn you about that so your mom and I got a bit worried.” He chuckled. I laughed, “I know it’s been like ten years since I’ve moved over to the city but I didn’t forget everything about farm life.” “Good. Thanks again for taking over for a bit and see you in a week.” We exchanged goodbyes and hung up. After heading back inside I got ready for bed, set my phone on the nightstand, and tried to get comfortable. Wonder where I'll end up tonight. "Ugg." I quickly stood up and swiveled my equine ears. I was back on the outskirts of Ponyville but luckily not in the Everfree. "Wonder what time it is here." As if to answer my question my cellphone dropped on the ground in front of me. "Huh." I picked it up with my hoof and read "9:15, that's about the same time I went to bed back on earth. Now how to send this back." Concentrating didn't work so, I tried putting the phone in my mane instead where it quickly disappeared. "Nice, that's handy." I laughed at my own joke while heading into town. Plenty of ponies I had met yesterday gave me friendly waves that I happily returned. "Wonder what I should do now? I could find a job like back home or something." The possibilities left me somewhat overwhelmed once I realized I knew nothing of this world. I had only ever considered it a dream until yesterday but now realized I should take it more seriously. "Oh! didn't Twilight say she ran a library." When I made it to my destination I was about to knock then remembered, Its a public building, so I just opened the door instead. The Golden Oaks smelled heavily of old parchments and books, it was wonderful. While taking a deep breath, "You know I thought only Twilight did that." I coughed a few times looking sheepish. "Hey Spike, yeah I just love the smell of old books ya know." It looked like he didn't recognize me for a moment then rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh hey, Dream Catcher right? No worries, what can I, Twilight's Number one assistant, help you with?" The young dragon smiled. "Well I was looking to check out a few books and I'm guessing I probably need a library card." I smiled back. "Did someone say library card?" Twilight came down excitedly and jumped behind her desk almost tripping on her wings. Once she sat up, "Hi." "Hey Twilight, yeah I want to check out some books." My tail swished a bit at the prospect of learning about a whole world filled with magic. She paused similarly to Spike before speaking. "Sure Dream Catcher, lets get you all sorted out." The whole process was fairly quick and only cost ten bits. "So you only have to renew your card once a year and you can check out any book for a week without renewing. I don't really charge late fees unless another pony wants the same book or for the more popular ones like Daring Do. So what are you going to check out first?" I rubbed my chin with a hoof. "Well I don't really know. Got any books on magic for beginners?" She levitated over a small stack of books from various shelves, "Sure here you go. These are more for unicorns though so they won't really help an earth pony you know." "Oh." I was a bit disappointed inside and gave a fake smile and rubbed my neck. "It's more of a curiosity since I haven't really gotten out much." "Well I'm not one to deny anyone seeking knowledge." She finished with an enthusiastic smile. Over the next hour I browsed a few books while Twilight did her own studying. It's crazy to think how only two alicorns keep the whole planet alive with the sun and moon. I had just finished a reading a chapter in the Basic History of Equestria. "Hey Twilight?" I now needed to quell my curiosity. "Yes?" She mumbled from behind her book. "You're a princess right?" "Yes, though Like I said, I don't use my title often." She blushed a bit while looking over her book. "So do you control a heavenly body similar to how Celestia and Luna manage the Sun and Moon?" I casually asked. "Not at all. I am the princess of Friendship and Magic so my domain is more intangible." She went back to her book. "Huh." I looked over towards her cheeky and said under my breath. "Well I wouldn't say you don't at least manage one heavenly body princess." I went back to my own book but I could feel her looking my way with ears perked up. After spending the morning in the Library and checking out a few books I decided it was time for lunch. Apparently, even asleep I'm going to need to eat. I eventually found a nice Café and sat down in the last open table. "Afternoon, can I start you with a drink?" The server asked cheerly, as if she just loved her job, while she passed over a menu. "Lemonade please." I smile at her and she quickly trotted off. Ponies are so super cheery all the time. "What to get, what to get?" I tapped my chin. "You should get the daisy sandwich it's really good." Said a smiling peagsus sitting across from me with a bubble cutie mark. "Hi I'm Derpy Hooves. All the other tables are full can I share yours?" "Sure, help yourself." "Oh, thank you!" she clapped her hooves together. "Most stallions don't want to sit with me and give the wrong impression. What that impression is I don't know though." She gave a cute little tilt of her head while her eyes looked in two different directions. "I Couldn't tell you either Derpy," I shrugged. "Oh good, we can both not know together." She nodded sagely, as the waitress brought my drink and took both our orders. The two of us shared a nice lunch and she told me all about her job as a Mailmare. "Sometimes I just really don't know what goes wrong you know? I try to make sure everyone gets their mail but ponies still yell at me." I had no idea how anyone could yell at such a cute creature. "It's ok Derpy, I bet you always try your best." She perked back up right away and nodded so intensely she knocked her glass over spilling it. "Ops let me just." Over the next few moments she went from trying to clean up the mess to falling on her face with her rump in the air and lemonade on her head. She sniffled. "I don't know what went wrong." I quickly got up to help her and wiped off her mane. "There, there Derpy it was just an accident." "Thanks, your super nice. Well I have to get back to work now." She gave me a quick nuzzle, which made my fur a bit sticky, then flew off. "She didn't pay for her lunch." I said to myself, shook my head, and laughed at the absurdity of the situation. "I really don't want to work tomorrow." I had found myself in park outside of town after lunch and decided to just lay around in the grass on a hill. Becoming a pony with fur had made certain actions so much less uncomfortable. "Well hey there partner what are you doing here." Applejack had just walked up with a basked and blanket on her back. There was a dog the size of a small foal following along next to her. "Just laying around." I looked at her, upside down since I was currently on my back. She blushed and I noticed my bits were all exposed. I quickly rolled over and blushed. "Yeah I can see that. Are you joining us for the Pet Playdate?" She chuckled as the dog bounded up to me and gave me a sniff. I gave the good girl pets and she melted right under my hoof. "Wow Winona must really like ya." "Yeah I love dogs. And no I was just hanging out, what's a Pet Playdate?" "Why darling it's when all of us get together with our pets and have a picnic." Rarity had just walked up with a cat on her back. "We try to get together once a week. A stallion such as yourself is more than welcome to join us even without a pet." She flashed me a smile and a wink. "Now Rares I was just about to explain all that to him." Applejack said while laying out her supplies. Winona had already run off after a leaf. The two argued for a moment but were quickly interrupted by a purple blur crashing between them causing a dust cloud. "Bah ha ha ha." A cyan pegsus, Rainbow Dash, landed right after. "Twilight you won't ever learn to fly if you keep doing that." Twilight spit out some grass as an Owl landed on her back and a tortoise with a propeller landed next to Dash. "Ug I really don't like to fly, and Dash you didn't..." She cut herself off and panicked a bit when she noticed I was sitting there snickering a bit. "Dream what are you doing here?" A few mane hairs frizzled out of place. I shrugged. "I Didn't know this was you girl's spot but decided to stick around." Eventually Pinkie and Fluttershy showed up as well to join the conversation. We all hung out into the evening until I felt a strange tickle in my ear. "Something wrong?" Fluttershy asked sweetly. "Oh, oh, is it Dreamy SenseTM?" Pinkie noticed my ear twitching. "No I think its..." I woke up. Twilight and the girls all blinked for a few moments then went back to chatting. Applejack was a bit confused when she had to pack up an extra seventh plate. I Slapped my old alarm clock next to my bed that read 5:00. I had forgot to change the set time, one from forever ago, when I turned it on the night before. I don't even need to get up this early any more. I feel bad for leaving the girls hanging. Laying in bed I tried to get back to sleep. It didn't work, I grumbled then got up. "May as well watch TV or something before work time." I then remembered the books I checked out and tried to summon one. The moment it appeared I was all smiles and got to reading in bed.
Ch3. Third dreamBreakfast turned out better than expected thanks to AJs apples. I had thrown together some cinnamon oatmeal with lots of small chunks of the fruit then took it outside to eat on the porch. That was the thing I missed most when I had moved out, the family farmhouse had a large wraparound and covered porch that was perfect for enjoying the outdoors in any weather. As I sat at on of the outdoor tables eating and watching the sunrise, I thought back about the weekend. Can’t believe I’m working today like normal after everything. I chuckled to myself. I went to a party and met so many ponies. Heck I spent most of my day/night as one. I stretch then stand up to head back inside to take care of the dishes. Once finished I grab my work computer and spread out at the dining room table. It’s going to be a long Monday. Twilight unhappily checked then double checked her list of currently checked out books. It was early into the night after the Pet Play date and she had decided to check all of her lists before bed. Something was wrong with this one however, as there was missing information near the bottom. “Spike!” She yelled out. “Yes Twilight?” The sleepy dragon asked from his bed. “Did you and Rainbow play a prank on me with invisible ink again?” She huffed, none of her other lists had any errors so it was her best idea. “No. I know better than to mess with your lists after last time. Why?” “Because there’s a three pony gap in my ‘Checked Out Books’ list. See.” She hovered the list over to him. “Maybe you just forgot to write the names?” He yawned. “Spike you know I always write the book title then the name of the pony that checked it out and always in that order and there’s three books listed without names ‘Beginner’s guide to magic’, Basic Equestria History’, and an ‘Equestrian atlas’.” She listed at the drake. “Sorry Twilight I don’t know what to tell you except that I’m going back to sleep and you should get some too. Don’t forget we have the Summer Sun Celebration next weekend.” Spike grabbed his blanket and wrapped it over his head. Twilight gasped, she had forgotten that the celebration was coming up. She eventually gave up on the unusual list and flopped onto her bed. She had already had a long day with her friends and was to exhausted to deal with a mystery right now with everything else going on. My day had proceeded smoothly. I had finished my work tasks well before dinner, so wouldn’t have to work overtime and nothing was behind schedule. This was a nice outcome considering my work flow was thrown off by working from my parents place instead of my home office. At least it’s just a week. I stretched in the chair after logging out of my laptop and decide to head outside for a short walk before dinner. Once changed into outdoor wear I find, to my pleasant surprise, quite a few guests riding their horses and decide to head down to the paddock to watch. Glad the farm is doing well, but why do I suddenly have a strange urge to run? I kick the dirt, giving into the temptation and run a lap of the fence, a few of the riderless horses following along. After my second lap I feel more invigorated yet only continue on to finish with a third. Once a few of the guests had noticed and started watching I thought it best to stop. I could never run like that before. Making my way back inside the house I remove my sweat soaked outfit and hop into the shower. Washing quickly I put on some fresh clothes before preparing some dinner. Using the money my parents had left I decide to buy fresh ingredients from my new app. Might as well use it. Lets see, fresh vegetables from Carrot Top’s with some pasta should be perfect. I wasn’t the best cook but superior ingredients definitely made all the difference. After scarfing down dinner I spent the rest of the evening reading the books I had checked out to get myself more acquainted with Equestria. When I finished reading about the various pony tribes including the main three I thought to myself. You know, being an Earth pony isn’t so bad. That’s probably why I could run like I did today. After storing the books I then stored a couple more items I might need in Equestria then headed off to bed. “Back again. Let’s get these books returned.” I began walking into Ponyville, heading straight for Twilight’s library. Would be nice if I didn’t always appear outside of town. When I reached her tree and walked inside I found a very frazzled Twilight with Fluttershy trying to calm her down. “Twilight, it’s ok. It’s just a little mistake.” “But it’s not.” She huffed. “Today it’s just my list for books tomorrow it’s something worse and then who knows what! Im supposed to be a princess for Celestia’s sake.” I watched the to go back and forth a bit before finally speaking up. “Um, Is now a bad time?” “Ep” Fluttershy hid behind her mane while Twilight looked towards me like a mare possessed. “Oh Hi. Dream Catcher. What can I help you with today.” She gave me a smile that wasn’t quite right. “Well, I just needed to return some books.” I pulled them out and set them on the desk. I then backed away slowly towards the door before being stopped. Twilight who had just read one of the titles yelled. “You had these books?!?” She then took a deep breath and looked to calm down. “Yeah? You lent them to me yesterday.” I tilted my head confused she had forgotten. Twilight then mercifully laughed. “You were right Fluttershy. I was overreacting.” She trotted away to happily shelve the books. ”Yay.” Fluttershy cutely exclaimed which made me “daw.” “So Dream what are you up to today?” A much more relaxed Twilight asked after returning. “Nothing planned, why?” Twilight is one odd girl, her freaking out was a bit funny. “Fluttershy and I were just about to get brunch with the girls. Care to join us?” “Sure but isn’t it a Monday, What about work?” I ask while following the two towards a cafe. I don’t notice them earning a few jealous glances from other mares in town. “Well as you might recall my friends and I are all self employed or have flexible schedules so nothing to worry about.” She smiled and gave me a wink. “What about your work?” “Well I technically work at night so my days are one hundred percent free.” “That sounds nice.” Fluttershy have a small smile. After arriving Rainbow was the first to greet us. “Hey girls, hey Dream Catcher. What are you doing here?” “Like here in Equestria or in Ponyville or?” I joked which caused her to roll her eyes. “Here for brunch ya dork. Twilight didn’t say you would be joining us.” “Rainbow darling is there a reason he can’t join us for a meal?” Rarity gave a knowing smirk. These ponies are a riot. “Wha, no. I was just curious.” Rainbow pouted as the three of us sat down to join Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack. Pinkie was not at the table. “It is nice to see ya again Dream, farm doing well? Also Twilight, Pinkie can’t join us. The Cake’s got a big order they needed her help with for the upcoming celebration.” AJ looked a bit disappointed. “Understandable.” Twilight nodded. “Yeah the farm is doing great AJ in fact we had quite a few visitors recently. Also what celebration?” This earned me a few looks. “Why only the summer sun celebration of course. It’s the longest day of the summer and when Celestia personally raises the sun for everyone to see instead of from her usual balcony. It’s quite the spectacle.” Rarity gushed. “See, typically the amount of magic required to move the sun is to much for the common pony to be close to daily, so she can only preform the ritual publicly once a year. But everyone knows that right?” Twilight lectured. “Um not really.” I rubbed the back of my neck. Twilight was shocked. “What but everyone knows why we have the celebration.” “Uh Twi. I didn’t know that either. I just always thought it was an awesome party.” Rainbow awkwardly laughed. “Grr. Anyway this year is special since I get to participate in the event.” Twilight smiled then frowned. “Though I really don’t know if I’m ready.” “Your going to to greet Twi. Especially with me training you.” Rainbow boasted. After a few more encouraging words towards Twilight, the conversation then turned lighter and we all ordered our food. Brunch was great and I was surprised when the girls offered to pay for me. When I asked about it Rarity tittered. “As if we could let a stallion pay darling.” This took me aback since guys are typically expected to pay their own way. Granted I have noticed that there are WAY more mares around. After brunch the group split up to all get to work and I found myself without much to do. Normally this time would be spent sleeping if I was back home and yet I had yet to find myself tired after essentially being awake for the entire weekend. I honestly don’t know what to do with all this extra time. “And I’m lost.” After walking around Ponyville aimlessly I then decided to walk a trail in the Whitetail woods. It was supposed to be much safer than the Everfree despite the two touching. “Well I could just go to sleep and wake up back near town tomorrow. Nah, there’s still hours left before I need to wake up back home.” I continued to walk in a random direction before hearing a low growl that I recognized. “Oh no you don’t, I’m ready for you this time.” I smiled and pulled out an axe from my mane. Holding it was awkward but it was better than nothing. I braced myself and faced the Timberwolf head on. The fight lasted longer than I wanted but I made it out with only a few scratches this time. “Ha, told you I was ready. Could do with a better weapon to use as a pony though ” I panted and stored the now broken axe. Once stored I then touched the glowing green core and again it was absorbed by my hoof, this time however I felt a vibration from my mane. “What the.” I pulled out my phone and read the notification. ‘Two upgrades available: 1. Upgrade the Equis Store, costs one Timberwolf core. 2. Unlock the Equis map functionality of your phone, costs one Timberwolf core.’ “So I have to pick one option until I beat another wolf.” Without a moment’s thought I unlocked the map and the core went from ‘1. Available/1. In use’ to ‘2. In use’ just like the first. “So that’s where the banking app probably came from. The cores give me new stuff, nice. Wait where’s the map?” I checked my phone and there was no new app. Instead I found it merged with google maps and was just a toggle button to switch between Earth and Equis. Unlike the Earh map however, only Ponyville and some random areas of the forests were showing on the Equis map. “Guess I have to fill it out myself by exploring.” Using my new map I made it back to town just in time to fall asleep. “Well let’s start the day.” I stretched in my bed then got started on my morning routine.
Ch4. First Nightmare.“Finally done for the week.” After spending the weekdays working from an uncomfortable setup in my parents dining room and my weeknights hanging out in Equestria I was ready to head back home tomorrow after my parents got back. Sure it had been a nice change of pace but I needed some familiar surroundings. The Summer sun celebration starts tonight, should be fun. To bad Twilight will be in Canterlot. I had just finished my Friday night dinner when there was a knock at the door. “Hello, can I help y-?” I cut myself off when I saw that it was two police officers. “Hello are you related to the owners of this farm?” One of them asked. “I’m their son. What’s this about officers?” I was worried one of the guests or employees had gotten into trouble or hurt. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but your parents were in a car crash this morning. It took a while for the local police to confirm their identities and relay the information to us so we could track you down.” He somberly replied. “What?!” Are they ok?” The sudden news had me overwhelmed. “I’m afraid not son. They died on the scene.” I didn’t even remember the rest of what was said after he finished, handed me some paperwork, and drove off with his partner. After setting down the paperwork on the kitchen counter I picked up my phone and tried to call my sister. She didn’t answer. “Right she’s probably working her night shift job. What am I supposed to do?” I collapsed onto the couch and curled up into a ball. I didn’t cry but it was as if my mind had just shut down. I was stuck like that until I eventually passed out. “Buck!” I had forgotten to brace my legs and fell onto my stomach just outside of Ponyville near Sweet Apple Acres. “Why can’t I just bucking sleep tonight!” I screamed towards the sky. “Everything alright there Sugarcube?” Applejack was close by pulling a cart. “No everything is not bucking alright!” I snorted then covered my head with my forehooves. “Woah there nelly. What’s got you so upset partner?” She trotted over and put a hoof on my withers causing me to flinch. As if a damn had broken from her contact I began to cry. I didn’t care if she heard me I just had to let it out. In a split second I found myself in a tight hug with AJ stroking my mane. When I had finally let out all my tears for the moment she looked me in the eyes and asked. “What’s going on?” She asked in her most soothing tone. I wiped my eyes with a fetlock. “My parents died AJ. Gone just like that.” I clapped my forehooves together. Her eyes went wide and she quietly asked. “How?” “I don’t know exactly, the po-guard found me today and told me before handing over the papers. Today was supposed to be special but now…” I sniffled. “Don’t you worry none about that.” She gave me another hug. “Why don’t you head over to my place and I’ll meet you there after dropping this off for the party.” She motioned to her cart with her head. “But won’t they need you?” I wasn’t thinking quite straight. “Sugar you look like ya need me more.” She gave me one last hug and headed off. I began a slow march towards her house. After what felt like hours I made it to the front door just as Aj was running back. “You could have gone inside Sugar.” “I just got here myself.” I gave a fake chuckle that caused her ears to droop. After leading me inside. “Now you just sit on the couch and I’ll whip you up some breakfast before we talk.” She came back with fresh cold milk and apple pie for us both and nuzzled up close. “Want to talk?” I shook my head and we both slowly ate in silence. Once we finished AJ spoke again. “Ya know. I lost my parents when I was really young. Granny did her best raising the three of us but it was hard between that and all the chores. We eventually bounced back and you will to.” She nuzzled under my chin and I felt a spark. I sighed and stared at the ceiling. “Thanks AJ. It’s just so surreal you know. One moment I’m having dinner and the next the guards show up and tell me my parents are dead while traveling. I mean what’s going to happen to their farm? I live in the city right now and didn’t have plans to take over yet. Do I need to move back and take over or…” I began to hyperventilate until she nuzzled me again. “Now I can’t say I know everything about your situation but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just take it one day at a time as my friends like to remind me.” She laughed to herself. “Did I ever tell you about the time I tried bucking the entire orchard by myself until Twilight convinced me to let her help?” “No.” The thought made me laugh. “Well let me tell ya it was a crazy story.” She then proceeded to tell me the entire story along with others. We paused for lunch and I eventually began telling stories of my own involving my parents and we both shared stories well into the evening. “Applejack, where are you?” Rarity’s voice suddenly rang out for, the front door. ”here you are darling we haven’t seen you all day…” her voice trailed off when she spotted AJ and I cuddling on the couch. “Now Rares it’s not what ya think.” Aj started but was cut off. “As much as I want to investigate this dear we have an emergency.” “What’s wrong Rarity?” I asked. “Just look outside!” She lead us both outside and we froze. Both the sun and moon were up causing a half day half night effect. “That’s not all. Strange vines have been showing up all over town.” Said vines were also present on the farm, slowly creeping towards the house. “What in tarnation.” “This isn’t normal right?” I stared wide eyed. “Of course not. We’re all gathering at the library. Twilight’s wards should be enough to protect us as we check her books.” Rarity began leading the way and flank bumped AJ. “Now darling why don’t you tell me what was going on with you two.” She stage whispered. “Rarity. Not. Now. It was a private matter and if the stallion wants to tell you he can later.” Applejack hissed. “Thanks AJ.” They both look my way as we trot into town. “I can tell you later Rarity but one crisis at a time please.” “Oh. Very well.” She pouted. “Princess Twilight.” The guard ran up to her. “Do you have news about the other princesses?” She asked hopefully. “Princess Cadence is fine in Crystal Empire but still no word on Princess Celestia or Luna. We’ve also gotten reports that Ponyville is under attack by vines from the Everfree.” She replied. Twilight’s face fell and she barked orders before flying off with spike back to her home. There was a crash when Twilight suddenly appeared in the library. She was surprised and relieved when she found us. “Twilight!” All the girls yelled as I helped spike get up. “Oh thank goodness you’re here Darling.” Rarity swooned. “I hope you know we normally wouldn’t go through your books without permission.” Fluttershy explained. “I don’t know if you noticed but the Everfree is a tiny little bit out of control.” Pinkie interrupted. “Did princess Celestia send you to help take care of all this?” Rarity asked hopefully. “Not exactly.” Twilight stared but stammered. “You see the princesses are both…” “They’re missing!” Spike yelled from my side. “Missing?” The girls and even I gasped. “Yes I don’t know who has taken them but I have a hunch we’re going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back.” Twilight passed out some necklaces to each of her friends from inside a glass case while taking the crown for herself. As the mares all talked I zoned out until something about discord was mentioned and they all ran outside. Once there Twilight casted a spell that summoned a strange creature in a bathtub singing a song about winter. “Oh ho. Now Twilight you know Princess Celestia told you to give me a heads up. I was in the middle of an invigorating shower.” The creature mock complained. “Enough Discord. Release princess Celestia and Luna and stop the Everfree from invading.” Twilight yelled and I watched as Discord disappeared, turned into a vine, and wrapped around Twilight. “Now whatever are you talking about?” Discord acted hurt. This guy is crazy. Reminds me of Q. “Don’t you play dumb with us Discord we know you’re the one behind all of this.” Applejack pointed a hoof at him. As I watched all this I actually started quietly laughing at how crazy it all was. Here I am in a magical pony land after being told my parents just died while Q teases my new friends. Wait… “Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what you’ve done with the place. But I couldn’t possibly take responsibility, I’m reformed, remember?” Discord replied while taking pictures using an old camera. “Yeah right!” Rainbow flew into his face. “This has your cloven hooves all over it.” “I’ll have you know I only have one cloven hoof.” He detached it and held it up. That was what broke me, I busted up laughing at the whole scene. “This is just. This is so.” I couldn’t even finish and just kept laughing while rolling on my back with everyone staring at me. Even Discord was thrown off his game as he watched me. “Um, who’s the new guy?” Discord popped a neon sign into existence with the word ‘New’ on it. “Now Discord you leave him alone.” AJ jumped in front of me and growled protectively. “He’s been through enough today.” “It’s alright AJ. I needed a good laugh.” I got to my hooves and gave her a friendly nuzzle that caused her to melt. “Oh no. So Honestly has a new special somepony in her life.” A little crowd of Discord’s cheered while confetti rained down. Great Discord is really stirring the pot. Guess it’s in the name. “Enough!” Twilight flared her wings and stomped her hoof. “Tell us the truth Discord.” “Well now it seems we reached an impasse. What do friends like us do at a time like this Princess Twilight?” Discord asked while playfully hiding behind me. “Congratulations on the promotion by the way.” He flicked her crown and flew away a bit. “I say we just blast him back to stone.” Rainbow flew into his face. “But what if he really is telling the truth.” Fluttershy protected Discord as the others prepared to use their elements. “Fine.” Twilight huffed. “If you’re not responsible then help us figure out what’s going on.” “After all the accusations I don’t really feel up to it. Why don’t you ask if your zebra friend knows anything.” He was knitting some of the vines into an arrow. “Zacora!” Twilight yelled and they all ran over except me. “So Q, what’s really up with the vines?” I asked Discord as the other all talked. “What’s this now?” Discord floated over with a telescope and got a closer look at me. “What are you and how did you know that name?” He rubbed his chin and gave me a curious look that caused me to shrug. Before we could talk more Twilight drank a potion causing her eyes to turn white and I suddenly found myself in an castle alongside her. “What the?” I bumped into Twilight. “Dream catcher? What are you doing here, where are we?” Twilight looks around. “Not another step!” Princess Luna yelled at us. At least we thought it was us until I realized. “Twilight I think it’s just a memory.” I was proven right once Celestia walked through Twilight. “That was strange.” She said as we both watched the scene of Celestia and Luna fighting unfold. In the end Celestia won using the Elements of harmony. As Twilight cried from the memory we were both brought back to the present. Discord was clapping at our two pony play as the girls looked concerned. That was intense but not very helpful. “Twilight what happened and why was Dream Catcher effected?” AJ asked. “Did you find out who’s rump we need to kick?” Rainbow asked. “We saw something from a long time ago but it doesn’t explain what’s happening now and I have no Idea why Dream was dragged along.” Twilight looked concerned. “It probably has something to do with this mark of his.” Discord magnified my mark. “It is related to dreams.” “It doesn’t matter why. We didn’t find the answer you needed.” I said. Twilight then drank more of the potion and off we went again. First we watched the fight with discord then learned about the Tree of Harmony. It was going to be a long night.
Ch6. Dreamless sleep. (+world building)Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply, only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5] More upgrades available via cores or other actions. Ch6. Dreamless sleep. (+world building) For the first time in a while I woke back up in my own bed without having gone to Equestria during the night. I was both concerned and relieved, after everything that had happened recently I wasn’t sure about going there. Though, I really had been craving a fight. “Some other time.” When I made my way into the kitchen I found a note from my sister that she had gone back home but would text me later. “Guess I better head out as well. I’ll need to start packing up my house sooner rather than later.” I sighed and looked around the family farmhouse. Neither my sister or I had been able to reach our youngest brother as he was always traveling so would just pop into our lives at random. Heh, he and discord would probably get along. After a quick breakfast I hopped into my car. As dad always said, it’s best to keep moving forward. I rubbed a tear out of my eye as I pulled out of the driveway heading towards the city. “Why is this so confusing?” Twilight slammed her head onto her desk. She had been up all night in her library trying to find anything about the chest that she felt was currently mocking her. “Twilight, Darling, are you awake?” Rarity walked into the library. “Oh sweet heavens you look dreadful.” Rarity rushed over to her friend who looked up with bloodshot eyes. “Well good morning to you too Rarity.” Twilight grumbled. “Eh heh, sorry dear you just surprised me. I came over because Pinkie invited the five us of to breakfast.” Rarity smiled and tittered when Twilight’s stomach grumbled. “I could eat.” She stood up on shaky hooves. “So I take it you’ve been working on that box?” Rarity nudged her side and helped Twilight stand up properly. “Ug, yes. It just doesn’t make sense. Six of us yet seven key holes. If the box wasn’t from the tree of Harmony I would suspect discord of playing a prank.” The two of them left the library heading towards Sugarcube Corner. “Yes well just let us know if you need any assistance dear.” Rarity gave her a friendly nuzzle. “Thanks Rarity.” The two of them went inside and were greeted by their friends. “Did the city always look like this?” I was near my house now and even though I recognized everything it all looked dull. It’s probably because Equestria and the farm are so much more colorful. Pulling into my driveway I shut off my car and stretched after getting out. “Good to be… home.” I sighed. It was more of just a house these days after a failed marriage and other recent events, the farm and Equestria felt more like home after just a week. Honestly moving back to the farm won’t be so bad. Just wish mom and dad would be there too. Once inside it wasn’t difficult deciding where to start. “My home office and bedroom will need to be moved first as the farmhouse has anything else I could need for daily living.” I rubbed a hand over my face. I had years of built up general clutter. “Guess I’ll start with organizing.” I pulled out my phone with the idea of putting on music then remembered the inventory feature. “This might not be so bad.” I bought a few boxes using the store feature then began packing everything I wouldn’t need anytime soon into them. Since my inventory took things as stacks i had to pack loose items up first to fit more into it. “So Twilight any luck on that box?” Rainbow asked as the group was finishing up breakfast. Rarity shot her a glance as Twilight groaned. “No.” Twilight slumped onto the table. “I honestly didn’t think the library would be that much help. It’s not like much is know about the tree of Harmony and even the princesses know nothing about it giving out locked chests.” She groaned and levitated the muffin Pinkie had set in front of her muzzle into her mouth for a bite. “Aww cheer up Twilight it’s not like there’s a rush or the tree set a deadline.” Pinkie was bouncing around still passing out muffins to her friends then the other customers. “The tree didn’t do that, did it? I don’t really remember.” Fluttershy spoke for the first time in a while, humming at the taste of the muffin. “Mmm, blueberry.” “Well no. But I just don’t like not knowing something.” She huffed and sat back up. “Sugar you need to get out more, being cooped up all day can’t be good for ya. Y’all ain’t a chicken.” Applejack laughed while Rainbow groaned at the lame joke, Pinkie laughed. “Why don’t ya come out and go for a walk on the farm or something?” “You might be right girls, it hasn’t been that long since we got it and it’s probably not meant to be opened alone.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks.” I took one last look around my empty office and shut the door. “One room done just a couple left to go.” My house wasn’t very large just two small bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen that transitioned right into the dining/ living room. I had been proud at the time when I had first bought it for my ex and I but now the place just felt hollow. I didn’t normally cry but, “dang ponies getting to me.” My inventory was half full of packed boxes now and I had no intention of packing up my furniture just yet. As I ruminated on what to do next my phone vibrated. ‘Cragadile core available: available upgrades. 1: Equis Bank larger inventory size. (2 levels per one Cragadile core)’ “Guess I know what I’m getting.” I pressed the upgrade button and unlocked more slots. It was nice that different cores had different values. ‘Upgrade purchased. Congratulations! Due to a recent heroic act and your continued upgrades you have also unlocked a hidden feature. ‘ When the notification disappeared there was a new Icon of my cutie mark on my phone with no name. Opening the new app I found a picture of my earth pony body in the upper left with blacked out boxes filling the rest of the screen. “What do I do here?” As if to answer me. ‘Please pick one box at random to unlock a new form’ I clicked on a random box and smiled at what I saw. “Huh this should be interesting.”
Ch7. Back to dreaming.“What am I?” When I had fallen asleep after doing some more packing I had decided to try out the new creature I had unlocked. “Also where am I?” It was dark and damp but I could still see. I could tell I hadn’t arrived around Ponyville but must have still be on the same planet, probably. “Hey you.” A creature who looked just like me, black with wings and a horn and filled with holes approached. “Why are you partially disguised as a pony while inside the hive?” It took a moment to realize the voice wasn’t spoken aloud but in my mind. Wait it isn’t the only voice I can hear. “Um, am I?” I tilted my head. “Yeah bug brain.” The creature poked my flank. “You still have a cutie mark.” Sure enough My mark was still there. “Hey don’t call me a bug brain.” I growled and bared my fangs with a hiss. Instead of the other creature getting angry it laughed. “Nice to see you’re not a soft infiltrator, unlike drones.” He,she, it? I couldn’t tell the gender easily, It continued laughing as it walked past me wherever it was headed. I shrugged off the strange encounter and thought about what was said. So apparently I’m a Changeling, never heard of those from Twilight’s books, and an Infiltrator at that. As I walked around the hive I continued to learn more about my new situation thanks to the constant buzz in the back of my mind. It’s almost like the internet. I made sure to not share information about myself except for the bare minimum else it would have been bad. Changelings could apparently sense emotions which we fed off of, along with shapeshift. I tried this out by turning my right forehooves into a hand. “Cool.” I changed it back and continued walking the hive and giving some aggressively friendly greetings to my fellow lings since that’s what they seemed to like. What I really found myself enjoying was not having to learn names, they just kind of flowed into the front of my mind when looking at someling else. I’m picking up the lingo real fast, better be careful. “Infiltrator four zero four, come to the throne room right now!” An authoritative female voice rang out in my head. Somehow I knew she was referring to me so I listened. Ha my changeling name is ‘not found’. Traveling through the hive was made particularly easy thanks to the hive mind directing me along with my newfound ability to fly and walk on walls. When I arrived at the throne room I politely bowed before the queen, Chrysalis. “Yes my queen?” I casually asked, apparently I didn’t act scared enough and this surprised her along with the guards. She buzzed her wings and slowly stepped off her throne to get closer to me. “Who are you?” She circled me while sniffing me. I wasn’t repulsed by her actions and just tilted my head. One thing I had noticed was while other changelings had eye plates mine were the same as the queens, silted and more pony like. “You’re connected to my hive mind and yet I can’t just pull information out of you. I don’t remember any of the females giving birth to someling like you either.” She spoke in a two tone voice that I found strangely alluring. Good to know she doesn’t birth every changeling like actual insect hives. I noticed the guards had lowered their spears. Maybe I’ll get that fight after all. I smiled at the thought of finally getting some of my anger out, it wasn’t like I was going to kill anyling though. From what I gathered off the hive mind, fighting was how they operated. As I pondered this the queen turned away and started walking back towards her throne. “Guards throw him in the dungeon while I decide what to do with him.” As they approached I yelled at her. “Do it yourself coward!” Every changeling in the room went silent, even the buzz of the hive mind dimmed. Chrysalis turned around ever so slowly. “What did you just say worm?” I gave her a cocky smile and took a short step forward with each word until I was muzzle to muzzle with her. “Do. It. Yourself. Coward.” I then licked her cheek. Why the heck did I just do that? She immediately fired off a blast of pure magic and I went flying into the back wall with a sticking crunch. “Clean that mess up.” She dismissively waved her hoof and sat back on her throne. “What mess your majesty?” A drone asked. “The one I just made of four zero four.” She huffed at the idiot. “There isn’t one.” The drone replied. Chrysalis blinked slowly then rubbed her cheek where she had been licked. “Just who was that.” She mumbled to herself. I awoke with a sharp intake of air and breathing deeply. I was getting used to this routine whenever I died. “Dang she’s strong, didn’t even get to actually fight.” I laughed a bit but also felt sad and frustrated. “Her reaction when I licked her was cute though.” I checked my phone and noticed I still had a couple hours before my alarm, not that I had work. Today would be bringing my stuff to the farm then calling the realtor to start preparing to sell off my house. “Going to be a long few weeks.” I fell back onto my pillow. “Grr what is going on with the hive mind today.” After the incident in the throne room Chrysalis had returned to her bedchambers to scan the hive. She had found a disturbing gap in the minds of her citizens. Quite a few of them had apparently seen four zero four but none of them could remember what he looked like or any other definite details. Even she could only remember vague information such as how he had licked her and challenged her in the throne room. “Gah, what on Equis is wrong with me.” She rolled back and fourth on her bed then had a startling realization. “A royal… it’s the only thing that makes sense. No ordinary changeling could survive that blast or hide themselves in the hive mind.” She knew other hives were out there but they rarely had contact. For the first time in ages chrysalis stopped worrying about ponies but about her fellow Changelings. Twilight was having a strange day. She had remembered something about the box given to her by the tree. “Are ya sure there was another pony with us Twi?” Applejack asked while scratching her chin. She had been the first friend she was able to find after rushing out of the library. “Yes. The only problem is I can’t even remember if it was a stallion or mare or what tribe they were. It’s like something took my memory of them.” Twilight groaned and a few other ponies glanced at the new princess as they walked through market street. “I believe ya sugar it’s just I don’t even remember another pony being with us though that night was a strange one. For some reason I spent the whole party at the farmhouse until rarity found me.” Applejack passed over a few apples to the latest customer. “Did you call darling?” Rarity, who had been shopping, walked over to the stall. “Nah I was just telling Twilight about how you came and got me from the house on the day we found that box.” Applejack waved a hoof. “Oh yes. Speaking of which you must tell me about your romantic encounter that day.” Both her friends gave Rarity a confused look. “With the pony you spent the day with instead of coming to the party?” “Uh, Rarity I don’t remember spending the day with anypony.” Applejack made another sale but Cheerilee looked interested more in the gossip than the apples. “Of course you did. Why…” Rarity tapped her chin. “Actually, I can’t remember what they looked like.” “Ah ha, see I’m not the only one.” Twilight’s friends looked at her. “There’s a mystery pony none of us can remember.” “What mystery pony.” Pinkie gasped. “Did I throw them a party.” She mentally checked her records. “Phew, I did throw them a party.” “Wait, Pinkie you know who these two are talking about?” Applejack paused until her recent customer coughed and she apologized and finished the sale. “Nope.” Pinkie gave a Cheshire smile. All her friends and even a few nosy ponies groaned. When I finally woke up properly I quickly finished my morning routine and sent work an email. They knew I was taking time off but had requested exact dates of when I should be back. “I love my job but dang all companies are the same. Maybe I should quit here soon if I’m going to be working the farm.” On one hand it felt like a waste of my degree but on the other it would be nice being my own boss. “Plus I have my new opportunity.” I pulled out my phone then sighed. Some things were going better but others weren’t. On my phone was a text from my sister about the funeral arrangements and how she had finally gotten ahold of our youngest brother. “Great, still have to deal with this mess.” I pocketed my phone and headed towards the front door to start the day.
Ch8. Buggy Distractions. (+ powers update)I was currently living in a strange duality of life. At ‘night’ I would spend my time in the changeling hive and during the ‘day’ I would talk with the lawyer or real estate agent. I found myself quickly becoming attached to the buggers same as I had with the ponies. They were adorably stupid since apparently even though they all had access to the hive mind most lings didn’t have the brainpower to make use of it as it would waste love energy. Currently I was teaching a group of drones to play cards. I had felt bad that they had practically no entertainment in the hive. “Go fish Digger.” The ling drew a card with a happy smile. Most of the lower drones had no names, only numbers but they had started naming themselves lately. Though they could probably use some advice. “your turn shovel.” They had been picking random names related to their jobs in the hive. “Got any fives?” She smiled and pointed at another ling playing cards with us. “I do have a five, here.” His goofy grin never leaving his face as they traded cards. The little buggers really were cute and that’s why it made me angry when I thought of how chrysalis treated them. She may be a queen but she’s definitely a mad one. I made sure to share some love with them when I was around since I had an almost unlimited supply, being that I was human underneath. “Good job you two. You all have really gotten a hang of the game maybe we can try rummy next.” I wasn’t going to teach them betting games just yet considering they had nothing to bet with. “And what exactly is going on here!?” Queen Chrysalis stepped into the tunnel my small group was hanging out it. “Run it’s the queen.” Every ling quickly scattered, except for myself. “Four zero four. I see you are back.” The queen hissed. She had given up attacking me on sight after the third try since I couldn’t actually die, though that didn’t stop her from eventually trying. “Oh, hi Chrissy.” I smiled and waved at her while using my magic to gather up the cards, I had been practicing after that first night and it was a really fun distraction. “Want to play cards?” “No. I do not want to play cards.” She stomped forward. “I want. You to stop interfering with my hive.” “No can do. You buggers are just too cute. Especially you your majesty.” I gave her a wink. For an equine she did have a dark allure to her, plus she could transform into anything which had some implications. “Grr. I know I can’t permanently kill you but that doesn’t mean I can’t torture you first.” She lit her horn. I quickly stepped forward and licked her check and shared a bit of love with her as I did so. “Where’s the fun in that?” She quickly blasted me and killed me off. Queen Chrysalis glared at the fresh scorch mark where Four zero four once stood. She was getting better at remembering things about them whenever they disappeared but it used up much of the hive mind’s resources. The only reason she bothered was because four zero four always donated vast amounts of love energy whenever they visited and it was a boon for the hive. “Why must that changeling be so annoying.” She rubbed her cheek with a blush then shook her head and stomped off to continue her inspection of the hive. She needed to make sure her drones weren’t goofing off playing one of the games that Four zero four brought. I woke up feeling well rested and took a stretch. Chrissy had blasted me well into the Equis evening so I wasn’t up much earlier than normal. Currently I was back to sleeping at the farm after moving most of my stuff the past few days. My inventory was a godsend. After my morning routine my mood began to turn sour again. There were still funeral arrangements to make and lately our youngest brother had been making things difficult with the inheritance. While we had managed to contact him he had yet to come into town so getting him to sign paperwork was like pulling teeth, without any anesthetic. “Why does that ass have to be so difficult.”I sighed and began making breakfast. Word of our parents death had begun traveling through the patrons of the farm and most of them had been accommodating when we told them we would be shutting down around the days of the actual funeral but they were welcome to ride any other day as normal. My sister and I had been debating canceling the other events in their honor this year, such as pumpkin and apple picking, but the farm and our employees couldn’t afford to take that time off. “I always forgot how much work really went into this place even with the hired help.” As I sat down to eat my breakfast I began going over another stack of paperwork for the day. It was going to be a long one. Twilight slumped over in her desk. For the past few days she had been collecting reports of the mysteriously missing pony that nopony could quite remember. Pinkie had the most and most useless information out of every pony. “How does she know this ponies favorite cake flavor is angel food cake but not their name or cutie mark!” Twilight face planted onto the desk’s top. “And Applejack knows they own a farm but not where or what they grow.” She turned her face and rubbed her cheek on the cool wood, blowing out a puff of air so her notebook page turned. “Not even Discord can find anything about this mysterious pony. Heck I can’t even be sure it’s a pony.” “Twilight are you still awake?” Spike yelled from the top of the stairs. “Yeah Spike. I’ll be up in a minute.” Twilight stood upand stretched while taking one last look at her notes. She hated having two mysteries. The day had dragged on just as I feared but I had made progress. Thanks to the current housing market my house was already getting offers and it wasn’t even officially for sale yet. Not only that but my brother had finally signed the paperwork so the transfer of the farm to my name was officially in the works. “I’ll still have to buy out my siblings but the house sale should just barely cover it.” While I loved both my siblings dearly my brother was much to flaky to keep the place running and my sister couldn’t just uproot her own family to take it over. I still wondered if I was making the right decision but when I looked outside at the farmland, it became clear I was. There is another good reason to move out of the city, my newfound powers. I held up my hand before concentrating and turning it into a hoof after a flash of blue fire. It turned out that my human form could do whatever my Equestrian body could do which now included both my Changeling and Earth pony magic. Changing my hand back, I pointed my finger at the sink and a few of the dishes were enveloped in my blue magic and floated into the dishwasher. “That will never get old.” The first time I had used my powers I did receive a warning. ‘Caution: Due to Earths stagnant magical field, powers may be weaker on earth. Note: As you use your powers and loosen up Earth’s magical field it will effect the local environment.’ I’m a bit wary of bringing magic to the city. When I dropped back into the hive I reconnected to the hive mind and shouted “Hello every ling!” I got hundreds of replies and immediately started roaming the halls to avoid Chrissy. I had thought about switching back to my pony form and visiting Ponyville but my heart just wasn’t ready for their brand of friendship. “Hey Four oh four.” Chitin waved me over, she was one of the love collectors. “Hey love bug. Good haul?” I bumped her side and gave her some family love. The hive was very accepting of their own especially if you could deal with being aggressive, friendly, and aggressively friendly. It was an odd combination and I suspected why they couldn’t get along with ponies since they couldn’t deal with the aggressive part. “Decent.” She hissed. “Thanks for the top off. So question for you, are you a royal?” I narrowed my eyes. “Did Chrissy put you up to asking?” “The queen? No, you’re the only one around here that has a mane and eyes like the queen and she hasn’t disposed of you yet.” She shrugged. “I was just going to ask you to be my mate next cycle if you were.” Changelings didn’t do marriage, a male and female changeling or a female changeling with a male of another species, would have sex to produce eggs that would then be managed by the hive. It was their way to keep up the genetic diversity, Chrysalis actually refused to participate. “Wow I’m flattered.” I wasn’t quite sure how else to respond. “That a yes?” She punched my shoulder. “Um sure. If I’m around why not.” I nodded and decided it would be a good chance to get away. As I was once again meandering around the hive spreading some love Chrissy found me. “You.” She stomped over to me. “Me.” I nodded and decided this time I would blast her, it wasn’t an instant kill but pushed her back. “What?” She blinked a few times, stunned. “I’ve been practicing.” I took a fighting stance. She ran towards me and fired off her own beam. A few changelings watched as we traded blasts and began betting on the outcome. “Five rocks on the queen.” One bug shouted. “Suckers bet… twenty pebbles on Four oh four.” The two hoof bumped. The two of us probably only lasted ten minutes before we were both breathing heavily. I may not have had as much practice but I knew the hive had a love shortage so she couldn’t bring out her full power while starving. “You know Chrissy, you don’t have~ to blast me on sight.” I huffed. “Of course I do, you’re corrupting my hive. My changelings are supposed to be warriors but lately I catch them exchanging hugs. Hugs! Of all things.” She growled. “Hugs are nice, and filling.” A random ling shouted out then hid when the queen shot a look that direction. I slowly stepped over to her and gave her a nuzzle. “Why so angry all the time when we could produce our own love?” I quietly asked. “You wouldn’t understand.” She replied then blasted me. When I woke up in my bed I blinked a few times then got comfortable. Dying was no longer a stranger and wasn’t as bad as the first few times. I wonder what she meant. I got myself comfortable and fell back into a dreamless sleep. Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5]Form change: function allows for picking what you wake up as in Equestria. (2 forms currently available) *Earth Pony *Changeling [6] More upgrades available via cores or other actions.
Ch9. Goodbyes.“My parents are… were two of the greatest people in my life. They loved this farm and always enjoyed the guests who visited.” I looked out over the crowd at my parents funeral. It was filled with relatives, family friends, and even long time guests of the farm. Would I ever have this many people at mine? “Our Mother honestly never wanted to be a farmer’s wife, or so she told us when she was upset, but my siblings and I knew she was full of horse dung.” This got a quiet chuckle. “My father on the other hand grew up here and just like me had ventured out into the city where he met the second love of his life.” I choked up and shook my head. I then crumpled up the long speech I wrote as none of it felt right. “With all the good my parents did around the community neither of them deserved to die in that car crash. In their memory I will be taking over the farm and ensuring that things won’t fall apart around here. I know it won’t be the same, since I can’t bring the same love and passion into like they did, at least not just yet but I’m going to try.” I bowed my head towards their urns. “I love you mom and dad and I’ll make sure this place stays alive.” I wiped a tear from my eye and my sister came up to say her goodbyes. She gave me a hug on my way to sit down and we both had to choke back more sobs. As my sister spoke I only half listened to her eulogy and farewell to our parents until she motioned for our brother to come up. He refused to speak and instead remained seated just hanging his head. Bastard finally showed up and can’t even say goodbye. I spat on the ground in anger and thought about punching him until I noticed that he was crying where he sat. And he’s probably having just as rough a time as my sister and I. I slowly stood up and put a hand on his back. He flinched and looked up. “Go say goodbye before it’s to late little brother.” He finally stood up and spoke his peace. Once he was done the three of us took their urns out to the orchard and scattered their ashes as the crowd all watched. Some were crying others just said ‘Goodbye’ and left early. Everyone then headed back towards the main barn where the wake was being hosted so we could talk and share stories. When the day was finally over and everyone had left I felt empty. I was a bit reluctant to fall asleep but with everything that happened there was just no fighting it. I fell asleep on the couch without even making it back to my room. “Aw damn it.” I had fallen roughly on my hooves when arriving at the hive. After brushing myself off I sat there just reminiscing about the day until a voice broke me from my thoughts. “Well, well, well. Look who Showed up again.” Chrissy rounded the corner with a smirk. “Ready for another round?” “Not tonight Chrissy.” I hissed out as I hung my head. She looked taken aback for a moment then buzzed her wings. “It’s daytime you worm. Now tell me what’s wrong.” I was a bit surprised when she sat down next to me. When I didn’t speak she poked my side. “Speak.” I sighed. “I buried my parents today.” “Oh, is that all?” She waved it off with a hoof. “I have buried hundreds of changelings what’s two more.” I looked at her in shock. “I knew you were cold but…” then it hit me, she probably had buried hundreds of her own kind with how long lived she was. I hugged her. I don’t know why but I clung onto her like a life raft at sea and didn’t let go. “You poor thing.” I didn’t forget about what I had been through today but the realization of just how bad it could be struck a cord. “Let go of me.” She tried prying me off her but failed. My earth pony strength apparently worked in my changeling body just as well as my human one. “No.” I didn’t yell, I just said it with such finality that she gave up. I don’t know how long I held her feeding her my emotions from the day. I noticed at one point that she had eventually begun hugging me back. I could tast some conflicting emotions wafting off her but said nothing. “You will tell noling of this.” She rested her chin on my head and nuzzled it. After what felt like hours of us just cuddling and sharing emotions she spoke again. “This is why it’s so hard to share love. Goodbye.” I almost didn’t catch the last part before she leaned back and blasted me into a stain on the hive floor. When I woke up the next day I was feeling surprisingly well rested despite having died again. My mood only soured slightly when upon entering the kitchen I found a multitude of leftovers still out. “Ug I guess I forgot to clean up after the wake.” With a flick of my wrist the dishes began emptying their contents into the trash and washing themselves and my good mood instantly returned. “Having access to the hive mind really is convenient for learning magic. Though I should probably do some actual studying with Twilight again, at some point.” I thought about my pony friends and everything that had happened when I last saw them. “I’ve been a terrible friend to them lately.” I mumbled to myself after realizing I had not seen them for a few weeks. After finishing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen I made my way outside and headed towards the barn. While the farm was closed to the public we still had employees coming to take care of the animals or clean up the areas that were open to the public. “Morning Boss.” Miller, one of the stable hands, greeted me. He was currently brushing down one of the stallion’s belonging to a guest. “Morning Miller, you know you can just call me Anthony. How is everypony doing today.” It took me a moment to realize why he was giving me a funny look. It wasn’t until he chuckled that I let out my breath. “Heh, ‘everypony’ that’s not a bad way to say it. Well the horses are all doing fine though they can tell something is wrong around here.” He sighed and gave the stallion a pat on his side. “Tell me about it.” I walked off towards Flicker’s stall and her ears perked up upon my arrival. “Hey there girl. Keeping the rest of the herd here in line?” As I stepped into her stall I put my hand on her neck and she pushed against it to say ‘hi’ then something happened that made my eyes go wide. She proudly spoke, “Of course I’m keeping the herd in line. This farm would become chaos if I didn’t.” She let out a snort. “Heh.” After everything that happened recently I just went with it. I didn’t even notice my cutie marks glowing a bit. “True, true.” I pulled out her brush and she gave a pleased whinny. “You and my parents really kept this place together.” “Exactly, glad you’re finally listening properly. Where are your parents anyway, we haven’t seen them for a while.” She tilted her head my way. And a few of the other horses chimed in with ‘yeah’s. I paused my brushing. “Well girl they passed away, the funeral was yesterday that’s why so many people were here.” I rested my forehead on her neck. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Flicker’s ears pinned back. “It might sound selfish but what’s happening with the farm, guests and the herd and I?” “Thanks Flicker.” I resumed brushing her. “And no need to worry, I’ll be staying here to take over the farm. The guests will be allowed back in a few days once some paperwork is done so the herd shouldn’t get lonely without riders.” “Oh good. I wouldn’t want someone like your brother taking over.” We both laughed at that. Flicker had never once let my brother ride her. “Hey boss, everything alright over there?” Miller shouted from across the barn. “Yeah Miller. Just catching up with Flicker as I give her a good brushing.” I replied. “Got ya. Well I’m going to start letting them out for the day then move onto my other work. Mind giving me a hand when you’re done?.” He began opening the stall doors. “Sure. In a few minutes.” I returned to finish brushing Flicker in comfortable silence. After I finished helping let out the horses for the day, I returned to the house. Once comfortably seated on the front porch I pulled out my phone to see if I could figure out what happened in the barn. Turns out I had gained the new availability ‘speak/read any equine language’ as a reward for getting a love filled hug from the Changeling Queen. Guess it even works on earth horses. As I was putting my phone away I noticed a car coming up the driveway so stood up to see who it was. A woman in a suit stepped out and started walking my way when she spotted me. “Good morning, are you Anthony?” “I am. What can I help you with?” I was a bit concerned it might be someone pushy looking to buy. “I represent your parents estate. You may have spoken with some of my colleagues over the phone before? There are a few things that have to be done in person for legal reasons, hence why I’m here today.” I relaxed as she spoke. “Oh, that makes sense. I remember being told they would send someone out. Come on in.” I led her into the dining room to sit. “Can I get you anything?” “No thanks.” She set some paperwork on the table so I sat down next to her so I could look it over. “Most of what I have is just the promissory forms for buying out your siblings. Things like how long you have to pay or get a mortgage to buy them out. Things like that.” “Shouldn’t be an issue once I sell my house in the city.” She nodded and had me sign some forms. “Finally we just have the business side of things. Considering this is a working farm and you receive guests you do have to maintain a few standards. Luckily your parents set everything up with our law firm ahead of time so there’s not much you need to worry about right now aside from maintaining proper records for taxes and things like that.” She passed over some more paperwork and a copy for me to keep. “Yeah I remember most of it.” I signed and we spent the next few hours together going over everything else including if I wanted to make any changes to the business plan with her Law firm. “Alright everything looks great. Thanks for taking time out of your day to continue working with us.” She gave me a handshake after standing up. “No problem. Best to get that out of the way now before an issue pops up.” I walked her to the door and made sure she drove off safely. Once she was gone I plopped down on the couch and took a deep breath. That took way too long. My stomach then grumbled and I decided it was time for lunch. Walking into the kitchen I flicked my wrist and the kitchen filled with activity of leftovers coming out of the fridge and filling a plate. “This will literally never get old.”
Ch10. Back to PonyvilleWhen I finally fell asleep for the night I arrived just outside of Ponyville. I had decided it was finally time and had gone back to using my Earth pony body. It would be a good idea to stay out of the hive for a while, since I needed to give Chrissy some space. It was also time I visited the girls again. “Hmm I don’t look any different, that’s good but it feels strange not having wings or a horn.” I stretched out and tried a few things while still on the outskirts of Ponyville Proper. “Looks like I can’t shapeshift, fly, or…” my hoof glowed and the grass around my hooves grew a few inches taller and a few pebbles floated up. I smiled at the sight. “Looks like I can still use a bit of active magic.” Having access to a hivemind had taught me quite a bit about this new world though I took it all with a grain of salt. After a few more checks I began happily trotting towards town. When I arrived in the town proper, I then made my towards Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. One thing I won’t get tired of is getting good food over here. The hive has nothing good to eat, not that I needed to. “Good morning and welcome to…” Pinkie started then gasped and ran over to give me a hug strong enough to lift me off my hooves. “Dreamy! You’re back, I was so worried when you disappeared.” “Morning Pinkie.” I gave her a few pats on the back as we hugged. “Sorry for not coming back sooner.” She set me down and gave me a serious look while holding me in her hooves. I pinned my ears back as none of the other customers paid us any mind, apparently chalking it up to Pinke’s antics. “Where have you been mister, Twilight has been freaking out about a missing pony, meaning you, all week.” My tail instinctively tucked between my legs. “Sorry Pinkie I was busy and had to take care of a few things, like my parents funeral.” Her mane deflated and she just squeaked out an ‘oh’. “Yeah it happened just before that big mess with the vines and I only got a chance to tell AJ about it.” “So, are you moving back to Ponyville for good?” She gave me a hopeful look and I smiled. “I was always coming back but I may go on other adventures. Oh, let me tell you about my latest one and some new friends I made.” That got her to smile and her mane became poofy. “New friends? Yay, let me just get us some food and fetch some ponies.” She rushed off after I gave her my order and told me to sit down. It wasn’t long before she came back with the girls following behind her. They all gave me a look and became teary eyed. “Hey girls.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “You’re okay!” Fluttershy practically yelled, which was normal volume for most, and gave me a hug. “I’m so sorry to hear what happened.” She teared up and rubbed my mane like a foal. “Welcome back partner.” Applejack gave me a hug next. “Pinkie mentioned you had to take care of your family business?” I nodded. “Yeah, it’s taken care of now, so I’m back for good.” “Well that’s lovely darling.” Rarity gave me a polite hoof bump then everypony sat down except Twilight. “It’s you.” She whispered then suddenly rushed over and practically squished her face against mine. “You’re the seventh key. You went with us to put back the elements of harmony but why can I only remember you now?!? And where did you go?” I leaned back nervously as the other girls watched with mixed looks of curiosity and trepidation at their friend’s behavior. “Uh Twi. I think you’re scaring the poor stallion sugercube.” Applejack grabbed her friend’s tail and pulled her back. “No, this makes no sense.” Twilight held her head between her hooves and began crying. “You, you died.” She looked right at me while the others gasped. “Twilight, Darling I hate to ever disagree with you darling but how could a dead pony be sitting with us having breakfast.” Rarity nervously looked between her friends for assistance. “No Twilight’s not exactly wrong, it probably did look like I died from her perspective. I have an~ enchantment on me so that any time I’m in a dangerous situation I just poof back to my home.” I looked at Twilight. “I’m sorry for worrying you, I know how that feels.” I pinned my ears back. “A security enchantment?” She calmed down as I nodded. “That’s brilliant! I should do something like that for my friends and I.” The other girls breathed a sigh of relief and Pinkie brought all of us a big breakfast to celebrate and catch up. “Oh darling I can’t believe you went through all that.” Rarity blew her nose into a handkerchief. I had just finished telling them about my parents funeral and all the things surrounding it. I was going to tell them all about my cute and slightly stupid bug friends, but at the first mention of ‘changelings’ Twilight got extremely hostile. Instead I switched to how I would be taking over the family farm. “Now wait a second there partner. If you’re taking over your family’s farm why are you moving into Ponyville?” Applejack looked a bit confused considering the I hadn’t lied. “Well Ponyville will be like my second home. Most of the actual farm work is done by our employees these days. As my parents got order they mostly did management work or ran the special operations like apple or pumpkin picking so I’ll be doing the same.” I explained. “What’s so special about apple picking? AJ does that all the time.” Rainbow looked around the table and the girls shrugged. “Oh it’s when we let guests onto the farm and they pay us to harvest their own apples.” I took another sip of my milkshake. Pinkie really makes these well. “Now wait a second there Sugarcube. Why in Celestia’s name would ponies pay you to do work?” Applejack sounded highly skeptical. “Well. City ~~pe~~-ponies like to bring their foals out for the experience of seeing a working farm and getting ‘straight from the farm’ apples they get to pick out themselves and eat straight from the tree, instead of leftovers from the bigger grocery stores like in Manehatten.” I tapped my chin. “So my parents decided it would be a great opportunity to have tourists or class trips come visit us. Granted they’re only allowed in specific areas, as the rest are for us to properly harvest. But we also do other events like ‘pick your own pumpkins’, ‘corn mazes’, and even weddings.” AJ got a thoughtful look. “Huh. I never would’ve thought of something like that. I mean we do have cider season but not much else to get ponies visiting our farm.” “It sounds like a great educational experience as well. Imagine if Canterlot foals came out to learn about farming.” Twilight looked starry eyed. “Or imagine the dresses I could make for the brides.” Rarity got a similar loo. “I don’t know if I’d want all those fancy unicorns out visiting constantly.” Applejack winced from the glare of Rarity and Twilight. “Uh, no offense girls.” “None taken darling. I expect It would be a lot to deal with.” Rarity idly waved a hoof. “Yeah. My parents had to go through quite a few legal issues at first to set up the farm for having guests visit like that. It was worth it in the end though, the farm might not have survived without the extra income.” I leaned back thinking about the few bad harvest seasons of other crops. “Well you certainly gave me something to think about.” Applejack finished off her milkshake and stood up. “Speaking of farm work I best be getting back to it.” “Oh. Maybe I could throw a party for the grand opening of your farm Aj.” Pinkie practically bounced in place making everypony laugh. Applejack just tipped her hat with a thoughtful look as she walked out the door. It wasn’t long before the others got back to work leaving only myself and Twilight at the table. “So. Got any plans today?” I casually asked. “I got nothing going on so want to hang out?” I regret asking to hang out. I had been dragged to Twilight’s library, literally, so she could show off the box. “So this is it. I think the tree gave it to me for a reason but I really don’t know. I mean it has spots for seven keys but nothing will open it. I tried unlocking spells, raw magic, and I even had the girls bring over all kinds of keys.” She touched her hoof to the box. “It’s definitely a unique kind of crystal but even when Spike tried to bite it he couldn’t make a scratch.” She looked at me hopefully and with a few stray mane hairs. “Any ideas? The girls didn’t really have any.” I tapped my chin with a hoof. “You said it came from a magical tree right?” She nodded. “Then maybe you have to go on some kind of quest?” I thought about all the fantasy stories. “Quest?” She tilted her head. “Yeah. Like to prove yourself. From what I know there’s six main elements of harmony so something to show that off?” I shrugged. “That sounds ridiculous/great.” Twilight and Spike spoke at the same time. “Spike why would the tree send us on a quest?” Twilight huffed. “It’s a magical tree Twilight and Dream has a good point. That’s normally how it goes in comics.” Spike puffed up. Twilight waved a wing dismissively. “Comics aren’t real.” “ Says the magical unicorn in pony land.” I laughed and Spike joined me. Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Joke all you two want but I will figure this out. Besides it still doesn’t explain the extra keyhole. There’s only Six elements.” Twilight smugly crossed her forehooves. “Fine you win Twilight. Hey Spike why not show me some of those comics.” I gave him a brohoof and we got to reading as Twilight went back to her research.
Ch11. Awake.I felt wonderful. Better than I had in years as I ran around the horse paddock with Flicker behind me. She could still easily outpace me and my two legs, but was instinctively falling into formation behind me. Ever since moving onto the farm full time a couple weeks after the funeral it had become my morning routine to visit with the horses and run a few laps before the staff showed up for the morning chores. “Woah girl.” I called out as we slowed down. The first workers’ truck was heading up the driveway and I didn’t want to show off how fast I could now actually run. Grabbing Flicker’s lead rope I slowed to a walk and pat her on the neck. “Great run today.” “Yeah.” She was panting and leaned into the contact. “Morning boss.” Miller Called out from the side of the barn. He had been the one to drive up as he was on the early shift today. “Morning.” I undid Flicker’s lead and she walked herself into the barn and into her own pen to drink some water. She even kicked her own stall door closed before laying down in her hay. Miller just shook his head as I walked into the barn behind her and grabbed my own water bottle before plopping down on an old rocking chair in the resting area. “You have a real knack with them. Even after what happened I’ve never seen the horses so calm.” He pulled a brush down from one of the walls and began heading towards one of the stalls for the daily grooming. Our clients were allowed to show up any time without appointments to go riding so we made sure to keep their horses well groomed and ready for action. “Yeah. I wasn’t always like this.” I rubbed my hips and the hidden tattoos under my shirt. “But it has felt more natural lately. It helps they’re all so smart.” Around the barn I could hear the horses talking amongst themselves about whether or not their riders would show up today, about the summer weather and food. Like chatty school children they are. I shook my head. “Well it’s a good thing. So how have you been after… everything?” Miller asked from across the barn and the horses got quiet. I could tell they were all listening in. The mares around here really love gossip. Same as Ponyville I guess. Leaning back and rocking slowly I sighed and took another drink. “Honestly, aside from missing my parents like nothing else, things are going okay. They really kept this place in good shape so I just have to make sure it stays that way to honor them. I already quit my other job and my house should be sold soon. It’s honestly crazy how fast someone wanted it.” I set down the bottle and had to remind myself not to use magic. Already I had felt it getting easier around the farmhouse I I expected it might start causing changes soon. It already was with the level of intelligence the horses could now display. “And the rest of the family?” If it was anyone else asking I wouldn’t have answered but with how long he had been working on the farm he was practically family. Miller had even tried dating my sister but it hadn’t worked out between them. “Sis is holding up. Her husband has been super supportive and the kids have kept them busy. My brother went right back on the road like normal but at least he took care of things that needed taken care of. I just hope he doesn’t blow all the inheritance he’ll be getting.” I stared at the ceiling and pictured him gambling it all away in a casino before shaking my head. “I doubt he will, but still.” “Yeah that brother of yours might be a bit wild but has a good head on his shoulders.” Miller had already finished the first horse and was onto the next. I still didn’t know all the names since Flicker was the only one our family owned. Though she’s more like part of the family since she was born on the farm. “True.” I stood up and stretched though my shirt was sticking to my back. “Anyway, I’m heading up to the house for a shower and some paperwork. Holler if you or any of the others need anything once they show up.” “Will do boss.” He said jokingly. “And stop calling me boss.” I huffed in an equine manner. After a nice long shower I found myself sitting out on the porch to work. Normally the farm didn’t have this much paperwork but with me taking over, there was still plenty to do before the end of summer and the start of harvest season. From my spot I could tell quite a few guests had arrived and their children were happy to be out riding again. A few of the teenagers were semi professional riders so having the farm closed to the public during everything had slowed their practice. Luckily I hadn’t received any complaints from parents but it was always possible. “I wonder what AJ would think about this place?” I asked myself while looking out over the farm. Thanks to my grandparents having the house built on a hill you could easily look out over the main driveway, barn and other buildings built over the years in front of the house, the orchard off to the relative left, and the fields that were on the right that wrapped behind the house. Technically the current house wasn’t original, as the first had been torn down by a twister, but it was still a great home. Applejack sneezed onto the freshly cleaned plate from a late supper while her sister laughed. “Ain’t you supposed to be cleaning the plates sis, not making them dirty?” “Get over here you!” Apple Bloom took off running as her sister chased her out of the kitchen for laughing. It wasn’t long before she was caught and receiving a tickle attack, begging her sister to stop as they both laughed. Big Mac just shook his head and began drying another dish. “Fillies.” “Yeah I bet she would.” I tried to take a sip of my soda but groaned when I found the can empty. Using a bit of magic I teleported one from the fridge before getting back to my paperwork. “I really need to bring the farm up to digital standards next.” As I worked I felt the air shift and looked around. Summer was only about half over but the breeze sent a chill down my spine. What was that? Standing up I circled the house and looked out in every direction, finding nothing unusual I just sat back down in my original spot. Strangely enough when I went to reach for it I found that my soda was gone. Shrugging and figuring one of the kids had gotten away and was playing a prank I yelled out. “You know there’s a vending machine next to the barn!” I chuckled and got back to work after teleporting another from the fridge. “Dang kids always sneaking out of the public areas.” After another few moments I jumped when I heard another noise but relaxed when I spotted one of the family cats. “Geez, don’t scare me like that Mo.” The black cat tilted her head then strode over before pouncing onto my lap. She immediately began purring as I stroked her fun. “Guess I’m just jumpy today.”
Ch12. Still Awake? (+powers update)Looking around I couldn’t help but feel confused. I had just gone to bed for the evening after some reading then work up by falling onto my hooves, as was the new normal, but tonight was different. “Am I still on earth?” It only took a few moments of looking around my dark bedroom to confirm but I was definitely still on earth, the only difference being that I was now in my changeling form. Looking at the bed I breathed a sigh of relief when I found it empty. “Okay so I only have one body. That’s good, I couldn’t even imagine how strange it would be to see myself sleeping. But why am I here?” Walking out into the living room everything felt familiar yet strange as my hooves made contact with the hardwood floor. The house wasn’t designed for equestrian proportions so I felt much too short in my own home. Before I could ponder my situation further I felt a buzzing in my mane coming from my phone. Reaching in to grab it, I pulled it out and read the notification. ’Emergency! Unknown magical signature detected on property. Please investigate for own safety.’ My breath hitched as I realized what was going on. The strange feeling I had gotten earlier today must have been related. Sticking my phone back in my mane I stepped outside and took a deep breath. My equine nose was better at picking up smells and I felt I found one right away. “Something else is here.” Circling the house like a bloodhound I picked out the smell and followed it out into the cornfield. Even with how dark it was my changeling eyes could easily see in the blackness of the night. When I did eventually find something, it wasn’t with my eyes or nose but a spike in emotional essence that gave the creature away. Something is out there. Whatever it is knows I found it and this is on the run! Wrong! Everything was wrong, wrong, wrong. The stars were in the wrong place the sunlight was wrong and even the moon was wrong and refused to speak with her. All around princess Luna the world she found herself in was screaming at her that she did not belong. First it was the magic, the word was full of it but it was almost so stagnant it made her sick. Next was the air, even knowing she was on a farm, it smelt of chemicals and industry. Finally was the creatures, tall ones that laughed and played as they rode on the backs of other equines that were also much too tall. Wherever she had ended up after chasing that nightmare was apparently worse than tartarus. “Whoever is out there I can sense you. I mean you no harm!” Luna ran from the chasing changeling. It confused her that a changeling was here and chasing her considering she couldn’t even fly or teleport with such sickly magic fields and yet, somehow the changeling was having no issues following after her. Whatever I was following was scared and angry and I could sense it. I tried calling out but it only made the creatures fear worse. I thought about flying lower so I could see whatever it was but I didn’t feel like fighting inside the corn field. “Whatever or whoever you are, I honestly mean you know harm. Please stop ruining through my corn field so we can talk.” The creature obviously couldn’t see through the stalks as it wasn’t even running in a straight line. It’s haphazard path was already leading it back towards the house. “Lies.” Came the feminine reply, sounding heavily winded. “Why should we believe a changeling? For all I know you brought me to this wretched place!” The female continued to run as I followed. “Hey my farm isn’t wretched!” I was getting tired of chasing so began to channel magic in my horn. “Changelings don’t farm.” She yelled back. Rolling my eyes I unleashed my magic and picked the creature up. To my surprise it was a larger blue pony with wings and… “Princess Luna is that you?” I was so shocked I almost dropped the alicorn right back into the cornfield. “Let me go foul creature!” She tried flailing all her limbs but it didn’t break my hold. “Luna calm down.” I began flying back towards the house, carrying her in my field behind me. She didn’t even look at me until we landed back on my front porch. I luckily wasn’t foolish enough to let her out of my hold just yet. “What now creature, will you give me to your queen?” Luna glared at me looking like she would have pounced if given the chance. “Chrissy? Nah she’s a friend at best not my ‘queen’.” I smiled. “If I let you go, will you just talk for a bit?” Luna glared but nodded. When I relaxed my magical hold she stretched her wings and I was worried she would fly off. Instead she just ruffled them and straightened some of her feathers before going back to glaring at me. “So~…” I eventually broke the tense silence. “What are you doing here?” I awkwardly chuckled. Luna looked around then narrowed her eyes at me. “And where exactly is, here?” “Ah right. Welcome to my family’s farm. We are in Kansas, in the United States, on planet Earth.” I puffed up proudly. “Kansas?” Luna looked confused as she said the word a few times to herself. “Another planet?” “Yep. Home of wheat, corn, twisters, and~ not much else.” I joked the rolled my hoof. “So, how did you get here.” Luna took a few deep breath’s and after beginning to relax as she explained. “I was following a nightmare through the dream realm. It entered a strange daydream and when I followed I ended up here. I tried exploring further but the magic is too stagnant beyond this place. I spent the day hiding and trying not to be caught.” My eyes widened a bit. I had been daydreaming while doing my paperwork around lunchtime, until a strange bug fell from my head onto my lap and I promptly killed it after brushing it off. My phone had also vibrated at that time but I ignored it so as to not miss lunchtime with the workers. “I see. Well that makes a bit of sense.” Luna narrowed her eyes at me. “You know something don’t you changeling?” She snorted. “Maybe. How about introductions first. I’m Dream Catcher and I’m not a changeling, I just look like one right now.” I showed off the cutie mark on my flank. “I’m actually a human, one of the creatures you probably spotted today, and I’m from this planet. I have the ability to travel to other worlds in my dreams with the most recent being your world, Equis.” I wasn’t about to mention it was the only world I could travel to. “Then why do you look like a changeling?” She began to relax again after judging that I was telling the truth. “Oh, I just take on the appearance of a native species to blend in. Normally I’m an earth pony and often visit with Twilight and her friends but sometimes I visit the changelings.” I flicked my ear. “That nightmare must have been attracted to the daydream I was having earlier today and you inadvertently followed it through. I already killed it by the way so you don’t have to worry.” “I see.” She hesitated for a moment. “If you know Twilight Sparkle can you please return me to Equestria then?” Luna asked very politely. I rubbed the back of my neck. “Hehe. That I don’t know. I’ve never brought anyone with me and I’m surprised you’re here. Wait let me check something first.” I pulled out my phone before she could get angry or ask further questions. She looked curious as i began checking the screen. Powering on the device, I found that the emergency was resolved now that I had found Luna and there was indeed one more notice about killing a nightmare. ‘Congratulations! For killing your first nightmare you’ve unlocked the “Bring a friend” feature. You can currently travel with one friend you share a bed with. (Sentient creatures only) Notes; Creatures from Equis will become human in shape but retain magic. Humans will become a creature that suites them best. “Friends” will not be saved from death on either world so be careful!’ “Well can you bring me home or not?!” Luna was getting impatient. “I can.” I smiled and put my phone away. “It will just take a day.” “Why?” She looked skeptical. “It’s my power. It has a limited use and I already used it to find you tonight. Sorry.” I sheepishly replied. Luna sighed. “Fine. It’s not ideal but acceptable. In the meantime why don’t we continue conversing and you can tell me about your world.” “Sounds great.” I motioned for her to head inside after opening the front door for her with magic. Celestia looked towards the heavens. “Where are you sister?” Author's Note Current Dream Catcher abilities: [1]Cutie mark: the foundation of all available abilities, linked with owned cellular phone. *Provides access to magic while in the human realm. *calming effects *upon death user will wake up in the opposite world (consequences may apply only available once every 24 hours) [2]Equis Dreams bank(upgradable via monster cores): acts as an inventory as well as money exchange system. *Current exchange rate is 1$=2Bits. *Current inventory size: 10 stacks of 10 similar items. (Items must be unowned or belonging to the user) [3]Equis store: can buy or sell items. (Manual upgrades required) *sales are limited to Equis items *purchases may be made from already visited Equis stores (in limited quantities) or ‘@mazon instant shipping’ (free for prime members) [4]Equis map(Hiden upgrade available): a function added to the existing Google maps that works in a similar manner. *only explored areas will be available for detailed viewing. *can add basic map views from other sources [5]Form change: function allows for picking what you wake up as in Equestria. (2 forms currently available) *Earth Pony *Changeling [6] Bring a friend: Function allows you to bring one friend you share a bed with between worlds. *Equis creatures become human (sentient only) *humans become random creatures *friends are not immune to death (be careful and don’t leave them behind) [7] More upgrades available via cores or other actions.
Ch13. An equine visitor.I don’t want to get up. I was currently laying peacefully in my warm and comfortable bed after talking with Luna most of the night. After our initial rough start, the princess of the night had warmed up to me and we happily talked about her work of patrolling dreams or other similar topics. She had become especially interested in my power to travel to her world via dreams and we had eventually fallen asleep while chatting in the living room. I must be back to being human now. Groping around the blankets I paused for a moment as I felt something familiar yet unexpected. Opening my eyes to confirm my suspicion, I gulped at the sight of a beautiful blue haired woman wrapped in my arms. At first I thought she was naked but relaxed a bit when I noticed she was wearing underwear similar to her original coat color. Oh Luna is going to kill me. Before I could move or try to escape my predicament, the sun peeked through the curtains and Luna rubbed her cheek against my chest while mumbling. “Five more minutes Tia.” “Um Luna I’m not your sister.” I chuckled and idly stroked her long hair. It looked so inviting I found myself instinctively curious and unable to help myself from letting it flow through my fingers. Luna slowly cracked one eye open, blinked slowly, then screamed and kicked herself alway from to only to fall right off the bed. “What are you doing to us foul creature!” Rolling my eyes and trying to contain my laughter at the, now human woman, growling at me from the floor on all floors. Why do I find this kind of alluring. I eventually responded after taking a deep breath. “Luna. It’s me, Dream catcher. This is my normal look. See?” I motioned towards my exposed hip and cutie mark. Luna hesitantly crawled back into the bed before examining herself. She held out a hand then experimented with flexing her fingers and Looking herself over, inadvertently giving me a show at the same time. “What have thou done to us?” “Sorry again. It looks like my magic has transformed you into a human so you can blend in. You will go back to normal when I bring you back tonight and you still have your magic.” I proved my point by levitating over a shirt using magic. I had to keep from blushing as she groped herself and continued flexing her new limbs. “I see. Why and I in your bed though?” She narrowed her eyes. “We went to sleep in the living room.” I shrugged and stood up to finished getting dressed as she sat on my bed. I could feel her watching with a slight blush of her own. “Magic. I travel when I fall ‘asleep’ so when we fell asleep in the living room you came with me and when we fall asleep tonight is when I’ll bring you back to Equestria.” “Fascinating.” She tried standing up on two legs but tripped. I quickly grabbed her hand and helped her balance. “Standing like this is most unusual, but it does make us quite tall.” She looked down at her athletic legs and bare feet. “I must ask though, why are you getting dressed?” “Ah, well. Humans don’t have fur any longer so clothing became a necessity then a societal norm. Anyone not wearing the appropriate clothing in public is shunned and could even get into trouble with the law. It’s also considered… intimate to be naked with someone of the opposite gender.” I couldn’t help but give Luna another once over. Dang she looks good as a human. “Should I also don some clothing then? It seems I was already provided some coverage.” She did a twist and ran a hand over her own cutie mark that was upon her hips. I swear she’s doing this on purpose now. I could only nod and retrieved some of my mother’s old clothes I hadn’t gotten around to getting rid of yet. They fit her well enough but not perfectly. “So what are we doing today Dream?” Luna smiled after getting dressed. Flicker looked upset when Luna and I entered the barn after a long breakfast. Luna asked about almost every appliance and needed help with her new limbs. Even now she was struggling with walking yet learning quickly. Luckily for us it was Monday so there were no guests in the barn and the farmhands were already out doing other tasks around the property. “Where were you? I wanted to run.” Flicker neighed angrily. “And who is this?” “Hello, ~~we are~~ I am princess Luna.” I was only slightly surprised that Luna could understand the horses. “So you’re why he missed our morning run?” Flicker gave a snort. I walked over to give her neck a pat then rested my head on her withers. “I’m sorry girl. But you know I can’t go running every day.” “So, is she your mate?” Luna looked between us and I couldn’t help but laugh. Even Flicker gave an amused snort. “No! Flicker here is like my younger sister. My parents are the ones that raised her after her mother passed away during her birth.” I gave Flicker a few comforting scratches as her ears lowered and she pressed against me. “Most of the others here are just boarders that we take care of since their riders don’t have the room.” “Riders?” Luna looked confused as she entered the pen and let Flicker giver her a curious sniff. “Horses and humans have had a long standing bond for a few thousand years now. They let us ride on their backs to travel faster and in exchange we help keep them safe from other predators and house them. Thats a very oversimplified explanation anyway.” I shrugged. “In recent times it’s not as common with modern transportation technology.” Flicker was warming up to Luna and was now receiving ear scratches from the night princess. “What a lovely bond. Ponies have only recently begun connecting with other races and Trains are not as common as ponies think.” “Hey boss.” All three of us flinched a bit when Miller spoke from the open barn door. “Oh, who’s the new girl? She an employee or guest.” I glanced at Luna unsure how to answer at first. “Personal guest.” Miller gained a sly smile while leaning on the doorframe. “Good for you. Well I’m done for now so I’ll be in the reception in case any guests show up.” He winked and walked away. Luna looked confused by the interaction as I face palmed. “What did he mean by guests?” I then spent the next few minutes explaining how the farm worked before I decided it was time to do something else.”Hey Luna want to go play some games?” She tilted her head in a very cute equine manner as I just smiled. "Haza! I win again." Luna excitedly shouted from her spot on the couch while munching on some chips levitating in her blue magic. She had quickly learned how to use her powers again even when complaining about missing her moon. "How?" I was still shocked as I set my controller down. We were twenty matches in on Mario cart and she had won over half of them. “Just how!?” I pouted at the recent loss. "Simple. You need to 'get good noob' as you said to me before." She stuck her tounge out at me. "This is a most wonderful game. Much better quality then the ones at home." She motioned towards the TV. "Equestria has video games?" I found that even more suprising than losing. “Yes. Mine sister has taken us to an arcade before as part of my education. They were nothing quite like this however. She lead back and closed her eyes while humming contentedly and floating over another chip into her mouth. “These snacks are also most excellent.” “Having a good time?” I was genuinely curious as I put away the controls and noticed her relaxed state. “Verily. Ever since my return I have been feeling pressured to catch up with my sister and not many of our little ponies even relax around us.” She sighed. “Twilight Sparkle and the elements are the closest thing to friends I have and yet I do not often get to see them due to them all living in Ponyville.” “You know the girls explained the elements to me before. Were you really that ‘Nightmare Moon’ creature at one point?” She flinched as I sat back down next to her on the couch. “Yes. Our anger and jealousy did consume me at one point, turning me into a monster.” She looked about ready to cry and I couldn’t help but pull her into a hug. “Well you definitely made another friend today, if you’d like.” I again instinctively began stroking her long blue hair. She nodded and buried her face on my shoulder. “I’d like that very much Dream Catcher.” I couldn’t help but laugh and almost fall on the floor as I watched the drink glass continue to spout flames. “How do you burn juice?!” Luna jaws trying to make us lunch but was currently frowning as she extinguished the flames with a wave of magic from her hand. “This is only my third attempt at cooking. The castle chefs won’t let me practice after I ruined one of the ovens.” “But. It’s. Juice.” I shake my head a shoo her out of my kitchen. “Just go sit back down and play o another game, you might like Zelda. I’ll fix us up some lunch. You’re lucky you’re cute and know those extinguisher spells.” I missed her blushing as she walked back towards the living room. It wasn’t long before I joined her with some salads and drinks floating behind me. Luna was too busy swinging her sword in the game to noticed, or so I thought. “This game is even better than the racing one.” She paused and looked at the plates I had set on the coffee table. “Thank you for the meal.” “It’s nothing fancy but I figured something light would be best after all the snacks we ate.” I picked up a fork full. After a few more hours of video games and a healthy dinner it was time for bed. “So all we do is sleep and arrive back in Equestria?” Luna raised an eyebrow as she looked at the bed. I had already stripped to my boxers and was laying back down. I couldn’t sleep in anything more and ponies were always naked anyway. “Yep. We have to be in close proximity and when we ‘wake up’ in Equestria it will be close to Ponyville. I don’t have a home in your world yet to set as a waypoint so it’s a bit random.” Luna also removed her clothes and awkwardly joined me in bed. “I see. Just don’t try anything.” I found myself trying not to laugh as it wasn’t long until she was the one cuddling my side in her sleep. “Sweet dreams Luna.” I wrapped my arms around her and let sleep take over.
Ch 14. A rude awakening.I once again woke up feeling warm, comfortable, and more content than I had in a good while after all the recent loss of my parents and other twists in my life. “Good morning Dream.” Luna’s silky voice tickled my ear in a joking tone. “It appears it’s your turn to wake in my bed. We are glad you kept your promise of seeing me home.” I was about to respond with my own joke but was rudely interrupted. “Sister!” The door to Luna’s room slammed open. Luna quickly pulled me to her chest and hid me using her wings and the blanket. “Why is the moon still up?” I didn’t recognize the voice but suspected it was her sister, Princess Celestia, that I have been told about. “And what are you still doing in bed?” When we were humans, she was the smaller one and I could easily hold her in my arms. Currently, as ponies, our size disparity was reversed and a Luna was quite a bit larger. This allowed her to nervously squeeze me like a stuffed toy held between her forelegs and wings. Its not bad being held like this. “I apologize sister I had a~.” Luna yawned. “long night. I will lower the moon right away.” Before either of us thought better of it Luna lit her horn causing me to let out a surprised whimper due to the sheer amount of magic now running through Luna and myself as she lowered her celestial body. A sound which I unwittingly tried to silence by burying my muzzle into her chest fluff, my warm breath in turn caused her to squirm and almost ‘drop’ the moon. As another side effect of the magic, being too much for my Earth pony physique to properly process, I ended up having an extremely pleasurable experience that ended up all over the stomach of the mare I had budding attraction towards. “Luna, what was that sound and, why does it now smell like stallion essence in here?” Celestia asked right as Luna’s wings stiffened from what just happened. The sudden movement threw off the blanket hiding me and I was now being stared at by Celestia after having just cum all over her sister’s stomach and teats. I finally spoke up after a moment of us all just looking at each other wide eyed in uncomfortable silence. “Luna, I am so sorry. I wasn’t expecting all that magic, it just felt so~ good.” I put plenty of emphasis into the words. Luna’s cheeks became redder with her wings fluttering as she slowly looked down to confirm what had just happened. I was also still out of my sheath so she earned herself a good look at everything I had to offer. “Guards!” Celestia yelled out into the hall then at me. “Get off my sister!” She charged her horn and I ran for the window in a panic, my hooves inadvertently making the mess on Luna worse by spreading it around. After throwing the window open I yelled back, “See you again Luna,” then jumped to my ‘death’. This won’t be a fun wake up. Celestia stood in shock as she helplessly watched the unknown earth pony stallion jump out the window after finishing his assault on her sister. Celestia may have been angry but hadn’t wanted the stallion dead… yet, sadly she knew even the strongest of earth ponies couldn’t have survived from falling out her sister’s tower window. Luna on the other hoof was preoccupied with the sticky substance now fully coating her stomach fur. She had never laid with a stallion but wasn’t unaware of such things. Blushing she used her hoof to bring some to her nose for a sniff and even thought about tasting the pleasantly salty smelling liquid before Celestia spoke and she had to hastily lower the hoof, lest she be caught. “Sister, I’m sorry I over reacted.” Celestia had gotten over her shock. “I didn’t mean to scare your stallion friend like that.” Celestia hung her head and lowered her ears. “I’ll make sure the guards find his body for a proper burial and so you can say farewell.” “Body?” Luna was still shocked, but for an entirely different reason, then began laughing at the absurdity of the entire situation as she used her blankets to wipe her stomach off a bit. “Oh Tia, there’s no need to worry. Dream Catcher will be fine.” “Luna how can you say that?!? No earth pony could survive such a fall.” Celestia was appalled by her sister’s lack of concern. She also crinkled her nose at the smell emitting from her sister’s fur. “Maybe for an ordinary earth pony. Ug, I need a shower. Dream Catcher however will be fine. He is an ‘Earth’ pony. Him and I will probably have to have an awkward conversation but that should be the worst of it.” Luna pulled herself out of bed and walked into her bathroom, her hips and tail swaying a bit. Celestia just watched with her mouth open, fearing her sister may be in shock, then glanced back at the window. Her guards eventually showed up and she ordered them to search for a body as Luna’s maid came to clean up with a knowing smile on her face once she smelt the essence of stallion while she pulled the bedding for cleaning. “oww~.” I woke up cold, with a sore back, and alone in the middle of the night upon my bed. “Why did I panic like that? Stupid pony flight instincts.” Thinking it over though I had just defiled Luna then gotten yelled at by one of the most powerful creatures on Equis that also happened to be her older sister. “Great, I hope Luna isn’t mad or grossed out. I really liked hanging out with her.” Luna happily ate her breakfast as Celestia just watched with concern. “Luna are you sure you’re okay after everything that happened this morning?” “Never better.” She smiled between bites of pancake. “Why?” Luna had taken a nice long warm shower while remembering the fun she had had with Dream Catcher. Their time together may have ended abruptly and awkwardly but she knew they had become friends and would eventually see each other again, how couldn’t they with such compatible powers of dream magic? “Well the guards never found your… friend.” Celestia coughed the last word into her hoof. “Oh it’s fine Tia. He is probably at home safely sleeping by now.” Luna waved her wing dismissively. “Luna, how are you not concerned about him?” Celestia was beginning to worry that Luna might be in denial over the stallion’s death. “Frankly sister we are surprised you are, considering you caused him to jump out our window.” Luna joked back and finished another bite. Celestia slammed her fore-hooves on the table after recovering from that verbal barb. “I’m not. I’m worried that you are not taking the death of your friend seriously! Your denial is becoming a serious concern. “Death?” Luna tilted her head in confusion. “Who’s death?” Celestia felt like she was talking to a wall. Putting a hoof against her chest then taking a breath to calm herself she then spoke slowly. “Luna. Your friend jumped out your window. Yes?” “Yes?” Luna gave another cute head tilt. “A window that is over twenty stories in the air above your rock garden?” “Yes.” Luna raised an eyebrow. “So… I am sad to say that the earth pony who jumped out of that window is likely dead since no pony without wings could survive such a fall.” Celestia tried to sound empathetic. “Nope. He’s fine.” Luna smiled. Now that she realized where the confusion was. Only she knew of Dream’s powers so he was being underestimated. Celestia groaned, slapped herself with both forehooves, and knew it was going to be a long day. I awoke to the sun shining into my room after a night of dreamless sleep and stretched. The best part of being my own boss now was that I no longer had a set schedule. If only it didn’t take the death of my parents. With that depressing thought now stuck in my head I rolled out of bed and lumbered into the bathroom for my morning routine. Once finished I made a quick breakfast and took it outside to the porch to eat. “Sucks I couldn’t spend time with Luna in the castle.” I spoke to myself while sipping from my mug of coffee. “Why, did she have to go home already?” The information about Luna’s visit had obviously spread. “Bah!” I almost dropped my mug and fell back off my chair. “What is with ponies scaring me today?” I put a hand over my chest to calm my heart. “Ponies boss?” The amused female farmhand commented “Never mind. What can I help you with Rachel?” I set my mug down and began patting down my shirt since I had spilled some coffee on myself. “Just wanted to remind you we have that field trip coming out today to see the horses. You know, In case you find any kids around you don’t recognize.” She was still trying out to laugh as I cleared myself up. “Right. I’ll stick around outside today just in case.” She shook her head and walked off. I could tell the others would get a laugh. “Definitely going to be a long day.” I gave up cleaning myself off to go get changed.
Ch5. First nightmare pt2.After Twilight and I finished the last vision we knew what to do. “Alright Girls, Dream and I found out we need to return the Elements to the Tree of Harmony.” Twilight explained. “The what now?” Rainbow Dash gave a confused look. “The Tree of Harmony. It’s where the Princesses found the elements and built their castle above it.” Twilight explained. As she and the girls talked Discord floated back over near me. He pulled out a magnifying glass and began to inspect me. “Can I help you Q?” My patience was running thin now and my sadness was slowly turning to anger after watching those visions. “Just trying to figure you out my little pony friend. It’s not often I run into something that stumps me.” Discord turned into a stump. “Also you keep using that name.” He changed back and pulled on his beard. “Alright girls let’s get moving.” Twilight announced. I wasn’t about to be left alone with Discord/Q so followed along. Once we were deeper into the forest Twilight slowed down next to me. “Dream you know you didn’t have to come along. Us mares can handle this, we are the Elements after all.” The others were walking ahead of us and chatting. “Like I would let my new friends go alone. Besides I could use the distraction.” I lowered my head a bit and huffed. Twilight put a comforting wing on my back which surprised me. “Want to talk about what happened? Applejack said she found you while really upset but not why.” “Maybe later. One life altering event at a time right?” I joked but she nodded along. As we got deeper into the forest we came upon a swamp one filled with monster crocodiles. The girls and I fought them but it wasn’t going well. Rainbow was trying to distract it while Applejacks rope was pulled from her teeth after lassoing it. I noticed Twilight fall at one point and was about to be eaten by the beast. “Twilight!” Running over I pushed her out of the way and was swallowed whole. “Dream Catcher!” Twilight held her hoof out as tears filled her eyes. Her friend had just saved her life and gotten eaten in her place. After a few moments however she couldn’t remember why she was crying. “Twilight are you okay?” Fluttershy asked after rushing to her side. Twilight grimly nodded and promised to look into why she felt this way later. “Twi, I think you need to go back.” AJ held her hat to her chest. “If something happens to ya…” “But… do you all think that?” Her friends all gave sheepish looks but she couldn’t argue. One terrible thing had already happened, even if she couldn’t remember what. Twilight flew off towards town crying again at her friends behavior. “Did we have to send her away?” Pinkie had deflated. “I don’t like it either Pinkie but she almost got eaten!” Rainbow half yelled. “It’s a miracle the thing collapsed dead when it did. Why did that happen Fluttershy?” “Um, it almost looks like it choked on something.” She poked the poor creature,sad it had died but glad her friends were safe. After a short rest the five moved on towards the castle of the two sisters. I took in a massive amount of air when I gasped awake. I was still on the couch after passing out the night before. “Well that sucked. At least Twilight is alive.” I sat there with my hands on my face for a bit. It was still the middle of the night when I received a notification that made me laugh wile reading it. ‘Cragadile core acquired.’ “Hahaha the bastard probably choked while eating me.” I set my phone back down, I can check what it does later. Then took a look around the darkened living room. Along the walls were dozens of family photos including my parents, sister, and I. “Fuck I don’t even know if she’s aware of what happened yet.” I fell back onto the couch and decided to call her. Since she works nights sometimes she just might be awake. When she picked up, “hey bro what are you doing up?” “Hey sis. Listen do you have a minute?” I was never one to drag out conversations with her or her with me. “Sure what’s up?” She matched my hesitant tone. “It’s about mom and dad.” I slowly explained what the cops had told me earlier, pacing the living room as she listened. About halfway through the conversation she had excused herself from work and was heading here. “You sit tight and I’ll be right over.” She hung up after that. I was extremely grateful when she hung up to focus on driving and then decided I might as well send my own job an email about how I would be taking some time off. “Well there’s one less thing to worry about.” Twilight, her friends, The Princesses and even Discord sat staring at the box given to her by the tree of Harmony. “Why the heck does it have seven keys when there’s only six of us?” Applejack was the first to speak up. Twilight was practically pulling her mane out over the inconsistency, six she could understand but seven? “Discord did you have anything to do with this?” Celestia eyed him. “Muah? Not a chance. I’ll admit I left those seeds behind but even I couldn’t effect this. Also I have had the strangest feeling I have forgotten something ever since you five sent Twilight back to town and then she caught up to you all.” He used the same magnifying glass on the box. Twilight’s friends all splayed their ears back and apologized again for sending her away. Twilight wasn’t quite ready to forgive them but was also focused on the strange feeling she had been having as well. “Just what am I forgetting.” She mumbled under her breath. As soon as my sister showed up we shared a long hug both of us crying. The sun had come up while I was waiting for her so had prepared us both breakfast while waiting for her. “What do we do now sis?” I asked while doing the dishes. We had both calmed down during our meal. I just can’t sit still now. Why do I have to worry about those ponies too? I knew the answer was because they had become my friends. “Well I can’t move out here considering my husband and I have our own kids to worry about. The schools and our jobs are too far away from the farm.” She sadly answered while blowing her nose. “Guess I’ll do it.” I nodded setting a clean aside glass to dry. “You’re really going to leave the city, you?” She sounded surprised. “Yeah well it’s not so bad any longer. I only left for college and didn’t move back because getting internet out here used to be a pain. Both those issues aren’t a factor any longer or worth losing the family farm.” I shrugged. “Alright we’ll I guess we better get working on… arrangements.” She started to cry again. By the end of the day we were both exhausted. Due to the nature of our parents deaths and their wish to be cremated the ashes were already being sent to us from out of state. Funeral arrangements and letting the family know had taken up most of our time as well as closing the farm to the public for the next few days. “Well I think that was about everybody from their contacts list.” My sister had just finished informing one of our mothers friends about the upcoming wake. Everything would be at the farm so there was no need for a venue. “Yeah and I just got done speaking with the estate planner. He is already working on getting everything in our names.” I replied. “Ours? But you’re going to live here.” she sounded confused by that. “Sis the farm was obviously left to both of us, if it’s an issue I’ll just buy you out of your half after I sell my house in the city.” “Right. Makes sense.” She shook her head. “I have been awake for way to long and should really get home. But maybe not until after a nap.” She yawned. “One last thing, tell me about that tattoo later.” She yawned again before heading towards one of the guest rooms. Looking myself over I only just noticed my Pajamas didn’t fully cover the marks on my hips and sighed. A long day finished and another long night incoming. I then sat down for a light dinner and considered fighting a few timberwolves tonight just to spend the rest of the night fully sleeping if I ‘died’. Why not? I need to hit something with my hooves after all this.
