Sunshine and Rainshineby SteamFluttershyChaptersChapter 2 (Sunshine)Chapter 3 (Introductions & Tire Tracks)Chapter 4 (Questiones & Concerns)Chapter 5 (Nightmares & Tours)Chapter 6 (Small Talk & Fasion Talk)Chapter 7 (Party Hard & Soft)PrologueChapter 1 (Rainshine)Chapter 2 (Sunshine)It was a quiet and sunny day in Ponyville, and all the ponies were bustling about their business. In a certain tree house in the middle of Ponyville, there was a certain unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle, busy studying in her books. She’d been working all night again. Her eyes were bloodshot of a lack of sleep, her main was all messed up, and she was barely awake. Trying to keep herself up she had her No. 1 assistant, a young dragon by the name of Spike shake her awake every now and then. It was getting less effective every time, but he still managed to keep her awake for a good 2 hours. “Twilight, maybe you should just go and get some sleep now. You’re going to be overworking yourself again!” Spike said. “No. I can’t go to sleep now! I’ll fall behind on my schedule for this month, and I’ll never get back on it unless I work through every night for a week!” She yelled. “Ok, ok. Sorry, it’s just that when you stay up so late for your studies you’ll end up like Applejack who didn’t want to sleep either just to finish bucking apples. You wouldn’t want to end up like that, would you?” Spike reasoned. *sigh* “I guess you’re right Spike. I do not want to end up like Applejack did. I guess I’ll go to bed after I finish this book.” She admitted. “Good. See Twilight, it’s not all that bad to skip a few things for the sake of your health.” He said. It still took a good hour before she even finished the book, and Spike could finally get her into bed. “There, now don’t come out until you’ve had at least 8 hours straight worth of sleep! Okay?” Spike said. “Alright, I get it. Leave me alone now please.” Twilight yawned. Spike was about to close the door when. *BURP* Spike burped flames and they formed a letter. Twilight immediately realized it was a letter from princess Celestia, and jumped up out of bed. *sigh* “So much for trying to get her to sleep.” Spike sighed. Twilight quickly grabbed the letter with her magic and started thoroughly reading it. My faithful student, It has come to my attention, by the Cloudsdale weather pegasi, that the self-sustaining weather in the Everfree forest has been going out of its bounds, and has been causing problems in the regular weather patterns so the weather pegasi have to work extra hard to keep it at bay and keep our weather normal. My sister and I have been asked to see if we could come up with a solution, and we think we have. So we ask if you and the other bearers of the elements are able to come to Canterlot and see us as soon as possible. Once we see the spell works we’ll teach you how to cast it, so you can keep a protective weather border around the forest to keep the weather from interfering with ours. There are 6 train tickets included with this message for you and your friends. We’d like to see you as soon as possible. Princess Celestia. Twilight looked up, her eyes still bloodshot, and sighed, “So much for getting some sleep.” She magically pulled out 6 train tickets for her and her friends for the train to Canterlot. First class of course, like the princess always does. She trotted downstairs, ready to go, and called to Spike, “Spike! The princess wants me to go to Canterlot for a weather problem. You have to stay here. I’m going now!” “Alright Twilight! I got it! Try to get some sleep on the train maybe. It’ll do you good!” Spike said. “Okay, I’ll try!” She said walking out the door. After finally finding all her friends, of which Rainbow Dash was the most difficult to find, they set off for the train station, and waited for the train. “Now what does the princess need us for anyhow? I’m thinkin’ it’s probably one of them problems that need them elements again?” Applejack asked. “No. Actually it's a weather problem” Twilight explained the entire letter to everypony about why the princess wanted to see them. “Now I just don’t understand why she’d be needin’ us for that. I don’t even have nothin’ to do with the weather.” Applejack stated. The train arrived at the station, and the ponies climbed into their own private first class carriage, and took their seats. As soon as they were seated the conductor shouted, “All aboard for Canterlot!” He blew his whistle and the train’s whistle blew long and loud, and started to leave for Canterlot “No. You don’t directly have.” Twilight continued. “But if these disturbances keep up I think you’ll be getting problems with your harvest.” “Hmmm.” Applejack hummed. “Gosh darn it! You’re right Twilight. I reckon she needs to see what effects it may have on ponies with farms near the forest. I wasn’t thinkin’ of that.” “Okay everypony, it’s going to be a long ride, so I’m going to try and get some sleep. I’ve been studying all night again.” Twilight called out. “Oh, again?!” Pinkie Pie called. “You need to stop studying so much and start partying more! I’ll make sure you’re invited more often to my parties!” “Pinkie, you already invite me to all your parties.” Twilight bluntly said. “Oh. That just means I need to throw more parties for you to be at!” Pinkie said, even happier now. “Ugh.” Twilight moaned. “I’m going to bed. See you later!” She said, climbing into her bunk. “Have a good sleep Twilight!” Pinkie yelled. “Have a good rest dear!” Rarity said. “Yeah, you really need to nap more like me.” Rainbow implied. “Good. Go and get some shuteye Twi!” Applejack said. “Um… S-sleep well.” Fluttershy softly said. And with that, Twilight was out like a light. The train arrived in Canterlot, and with that, Twilight was on like a light again. Though she hadn’t slept 8 hours, the 4 hour train ride sliced that time in half. The 6 ponies got off the train and started heading towards the castle. The 6 ponies arrived at the entrance of the throne room, where two guards where guarding the door. Twilight said, “We’re here because the princess called for us for matters that need to be attended.” The guard nodded and went inside. “Princess, the ponies you requested are here.” He said. “Thank you.” The princess said. “Please let them in.” The guard bowed and returned. “The princess will see you now” He told them, and let them in." The 6 ponies entered and bowed before the princesses. “No need to bow for us, you know us well enough” Celestia said. And with that they all rose again. “I assume you all know why you’re here?” Princess Luna asked. They all nodded. “We’re here about an Everfree weather problem.” Twilight said. “Indeed you are” Celestia confirmed. “And you’re going to test it out Twilight, and see if it works. If it does our problem is solved. If not, we’ll just have to find a different way.” Both Celestia and Luna whispered something to Twilight who nodded in understanding. Twilight charged up her horn, and concentrated on the spell, while the 5 other ponies and 2 princesses watched. At first all seemed well, but then… Twilight’s eyes began to glow and the magic was roaring stronger, wilder. Wilder than it was supposed to. It was soon that Twilight realized that she didn’t have control anymore. She was too tired to regain and hold control, and soon, the spell acted on its own. It couldn’t be stopped anymore. The ponies and princesses backed off as it started getting brighter, and brighter. Soon, rain could be heard, heavy rain. It was so bright nopony could see a thing. Finally after a minute or two, it started to die down. The magic faded together with the light and rainy noise. But before anypony could open their eyes and realize what had happened. They heard a bell and somepony yell, “LOOK OUT!” Chapter 3 (Introductions & Tire Tracks)The rain was pouring down heavily as I left my house. Lucky for me my jacket was waterproof, but my pants weren’t so lucky. I didn’t have anything to cover them up. Exiting the street on which I live, I made a right turn and the next street a left, down a long straight stretch of road to the main square. I took another left and rounded the church. Across the 4-way intersection, and over the speed bump. Further down the road I passed the Esso Station, this is a gas station, and went on and around the roundabout. I applied both my brakes early and stopped a good 20 meters later. “I really have to tighten and fix my brake lines. I’m going to have an accident at this rate.” I told myself Like always, I had to wait a very long time before I could finally cross the roundabout, because at 8 ‘o’ clock in the morning it’s rush hour here, from 7 to 9 it usually lasts. After waiting a good five minutes, this is exactly the reason why I always leave early, to have some space for when something like this happens, and it happens very often, I was finally able to cross over, turn left again, cross over the other side of the roundabout once more, this time immediately, since this exit is rarely used, and continued down a slight slope just to go back up a long slow slope. This was the part of my trip I hated the most. I couldn’t go fast because of the hill, the wind was against me like always, and the rain was still pouring down as hard as ever. Now I have to do this more often but this time it just seemed like it was a lot harder than usual. Just keep going, and push on. It’ll be over before I know it. I thought to myself. Then again, this is starting to get really difficult. Maybe I should just stop and call my mom to see if she can call me in late? No! I couldn’t do that. That’d just be irresponsible. Deciding to keep pushing on it started to rain harder. Is it me or is it raining harder and harder as I go on? Just my luck! I thought. Huh? Why is it getting brighter up ahead? It’s raining! But before I knew it, the light was practically in front of me. What the heck is going on here? Ah! The brightness of the light blinded me as I biked straight into it. I still held on to the steering wheel to prevent me from crashing. I biked what felt like a minute or so and then it started getting less and less bright, and I could start to see again. Because if the bright light my eyes were still adapting to the new brightness and I could only see fuzzy. Then I saw what looked like 8 differently colored spots, and I realized that they must be people in my way! *DING* *DING* “LOOK OUT” I yelled, but the spots weren’t moving, and they were closing in fast. I applied my brakes as hard as I could. *SPRANG* *SPRANG* My brake lines had snapped out of their places, so now I didn’t have any braking force at all anymore, and I was still going pretty fast. The fuzzy beings still didn’t move, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I turned my steering wheel as far to the right as I could, but for some odd reason, I wasn’t turning very quickly. Darn! Must be the rain that made it so slippery! I thought. I was still heading straight for a purple figure, I thought it was someone with a purple jacket, but as soon as I was just about to hit them, they jumped aside. I sighed in relief as I had avoided that crash, but I still wasn’t turning very fast. My relief was suddenly drained away as I saw that I was heading straight towards a yellow, pinkish figure, like it was cowering on the ground. It didn’t seem like it was going to move, so I tried turning even harder. Finally, I started to turn and get clear of the obstacle. But it was just a little too late. Even though I was still partially blinded I could see that my tires ran over the yellow thing’s pink part, and as I did, I heard someone yell. Oh! I hope I didn’t hurt them too bad! Luckily I was able to avoid a head-on collision! I thought. Finally being clear of all obstacles, my vision was finally returning. Only to be greeted with the fact of seeing myself head straight for a wall. Turning away wasn’t an option now, as I’d never make that in time. So I said the only thing I could think of. “Hello wall! Nice to meet you! How’s it going?” As a reaction, the wall greeted me with a stone hard hug, and a gift of knocking me out instantly upon impact. I slowly opened my eyes, and was greeted with a less bright encounter. It was pretty dark as far as I could see. I slowly got up and assessed the situation. Apparently I was thrown in some kind of jail, me and my bike with me. It was a stone walled jail, I kind of had it with stone walls for now, with a few puddles of rainwater and a hay bed. “You know, the rain wasn’t all that bad…” I reasoned. It was then and there that I realized I probably wasn’t in my own country anymore, unless this was some kind of cruel joke played by someone. Slowly getting up and stretching, my bones cracking as I did, I looked and walked towards the door. All I could see was a long corridor and nobody in plain sight. Must be some kind of dungeon. I thought. Who the heck still uses a dungeon now days?! I looked back at my bike and decided to assess the damage. “Hmmm, just a twisted steering wheel, I can fix that right now. But the brake lines… I’m going to need a screwdriver in order to fix those, and I don’t have one on me now.” I concluded. I got the bike up, twisted the steering wheel back in place and set the bike upright on its stand. Once I fixed the bike I turned around and saw a few figures looking at me through the door. They didn’t look like human figures though, more like horses. My heart and mind were going crazy at this assessment. Suddenly, something that looked like a horn started to glow on a large figures head, and so did the lock of the door. My heart stopped as the door was unlocked and opened, and the large horse-like figure stepped inside towards me. Once it stepped into the light, I could see it, or her as far as I could guess. She was just as large as a horse, only she had a horn and a pair of wings attached as well. She had a bright white coat too. What did they call these things? Umm… Alicorns, that’s it! I noticed a picture of the sun on her flank, wondering what that meant I decided to look at her face. All I could really tell was that she was looking down on me, her smile curled down. Now, my expression was emotionless. In my head however, it was going crazy. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?! WHY ARE THERE MYTHICAL CREATURES STANDING IN FRONT OF ME?! WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?! CAN I EVEN GO HOME?! And such questions were running through my mind. My dad always taught me to be and keep calm in every situation, and I’m glad he did. ‘Cause I didn’t want to freak out right here and right now. It’d be a bad idea. I was going to handle this like a man, and no less. No, that doesn’t mean I’m going run around scared and screaming, pleading them to let me go. Slowly but surely I brought up my hand towards her and held it up. First impressions, eh? She looked at my hand and back at me, I was slightly smiling. This went on for about a minute until she finally, but reluctantly raised her hoof towards my hand. I slowly grabbed it, held it firm, but shook it gently. “Hello! The name’s Brendan. Nice to meet you.” She was taken aback a little by this, apparently not expecting me to talk and to be friendly. We shook for about two more seconds before her frown turned upside down and she smiled. “Hello. I am princess Celestia, princess of the sun. Nice to meet you too.” She said. In a motherly voice that would make anyone calm down I had kind of figured she’d talk, so I wasn’t taken aback that far by this. Then a dark blue alicorn with a moon as mark on the flank came up next to her and slowly raised her hoof as well, and I shook it the same way as I did to Celestia. “Hello. My name is Princess Luna, princess of the night. Charmed to meet you.” She said this a little more stern than Celestia did, nevertheless it couldn't worry anybody. “Likewise” I replied. “Name’s Brendan, your highness.” Looking behind them I saw 6 ponies, still looking scared and reluctant. I let go of Luna’s hoof and I saw a unicorn with the same white coat as Celestia slowly making her was to me. She had a purple mane and three diamonds as a mark on her flank. “Certainly any creature with manners as such isn’t hostile at all.” She said, in what sounded like a clear British accent. Thank you dad, for teaching me proper manners! I Thought. I took her hoof all the same and shook it. “I’m Rarity. Ponyville’s most known and appreciated fasionista, and element of generosity. Pleased to meet you! I had no idea what element of generosity meant, but I pushed it aside for now. “Pleased to meat you too, miss Rarity. My name’s Brendan” “Pleased to meet you Brendan. I can see you are well mannered.” She said. “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment” I said. “You’re welcome” She replied. At this time a lavender unicorn stepped up and we shared the same gesture. “Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’m the princess’ personal student, and element of magic!” She quite eagerly, but not boastingly, stated. “I’m amazed to meet you!” “Brendan. Likewise” I said. Then all of a sudden my vision was obscured with nothing but a pink face with a smile. “Oo, oo, me next, me next! Hi I’m Pinkie Pie, who are you?! Do you like cakes?! What flavor?! What’s your favorite color?! Oh, I should throw you a ‘Welcome to Equestria party!” She was talking a mile a minute. I wondered how she could keep that up without breathing. Still her smile was contagious and it made me smile. I spoke after she calmed down. “Hi Pinkie Pie! I’m Brendan. My favorite color is yellow. A party sounds great after I get this situation settled. Yes, I like cakes. As for the flavor, I don’t think you have it here.” “Oh, come on, tell me!” She pleaded. “Ok, I like cakes with Speculoos filling” “Specu-what now?” “Speculoos filling. It comes from a cookie that we call ‘Speculaas.’ That’s a ginger spiced cookie, and Speculoos is a creamed version of the cookie.” I explained. “Wow! I’ve never heard of that, but it sounds delicious! You should come by Sugarcube Corner so we can make it, oo and then we can make other cakes and cupcakes and sweets together too!” “That sounds like a great idea Pinkie! I’m sure I’ll do that once I get these happenings settled.” “Okie dokie lokie!” She said. She was then pulled back by and orange mare with a hat and tree freckles on each cheek and three apples as a mark on her flank. She looks like a country girl to me. I thought. “I’m a might sorry ‘bout that, but that’s just the way Pinkie is, all happy to make new friends and throw them parties.” She said in a thick southern accent. I had always fancied that accent, I could do it rather well myself. “Well, she’s got this friend in the bag” I said. “Whoohoo!” Pinkie yelled. “I’m Applejack. I work on the apple farm just outside of Ponyville. We make the best apples of all Equestria!” “I’m Brendan, Pleased to meet.” We shook hands/hooves, and she shook very hard and fast, thus, I responded to that the same way. “Well I’ll be, I’ve never met anypony that gave a hoofshake like an Apple does.” “Well, I was taught to shake strong and firm, so it’s normal.” Applejack tipped her hat to me. “By the way, nice hat, I have one myself. Just not on me now.” “Well, thank ya kindly surgarcube! I bet ya’ll’d look good in a hat.” “Thanks!” Next a cyan pegasus flew up to me. She had a rainbow colored mane and a cloud with a rainbow bolt as a mark. “Hey, I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria. You seem okay, but I’ve got my eye on you. If you hurt anypony I’ll pound you to the ground.” She said in a raspy voice. “Hi Rainbow Dash. I’m Brendan. You don’t have to worry about me hurting anyone. I never ever resort to violence. I hate fighting.” “Cool. But I’m still watching you!” She held out her hoof, and I figured she’d be the type of pony for a fist/hoofbump. So, I bumped her hoof. She grinned and flew back again. Just when I thought I had had them all, I saw a yellow coated, pink maned pegasus cowering, being very scared. She reminded me of my elementary school self. I walked up to her and decided to bend down to try and meet her at eye level. “Hello.” I said quietly. “I’m Brendan, what’s your name?” “U-u-umm… I-I-I’m F-Fluttershy” She whispered. She had a barely audible voice, but it was like an angel speaking. “Fluttershy? Did I get that right?” She nodded. Still hiding behind her pink mane. “Well that’s a nice name.” I said. Trying to give her more confidence. “Th-Thank you.” She whispered. I slightly held out my hand to shake hers, and she shakingly brought her hoof up and we gently shook. While we shook hands I noticed a pair of black stripes in the right end of her mane. I mentally gasped in realization of what I had done. I stopped shaking her hoof and put my hand on my mouth. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I realized I accidentally drove over something, and it must’ve been your mane, oh I’m so sorry. You know what? Don’t worry, I’ll fix it!” “Oh, no, it’s nothing really. You don’t have to do anything.” She quickly said. “No! I insist that I do something. It’d be utterly disrespectful to a mare like you for not fixing things that are my fault to you! I’ll be right back!” “Umm… Okay. *Eep*.” I walked back to my bag on the bike and took out some tissues and a hairbrush. For those of you who ask; why do I have a hairbrush in my backpack? Well, I occasionally have to do my little sisters hair, so I need to keep one on me at all times. I walked over to a small puddle of water and wet one of the tissues, then came back to Fluttershy. “Don’t worry. I’ll have it clean and back to normal in no time.” “O-okay” She said. I held her mane so, so I made sure that I didn’t pull it, and used the wet tissue to get all the black marks out. Once done, I took the dry tissue and dried up the wet section, and then proceeded to brush her mane back to its right position. While I was brushing, I could see her face. She had beautiful turquoise eyes which were eying me, inspecting me, making sure I wasn’t going to do anything sudden. Which I wasn’t. It felt like she could see right through me, and read me on the spot. She then turned her eyes to mine and I quickly turned them away from her, back to her mane. I also noticed she had a mark of three butterflies on her flank. That’s the first thing I need to ask. What are those marks for? I could only imagine what she could see in my eyes. Probably just blackness. My eyes had such a dark shade of brown you could only see it if you got close enough, or if you would shine a light directly into them. Otherwise they just looked pitch-black. I finished up her mane and stroked the part to make sure it would stay, which it did. “There you go. No need to thank me. It was my fault after all.” I said. “W-well, Th-thank you anyway” She said, a bit more comfortable. Just before I got up, I could see a small smile on her lips. This made me smile in turn, to see her smiling after I corrected my mistake. I put the brush and tissues back inside my bag and returned to the princess. “Well, it’s an honor to meet you all, now I assume everyone, err, everypony, has questions for me? And I do likewise.” The princess nodded and said, “Yes, we indeed have. Sorry for locking you up down here, it was just to ensure the safety of my subjects.” I waved it off. “No need to apologize. I completely understand your good judgment and your wise action.” “I’m glad to see you understand. Now, let’s go to our throne room and exchange questions there. It’s much more comfortable to do it in a more welcome surrounding.” Celestia said. “Indeed.” I stated. And with that, we headed down the corridor, up the stairs and towards a set of large double doors. Two guards who stood at those doors opened them as we came. I looked at the throne room in awe. It was just magnificent! The gold, silver, brass, stained windows, all of it. It was a work of true craftsmanship. “Please, take a seat, and we can discuss our matters” Celestia said. I saw a couple of soft pillows against a wall. I grabbed one, put it down and sat on it. It was really comfortable. I sat in the bottom-middle. The other 6 ponies did as well. Rainbow sat top-right, Twilight top-left, Rarity middle-left, Applejack middle-right, Pinkie in the middle, and Fluttershy, sat bottom-left, left next to me. Chapter 4 (Questiones & Concerns)Celestia and Luna took their respective places on their thrones in front of us. “So, let us start…” “Umm… May I suggest something, princess?” I asked. “Yes, yes you may.” “Since we both have questions for each other, I suggest we exchange questions.” “Great idea!” … “Ladies first” “Thank you. Can you tell us what you exactly you are and where you come from?” “Of course! As you know I’m Brendan, I’m a homo sapient, or human for short. I come from a planet named Earth. I was born on May 23rd 1996 in the quaint village of Schinveld in the country of the Netherlands. One of the hundreds of countries in the world.” “Hundreds?!” Twilight exclaimed. I noticed she was taking notes of everything I was saying. “Yes, Hundreds of countries, with even more languages.” “How many do you know?” “Exchange in questions, remember?” “Oh, right.” “Okay, Where am I now?” “You’re in the land of Equestria, in the capital of Canterlot. The others here are from Ponyville, just south of here.” Celestia Explained. “Okay, thank you, that clears things up a bit.” “Do you always wear clothes, and why then?” Rarity chimed in. “Umm… Yes, we always wear clothes for two main reasons. Firstly, as you all have probably noticed, I have no fur except on my head. So it’s a good thing to keep myself warm. Secondly, well, there are certain… Areas we’d like to keep covered at all times, since, unlike with ponies, they don’t cover themselves. Nudity is frowned upon in my world. The ponies blushed a bright crimson at the thought of the latter reason. “Oh well, sorry for asking. I shouldn’t have intruded into personal matters like that.” Rarity apologized. “Oh it’s not a problem; I figured the question would come around.” I gave them a warm smile, reassuring the ponies to let them know I was fine with it. *Ahem* “Well… Now, how many of those languages do you know?” Twilight resumed. “If you take my dialect into account, five: Dutch, English, German, Limburgish Dialect and French.” “Wow, how do you remember them all?!” “I don’t know. Once you get them it goes by itself.” “Can you give us some examples?” “Alright, but you owe me 2 questions!” “Okay.” “Nou dan begin ik maar eens met Nederlands. Und dan wechsel ich zu der Deutsche sprache. Dan liekt ut dialect op ut Hollesch. Et le plus dernière est le Français.” “The first was Dutch, second was German, third was the Limburgish Dialect, and last was French.” “What about English?” “I’m speaking it now.” I retorted. “Oh, it’s called Equestrian here.” I could have figured. “Okay, now I have two questions, what are those marks on your flanks for?” “They’re called; cutie marks. Luna Explained. They appear when a pony finds his or her special talent, and it represents what it is. Humans do not have these?” “Nope, we all have things we excel at, but we don’t have specific special talents.” “Okay, next, what was that glowing of your horn back in the dungeon?” “That was magic.” Twilight explained. “You’ve never heard of it?” “Yes I have but there is no real magic in my world, it’s all tricks an illusions.” All the ponies gasped in shock. “How can you live in a world without magic?!” Twilight asked in shock. “With technology. Very advanced technology. My bike, the thing on two wheels back downstairs, it just a very small example.” “Wow, a world with advanced technology, but no magic. This is a very interesting thing” Twilight said while writing all of this down.” “Okay, your turn again.” “How are your countries ruled? Like we have the princesses?” “Monarchy was stopped a long time ago, there are still a few out there but it’s very unpopular, because the highnesses were selfish when it came to big decisions. Not all of them, but still most of them. So now we can be ruled by a President, Prime Minister, Premier, a Parliament, or even a Dictator, but you’d rather not, it’s like a very bag king.” Twilight’s quill was writing like crazy, trying desperately to keep up with my explanation. “Okay, now what do you have princesses for? No offence, but you seem like a culture that lives in peace, with princesses who are just as friendly.” “Why thank you. As for your question; We are the princesses of the sun and the moon, I raise the sun when it’s time, and Luna here raises the moon when I lower the sun.” “Well… That’s new, then again what would I expect from a race that can use magic. In my world the moon and sun raise themselves, the Earth turns on its own axis and revolves around the sun, and the moon revolves around the Earth. So it makes day and night by itself.” “What?! Really?! This is totally different from our world. I wonder how it can all work by itself?” Twilight inquired. “Gravity, eh.” “Next you’re gonna tell me that the weather controls itself too.” “Actually, Yes, it does.” I deadpanned. “What?! How can you prevent big storms or let it rain when you need it?” “We can’t. All we do is predict how the weather will move and get the people out of there if the weather is extremely bad.” “W-wow. Y-your w-world seems… harsh.” Fluttershy said with pity in her voice. “Well, at least it’s not as bad as the two world wars were. “TWO WORLD WARS?!” They all shouted in union. “Umm… Yes. Those were horrible times.” “How in Equestria can you provoke an entire world to war?!” Twilight asked with disgust. “Well, the 1st World War wasn’t just one country that provoked all the other, rather what we call the domino effect. It started in 1914 when a Serbian assassinated the duke of Austria-Hungary, which led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, but because Austria-Hungary had a bond with Germany, they were pulled into the war, and Serbia had a bond with Russia which pulled them into the war. While Germany was mobilizing their army, France didn’t like that and so, mobilized theirs as well. And when Germany invaded France, France declared war, and when Germany invaded Belgium, who had a bond with the United Kingdom, the UK declared war as well. And, because Germany kept destroying US ships, the US finally lost its temper and also declared war on Germany. And because all those countries except for the United States had colonies, they were fighting against each other as well. It finally ended when the Allies, who were the good sides, were able to push Germany back and end the war in 1918.” All the ponies were listening with their mouths to the floor, except for Twilight who, of course, was writing all of this down. “The 2nd World War was started purely by Germany again, who after the 1st World War was weak, was built up again by a leader named Hitler, and he was a pretty good leader until he invaded Poland in order to gain ground. When he invaded Austria it was the tipping point for the rest of the world and France and The United Kingdom declared war once more. Germany had a bond with Japan, and Japan decided to attack the US in Pearl Harbor, and so, even though the US wanted to stay out of the war, declared war on Germany once more. When Germany tried to invade the Soviet Union, formerly known as Russia, opening a second front doing so, the USSR declared war on Germany. It lasted 6 years, from 1939 until 1945. When the USSR and the US and UK were able to cut Germany’s supply lines, push them back and end the World Wars for good. Germany was divided in 4 parts to prevent this from happening again. Now days however, Germany is one country again, but they will never again do something as bad as they did in the World Wars.” Twilight finished writing all of this down and everypony just looked at me with shock in their eyes. Fluttershy was quietly sobbing, and Pinkie was on the verge of crying. “I’m sorry you had to hear all that. I hope you won’t judge me on these happenings. I’ve never picked a fight in my life; I’ve always walked away from them.” “Well…” Rarity started. “I don’t know about all of you, but I can see that I can’t blame him for all of that. He seems like the person that would rather not fight, and I won’t judge him on his people’s history.” “Thank you Rarity. I appreciate your understanding” “I think everypony here agrees with me, don’t we?” They all confidently nodded and I was washed over with a feeling of relief. “Any other questions your highness or anypony else?” “I think we’ve asked enough questions for now.” Celestia said. “Anything you’d still like to ask?” “No princess, I have no more questions” “Well, I don’t know about you, but I believe it is lunchtime and I would like to treat our guest to lunch in the castle.” They all nodded in agreement. My stomach rumbled at the word of lunch. I blushed out of embarrassment and the ponies giggled. “Thank you princess, I appreciate your offer.” I said. We all got up off of the pillows, put them back against the wall and followed the princess through the long corridors to the huge dining hall. “Please everypony, take a seat.” Celestia said. We all took a seat at an empty table and a waiter came up to us with the menu. There wasn’t much I could choose from, I never was the salad type, and that seemed to be very common here. Then again, they were ponies; of course they’d have lots of salads. I settled on a fruit salad with more fruit than salad, I love every type of fruit, and when the waiters came in in with all of our orders, I was baffled by the fruits. I had never seen so many different fruit at once, and my mouth was watering, ready to dig in. Starting with an apple and a watermelon slice, Pinkie asked me; “What do you all eat back on Earth? “Yeah, I noticed you have all kinds of teeth.” Rainbow added. I nervously and audibly swallowed an apple piece and smiled nervously. I rather wouldn’t have had them ask that question. “Well… we eat vegetables and fruits just like you, and… m-m-…” “And what Brendan?” Celestia asked. “M-m-meat? We’re omnivores.” The moment I said that everypony stopped eating and turned their gazes towards me. … I nervously smiled, hoping it wasn’t too much of a shock. “GUARDS!” Celestia shouted; her voice losing its motherliness and becoming one of anger. Crap, now I’ve done it. I was surrounded by guards in mere seconds. “Take him back to the dungeons! I won’t have a half carnivore on the loose in my kingdom!” “Wait! Can I at least try to explain?!” “Hold!” She said. I figured this was my queue and immediately began to explain. “In my world animals aren’t sentient like here! With ‘most’ of the animals it is; kill or be killed, so in that case I really don’t have a choice! But we can live without meat; there are enough people in my world that resent it! Please!” Now I was pleading. “I’d never hurt anypony here, there’s no need to! I can live fine without it!” I could see Celestia thinking about what I said. My future would depend on her choice now. Celestia then got up and came over to me, placed her horn on my forehead. It started to glow and I felt a dull throbbing in my head. I looked around and the world slowly started to fade away until I blacked out. “Hmm, It has never effected anypony else like that before” Celestia wondered. Slowly the world started to light up again and I regained my vision. I looked at the princess who was standing over me. “I’ve looked into your mind and have seen that you have no intentions to harm any of my little ponies. Guards! You may let him go and leave.” Oh, thank God. I let out a huge sigh of relief and sat back down. “Well then, I’m sorry I jumped to such conclusions too quickly.” Her voice had returned to a motherly tone once more. “I-it’s okay.” I stuttered; still a bit shocked. We ate the rest of our meal in peace, but not without a few awkward glances my way, watching me as if I would attack them. After lunch they seemed to have warmed up to me again, and I thank the heavens for that. I didn’t want to live around with ponies disgusting me for the fact that I’d eaten meat. “You must all be exhausted of an almost sleepless night regarding current events.” Celestia started. In all honesty, I wasn’t tired, but then again, I was knocked out half the time and they were all probably trying to figure out what happened. “You may all rest in the guest rooms here in the castle for the time being” She finished. For some odd reason Rarity’s face lit up and she sqeed with joy. Apparently she liked high class standards; then again she’s a fashionista. “Thank you for your hospitality princess” I said. “You’re quite welcome. Now, you can all follow the guards to your respective rooms.” We all thanked the princess once more and turned to the guard. “If you will all follow me please.” And we all followed. After leading all the ponies to their rooms the guard led me to mine. “Here you are Sir. Here is the key. Have a good night.” “Thanks!” The guard took his leave and I entered the huge room, there was a huge four-poster bed, a wardrobe and a door off to the side. There was a bathroom with a big tub and a toilet. Nice quality rooms. I thought. Well duh, It’s a royal castle, of course it high quality. I walked back, over to the wardrobe. Empty. Figured. I walked over to the bed and let myself fall onto it. It was heavenly soft and I laid back and closed my eyes. As I tried to get some shuteye, I stared to wonder about back home, my family, my friends. They’re probably wondering where I am. It started to concern me if I could even get back, never being able to see my family again, my friends, and a whole life, gone. As I tried to push those last thoughts away I finally managed to fall asleep. Dreaming about a, possibly, new life in a new world. As the only human in Equestria. Chapter 5 (Nightmares & Tours)I was home, upstairs in my room. It was about 5:30 PM and I asked myself; why hadn’t I been called down to eat yet? We usually eat at 5:00 PM. I decided to go and check if everything was still okay, and I went downstairs into the dining room. The normally short and quick trip took longer than normal, like something was trying to hold me back. I finally made it to the dining room and saw that everyone except me was eating. “Hey, mom and dad, why haven’t you called me down to come and eat?” No answer. “Hey, guys! Why are you ignoring me?” No answer. Now it was really starting to get on my nerves. “Hey dad, answer me please!” They all finally turned their heads and dad spoke; “You, you left us, left us to worry, thinking you’d be dead and such, and you even have the nerve to come back!” “Huh? B-but…” “No buts!” He screamed. “You decided to leave us for some weird pony world and never come back! You’re not part of this family anymore, we never want to see you again, and we disown you!” “W-what?” I stammered. “You heard me, now go away!” Slowly but surely the entire room and house were sinking farther away from me, and no matter how hard I tried to get back to the table, it seemed as if it kept going faster and faster, no matter how fast I tried to run. “NOOOOOOOOOO, DOOOOOOOOOOON’T!” “NOOOOOOOOO, DOOOOOOOOOOON’T!” I screamed as I shot upright and awake. I was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. “Oh, good, it was only a dream, though it seemed very real.” The thought of me not being able to get home was doing a number on me, but I couldn’t let it affect me. Then I heard a soft knocking on my door followed by a soft angelic voice. “Umm… Brendan? A-are y-you okay?” I still had my clothes on from yesterday, so I walked up to the door and opened it, revealing a concerned looking butter-yellow Pegasus. “Oh, hello Fluttershy, yeah I’m okay, just a nightmare is all.” “Oh, o-okay then, a-are you sure you’re okay? Because when I passed by your door I heard you scream in your sleep and shout; no. So I thought I’d check up on you to see if you were okay. Umm… I-if that’s okay with you.” “Yeah, I’m okay with it, thanks for your concern, but I’m fine now.” “O-okay.” At that moment my stomach decided to give its point of view and grumbled. I lightly laughed and Fluttershy gave a small giggle, until her stomach decided to do the same which made her blush lightly. “Well,” I started. “Looks like it’s that time in the morning again, I think we should get some breakfast. Do you want to walk with me to the breakfast hall Fluttershy?” “Y-yes, I’d like to.” She said with the light blush still on her face. That’s just so cute. I thought. I closed the door behind me, locked it, and joined up with Fluttershy towards the breakfast room. Thank goodness for signs! I’d probably get lost trying to find the breakfast hall without. I mentally sighed. “So how did you sleep last night Fluttershy?” I asked. “Oh, I slept just fine, although I’d rather sleep back home.” She answered. “Yeah, there’s no place like home, huh?” She nodded and looked at me, smiling, immediately noticing that my smile had sunk. “Oh, what’s wrong? W-was it something I said? Oh, I’m so sorry” She whimpered and hid herself behind her mane. “Oh, no, not at all, my statement just made me think about home, that’s all” I sighed. “Oh, I’m sorry for reminding you, I shouldn’t have.” She whimpered, still behind her mane. “Oh Fluttershy,” I said putting my hand on her head and removing her mane from her face so I could see her and she could see me. “It’s not your fault, and don’t you think it was, it couldn’t have been your fault, you didn’t know it would’ve led to this, you were just curious is all. I couldn’t possibly blame you.” We looked at each other and she smiled once more making me smile. “Thank you, I can overreact sometimes thinking I did something bad.” She said. “Oh Fluttershy, how could you do something bad?” “Umm… thanks.” She blushed at the compliment and quickly retreated behind her mane again. I mentally shook my head thinking; Oh boy… We finally arrived at the breakfast hall and everypony else was already there. “Are we really that late?” I mockingly asked. “Ugh, no!” Rainbow groaned. “We’re just early. Why couldn’t we sleep longer?” “Because, Rainbow.” Twilight stated. "We all have work to do. We can’t nap all day like you do!" Rainbow groaned in frustration and just buried her head in the chair’s pillow. Fluttershy and I laughed at the sight and took a seat at the table. The waiters came by and gave us the breakfast menu, and I looked at it hoping there’d be something of interest to me. Please have eggs, please have eggs, please have eggs. Yes, they’ve got eggs and toast with it! Now if they had bacon it’d be even better, but… well… I trailed off into thought, not noticing that the waiter was waiting for my order. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’d like the eggs and toast please.” “Very well sir.” He said, taking the menu back and walking into the kitchen. The service in this place was almost instant, and within minutes we all had our breakfast in front of us and we all dug in. “So, Brendan, how was your night?” Celestia inquired. “Not the best ever but it was good.” I answered. Not wanting to worry everypony with the nightmare, but it still brought a question to mind. “Excuse me, princess Celestia, but do you think there is a way for me to get back home?” Celestia sighed and answered; “We’re going to look into it as soon as possible to find a way to get you back home. In the meantime though, I think you might be staying here for a while.” “Oh, that won’t be a problem.” I reassured them. I was really hoping that they could find a way to send me back, but I still had my doubts bugging me. “So, what do you think of the night?” Luna cut in. “In all honesty, I love the night way more than the day. No offence princess Celestia.” She just smiled and waved it off and I continued; “But there’s so much more to see at night than there is in the daytime, the sky is absolutely beautiful with all its stars and one bright moon. I was looking out the window quite some time before I fell asleep.” “D-do you really mean that?” Luna asked, all of a sudden being happier than I could even think somepony could be. Well, her smile could rival Pinkie’s just about now. I thought. “Every word is true” I responded. Luna all of a sudden jumped up and hugged me. I was in total shock right there; she really caught me off guard. I was hesitant to return the hug, but eventually I lightly did. I didn’t know somepony could become so happy of the thought about someone loving the night more than the day. “See dear sister, I told you somepo-, someone absolutely loved your night as much as you do.” Celestia said to Luna. Luna broke the hug and blushed as she realized what she was doing and retook her seat. *Ahem* “Well, sorry about that. I think I was just a bit overjoyed there.” She said. “Don’t sweat it; I didn’t know anypony could become so happy with such a simple compliment.” I said. Luna simply nodded, and we all ate the remainder of our meal in relative silence. After we all finished breakfast the waiters came along and cleared the table of our plates. “Alright, it was nice meeting you Brendan, and I hope you have a pleasant stay in Equestria for the time being. I promise we’ll look into your situation as soon and quickly possible.” Celestia said. “It was nice meeting you all as well, and thank you for trying to find a way home for me. I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy my stay for as long as it’ll last.” I replied. It was then that it hit me. I didn’t have a place to stay nor did I have any money, well, I did have money, but I didn’t think they’d accept Euros or Dollars here in Equestria. “Umm, excuse me princess Celestia, but I don’t have a place to stay nor do I have any of your currency. How should I get around?” “Well, normally I could loan you money, but lately there have been so many ponies asking for loans that the land isn’t able to afford it right now. I’m terribly sorry. As for your lodging…” “I don’t think he could stay with me. Twilight started. “The library is a mess at the moment.” “We’re all havin’ a renovation goin’ on at the house and barn, so we’re cramped up right now too.” Applejack informed. “Oo! I’d like to invite you to stay at Sugarcube Corner, but with the cake's babies being all wild I don’t think they’d appreciate the extra occupation.” Pinkie added. “Sweetie Bell has messed up my guest room and it’s a drama. I’m sorry, I can’t either.” Rarity said with regret. “And I don’t think you can stand on clouds now can ya?” Rainbow said. “Huh? You live in a cloud?” I asked pretty amazed. “Yeah, it’s a pegasus’ special ability to stand on clouds, so we build our houses out of clouds too. They’re very easy to move around too.” “Wow, I never thought I’d really see could houses. It just gets better and better.” “He could come and stay with me, I’m sure my animals won’t mind! Umm… I-if t-that’s okay with y-you.” Fluttershy piped in. “Are you sure Fluttershy? I’m pretty sure I’d be able to find another place to stay. I wouldn’t want to intrude.” I replied. “Oh, no, I’m sure, I’m mean, I c-couldn’t leave you out there if you couldn’t find a place to stay.” “Well I very much appreciate your offer, and it’d be rude for me to refuse. Thank you for being such a kind pony Fluttershy.” “Oh, i-it’s n-not a problem, not at all.” She said, slightly blushing and hiding behind her mane. She’s just so cute when she does that. I thought. “Well, now that that is settled. I’ve arranged a train back to Ponyville; it’ll be leaving shortly, so you’d best all be going.” Celestia said. We all thanked the princesses both once more and left the castle towards the train station. We finally arrived at the station, but not without me receiving lots of awkward glances from everypony. Some ponies waved nervously and I waved back reassuring them that I was friendly. Some just stared wide eyed at me, and some even ran away. Hey, what would you do if you saw someone strange looking walks by and he’s almost twice as tall as yourself? As if on cue the train arrived as we arrived and we immediately boarded the train’s fist class coach. It was a splendid site; it could’ve been the princess’ private coach if it wouldn’t have been for the lack of a throne. The interior was almost as good as that from in the castle. I took a seat in one of the private compartments and stared out the window as the train let out a beautiful whistle and started leaving for Ponyville. I’ve always loved trains since I was a baby, and the fact that they had trains here in Equestria made me happy. I sat alone in the compartment just staring out of the window, enjoying the scenery for about two hours of the four hour trip, when I heard the compartment door open and a yellow head with pink hair poked inside. “Umm, c-can I-I, Umm… c-can I…” “Can you come in and sit here? Yes you may.” I said finishing and answering her sentence for her.” “Oh, o-okay” She said, coming into the compartment and taking a seat across from me. She noticed me staring out of the window and she did the same. We sat in complete silence until I started. “I want to thank you again for being so kind to me. Letting me stay at your place.” “Oh, it’s nothing really. I don’t mind.” … “Do you like watching the scenery when you’re travelling?” She asked. “Yeah, I do, I love it. I’ve always loved train rides in general, and this beautiful scenery makes it all the better.” I replied. … “So, I heard you have lots of animal friends back at your house?” “Oh yes, I have many kinds, I love taking care of my little animals, and they love me for taking care of them. It makes me happy to see them happy.” I chuckled. “I bet you make a great caretaker if not the best.” She blushed once more. “Thank you.” “So, tell me something about your animals and what you do around your house.” We spent the last hours of the ride talking about her, her animals, and even some of my own animal experiences. I only had some fish at one point which I loved, and I told her about the time I once found a wounded little bird while mowing the lawn and took it inside and patched up and let it heal and let it go again. She seemed very happy about this. Stepping out onto Ponyville station very late in the evening, the train ride was longer than four hours due to a switch problem, Twilight started; “Why don’t we give you a quick tour of Ponyville while we all walk home, at least you’ll know the basic points of Ponyville and you’d be able to find your own way through, and you’ll know where we all live should you need us?” “That’s very thoughtful of you Twilight, of course I’d like to. And so, we set off on my tour of Ponyville, but, of course, not without me receiving the same kinds of stares like I had in Canterlot. The first place we arrived at was a carrousel like house with purple lining. “I’m guessing this is your place, Rarity?” “Indeed it is. You sure have a keen eye on details don’t you?” “I’ve always had, but sometimes it’s more of a burden than an advantage, especially if you always see the details, but luckily I’ve resolved that problem.” “That’s a good thing to hear. Anyway, you should pass by one day so I can make you some more clothes. Only having one of each seems… horrid.” “I have to admit; you’re right, but I don’t have any money on me. How in the world am I supposed to pay for it?” “Oh I’ll have none of that; I’ll do it for free. Consider it as a gift welcoming you to Ponyville.” She insisted. “That’s very generous of you, but I insist that I repay you in some way.” I pressed on. “No, you have not to. Just come by when you have the time and I’ll get it sorted you as soon as possible.” She insisted once again. “Okay then, I’ll see when I can stop by.” We all said our goodbyes to Rarity and set off towards a big tree house in the middle of town. “This is Ponyville library and where I live.” Twilight stated. I wouldn’t have expected different. “If you ever need a book on something, or you need me, then this is the place to be.” She finished. “Will do Twilight, will do. Thanks for showing me.” I said. We left Twilight and set off to a house that looked like it was made out of pastries. This reminds me of Hansel and Gretel, but with ponies instead of a witch. “Let me guess, this is Sugarcube Corner and where Pinkie Pie lives and works?” I started. “Righty you are.” Pinkie began. “And you should totally come over and have a cupcake some day or a cookie or cake or anything baked by me!” “I’ll be sure to come over and taste some of your wondrous pastries Pinkie!” I said with eager. “Woohoo, alright, see you later Brendan!” “See you later Pinkie Pie!” She shot inside faster than I even thought was possible. I was about to question it when I thought; don’t ask, it’s Pinkie Pie. “I’m gonna go from here on too” Rainbow Dash said. “I’ll see you later Brendan. Maybe you can come and see me do some tricks someday. You’ll be blown away by their awesomeness!” “I’m pretty sure I will Rainbow.” I said challengingly. “Oh it’s on! Just you wait!” We waved goodbye and she shot away into the clouds. Man, I’d love to fly! I thought. With just me, Fluttershy and Applejack left we set off into the outskirts of Ponyville, and eventually we passed by a huge apple orchard. Applejack needn’t say anything. She knew I knew she lived there. We walked up to the house and she threw me a small bag of apples. “There ya go! Consider it a welcomin’ gift, some of the best apples in the whole of Equestria!” Applejack said. “Why much obliged Applejack!” I said mimicking her southern accent at which she just smirked. “Yer accent ain’t half bad, guess you were right about being a slight southerner yerself. If ya ever need some work, you could come over and we could get ya started on the farm.” “I’m sure I’ll take up on that offer Applejack. Much obliged!” I replied. Me and Fluttershy waved goodbye to Applejack and left the farm further out of town. “You sure live far away from town Fluttershy.” I concluded. “Yes, I do. It’s so that I can be closer to the forest for my animal friends, and, well, I don’t really go out that much. I’d rather stay at home with my animals.” I knew the feeling. I wasn’t a whole lot different back in my elementary school days. “I understand Fluttershy. I used to be the same, not wanting to go out, just staying at home all day doing things with the family." "Rainbow Dash was the first friend I ever made, that was during flight camp, but she was the only one too. I eventually got four more friends you’ve met after Twilight came along. I was alone a lot before.” “We’ve got friends now and we should be happy that we do!” I happily said. “Yes, and I am.” She said smiling. We arrived at a quaint cottage and Fluttershy led me up to the door and we entered. “This place is just amazing Fluttershy!” I told her. “Thank you. I know it’s not much, but it is home.” She smiled. There were so many different animals that I couldn’t even count them. What stood out though was a snow white bunny eyeing me. Fluttershy noticed our staring contest and introduced us. “Angel, this is Brendan. He’s going to be staying here until he finds a way home. Brendan this is Angel, my pet bunny. He can be a handful sometimes, but he means well.” Angel shot her a glare at the latter statement, but soon returned his gaze to me. I walked up to him and stuck out a hand, he eyed it suspiciously until he took it in both paws and we shook. He smiled, did what looked like a salute and hopped off elsewhere. “Looks like you two will get along just fine.” Fluttershy said. I nodded and let out a yawn, but not without covering my mouth of course. I and Fluttershy laughed and both decided to get to bed. “You can take the bed; I’ll sleep on the couch.” She offered. “Nonsense Fluttershy, I’ve already taken your hospitality of staying with you, but I’m not going to rob you of your bed! You can go sleep in your bed and I’ll take the couch.” I objected. “Oh, umm… Okay.” She whimpered. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I don’t think it’d be very respectful of me to just take your bed.” “Oh, well, thank you.” “No, thank you.” She blushed again and hid herself once more behind her mane. We said our goodnights and she went upstairs, and I lay down on the couch keeping my clothes on. Fluttershy then came back with a blanket. I thankfully took it and she went back upstairs. I rested my head on a pillow, pulled up the blankets, and easily drifted off to sleep, without worry, just a nice deep sleep. No more nightmares, no more worries, just a feeling of relief of having made so many new friends already. Without further ado, I left for dream world. Chapter 6 (Small Talk & Fasion Talk)I awoke to Celestia’s sun creeping in through the window and trying to pry under my eyelids. With great resentment I opened my eyes and yawned. I don’t think I’ve ever woken up this easily before, must be something with the world that’s so peaceful. I threw off my blanket, sat upright and looked at the clock. It was still fairly early in the morning and by the looks of things neither one animal, nor Fluttershy was awake yet. It was then that I got an idea; How about I make Fluttershy and me both some breakfast, she has already done so much for me I just have to repay her somehow. I got up and walked over to the kitchen. It was a fairly small kitchen, a small stove, small oven, a sink and lots of cupboards, most likely for the animal food. I was searching around through the cupboards while trying to think of something special to make for her, when I saw a cupcake tin with rounded bottoms. It was then that it hit me, I’ll make a Dutch breakfast delicacy; poffertjes. Poffertjes are like mini pancakes that are slightly ovaled in shape, and they’re usually gone quickly because they’re so good and eaten with powdered sugar on top, and the rounded bottom of the tin would make a good shape to make them in. I set to work on it immediately calling out the ingredients for the Dutch recipe to myself; “60 gram bakboter, 125 gram fijne suiker, 185 gram zelfrijzend bakmeel, 2 deciliter melk, poedersuiker, boter om te vetten, 2 grote eieren en een snufje zout…” After having mixed the ingredients in the proper order leaving me with a nice liquid batter, I slowly poured a small amount of batter into the bottom of the tins on the stove. Now the thing about poffertjes is that if you cook them too long they’ll stick, cook them too short they’ll stick, so I had to make sure that I turned them at the right times. After finishing the first batch I put them into a warm bowl to keep them warm, and went on to the next batch. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was sleeping soundly and slowly awoke to the sun coming in through the windows. She let out a small yawn and immediately opened her eyes. She smelled something, something real good. She slowly got out of bed following the smell downstairs as it got stronger and stronger, and better. She was really curious as to what it was and where it was coming from, so she peeked around the living room corner and noticed it was coming from the kitchen and I wasn’t on the couch anymore. She slowly trotted over to the kitchen door and peeked in seeing me behind the stove. Curiosity got the best of her and she decided to ask what I was doing. “Umm... excuse me, Brendan, what are you making?” “Oh, good morning Fluttershy, I thought I ought to repay you for taking me in and giving me a place to sleep so I thought; I’ll make her some breakfast. It’s a surprise.” I cheerfully said. She trotted over next to me and looked at me with those turquoise eyes of hers. “R-really? Nopony has ever made breakfast for me before; I usually have to make breakfast for myself and the animals.” This statement surprised me. “What? Really, haven’t any of your friends ever made breakfast for you?” “Well, they’ve invited me before, but I couldn’t just leave my animals here, and I don’t go out all that often.” “Then I say; just sit down relax and let me serve you some breakfast! It’s about time you were the one being served!” “R-really, you’d really do that for me?” “Of course, I have to thank you for being so kind to me in some way.” “T-thank you.” Then she did something that I didn’t expect. She came up to me and gave me a hug. At first I was surprised that she’d do this, but then again, I’ve seen that it’s a normal gesture here. After a few seconds I slowly hugged her back, putting my arms around her neck. SHE'S SO SOFT! Her coat felt softer than the softest pillow ever, it was just amazing. Fluttershy broke the hug, and I said; “Why don’t you go and sit down and wait, I’m finishing up the last batch right now, it’ll be out in just a minute.” “Okay.” She replied. She turned away and walked to the table. As she walked away I noticed her face was the slightest shade of crimson that disappeared as she sat down. I turned back to my cooking just as they were done. I took them out one by one and put them in the bowl with the other batches. I took the tin off the heat and put it in the sink to cool down, and threw the other items I used with it. I put two plates on the table together with the powdered sugar, got the bowl with poffertjes and put it on the table with a small towel over them to keep them warm. Fluttershy was very curious as to what I had made, so I removed the towel and she looked at them with confusion. “What are they?” She asked. “They’re called; poffertjes. They’re a Dutch delicacy like small pancakes. You know what pancakes are right?” “N-no, I don’t think we have those here.” “What?” I said surprised. “You have all those delicious pastries and cakes, but you don’t have something like pancakes?” “No, no we don’t.” “Well then, pancakes are next on the list. Pancakes are flat pastry like breakfast foods. They’re usually made in a pan, hence the name pancakes. Pancakes can be eaten with either powdered sugar or syrup, while poffertjes are a miniature version and are eaten with powdered sugar.” My, and probably Fluttershy’s, mouth were watering at my explanation of the foods. “Wow that sounds good.” She said. “They are good. Back on my world they usually go quickly because they are so good. People love them, and I do too. That’s why, to make sure, I made a bigger batch since they go so quickly.” “I’d love to try one” She said. I took the spoon and scooped up about ten on her and my plate and put the cover back over the bowl. I powdered mine over with sugar and I asked Fluttershy if she wanted some too. “You want some powdered sugar on them?” “Yes, I’d like to try.” She answered. I powdered hers over as well and waited for her to take a bite. She leaned in and smelled them, and by the expression on her face I could tell that they smelled good to her. She slowly took one and brought it over to her mouth. As soon as she put it in and chewed on them, her eyes when almost as wide as diner plates and she said in amazement; “They’re delicious, it’s nothing like I’ve ever had before, such a new and different taste!” She soon continued eating the rest of them with a smile plastered on her face. I just smiled because she smiled and soon followed. We both continued to scoop up more and more of them, they were so good. Luckily I made an extra-large batch just to be sure, and was I ever right to do so! After we had finished them all both of us were stuffed. Fluttershy just smiled and said; “Thank you for making breakfast it was absolutely delicious!” “No problem Fluttershy! I am more than happy to do it for you! I have to repay your kindness in some way.” She smiled and came over and hugged me once more. This time I felt a lot more comfortable returning the hug. I broke the hug and said; “Alright then, why don’t you go and do what you need to do Fluttershy, and I’ll clean up the mess.” “Oh, I can’t just let you do so much for me; you’ve already done so much.” “I insist Fluttershy. By my account, I’m not even close to repaying you for what you’ve done.” “Oh, okay, i-if you really want to…” “It’s nothing Fluttershy; I’ll have it done in a jiffy.” With that I got up, cleared the table, and set to quickly doing the dishes. It wasn’t that big of a job, I think I got done in less than ten minutes. After finishing that up, I left the kitchen, into the living room and saw Fluttershy tending to some animals that stayed inside the house. “Hey, Fluttershy, do you need any help with the animals at all?” “Oh, no, you don’t need to help me; you’ve already done so much.” “Well, I wouldn’t want to just sit here and watch you work, that’d make me feel bad. Are you sure I can’t do anything to help you?” “Well, you could come and help me with the animals outside now. That is, if you want to.” “I’d be more than happy to Fluttershy.” I waited for her to finish with the animals inside and we both went outside to tend to the animal garden that surrounds Fluttershy’s house. Taking care of the animals went just fine except for the fact that the animals were pretty scared of me at first. I opened the chicken coop and all the chickens looked at me and started screeching, flailing and running like crazy. They jumped out of the coop and left me and Fluttershy to chase them. After a good quarter hour of chasing, cornering and catching chickens we got them back into the coop and I was able to feed them and make their hay stacks on which they sit. Since the chickens now didn’t fear me anymore the other animals did so less as well, but not without them pulling back a few times as I tried to feed them and pet them. In the end all the animals got used to the human helping Fluttershy and we got it done. “Few, that was some work, but we got it done now.” I said tired. “Usually it takes me twice as long to get all the animals fed, but now we got it done just after noon.” Fluttershy said. We went back inside and Fluttershy got us some drinks which we both guzzled down within seconds. I looked over at the clock and it read 1:15 PM. “Looks like I’ve got the entire afternoon left to do stuff. Hey, Fluttershy?” “Yes Brendan?” “Do you mind if I pay Rarity a visit today? I promised her I’d come over when I had the time.” “Oh, no, I don’t mind.” She timidly replied in a tone that sounded a bit saddened. “Okay, thanks Fluttershy. Umm, can I use the bathroom real quick? I need to clean myself up a bit.” “Oh, Okay. It’s upstairs, the first door on the right.” “Okay, thanks!” I walked up the stairs and took the first door on the right. It was a small quaint bathroom with a single sink, a bathtub with a showerhead that was clearly too low for me to stand under, and a small toilet. It’s a good thing the toilets are still the same here! I thought to myself. I took a small washcloth from the cabinet under the sink, wet it, and washed my face with the nice cold water, making sure I got rid of all the dirt. I placed it over the heater to dry and looked at my clothes in the mirror. I really needed some new ones, these had a few stains on them now from the chicken chase. Deciding there was nothing left I could properly clean, I left the bathroom and went back downstairs. I found Fluttershy just peacefully sitting on the couch, just looking around. I walked up to the door ready to open it. “Bye Fluttershy! I’ll be back as soon as Rarity is finished.” I told her. I was about to open the door and leave, but a certain voice stopped me. “W-wait!” Fluttershy called. “Yes Fluttershy?” “C-can I c-come with you? We both got everything done so fast that there’s nothing left to do. Normally I’d be busy with the animals most of the day.” “Of course you can come Fluttershy. I enjoy your company.” Fluttershy smiled at the approval and jumped off the couch. I held the door open for her and made a slight bow. “Ladies first.” She blushed and walked through first. “Thank you.” She said. I walked out and closed the door behind me and went down the path as Fluttershy walked up next to me. She had that golden small smile on her face that would melt anyone’s heart through its cuteness. We walked down the long country road to Ponyville, Fluttershy giggling every now and then. “What’s so funny?” I asked. “I’m just thinking about how you managed to get those chickens scared so much, and how one ended up under your shirt.” She giggled. “Oh yeah? I’m wondering how one of them ended up on your head that one time. You were chasing one and another flew right into your head, sat on it, and decided then and there that your head would be the best place to lay an egg.” Fluttershy turned beet red of embarrassment and turned her head away as I broke out into a fit of laughter. Fluttershy turned her head back again and soon started laughing as well. We both continued laughing and reviewing the events that occurred that morning. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ “That’s it right there isn’t it?” I asked. “Yes, there it is.” Fluttershy pointed out. After lots of laughing and reviews we walked up to Carrousel Boutique. I knocked on the door and heard a singing voice respond. “Come iiiiiin!” I held the door open once more for Fluttershy at which she bushed again and walked in. I walked inside and saw a few equine manikins, some with designer clothes, and some without, a cabinet with rolls of fabric in all the colors of the rainbow. Most of interior was white and only the roof was purple. “Hello and welcome to carrousel boutique, where everything is chique and unique.” Rarity greeted popping out of nowhere. “Oh, hello Fluttershy, hello Brendan, nice of you to come by.” “Well I promised to come in when I had some time and I did now, so here I am.” “Splendid! And what about you Fluttershy, what brings you here?” Rarity asked. “Oh, I thought I’d come with him, seeing as he helped me out with the animals I got done much more quickly than normal. I had nothing left to do.” Fluttershy answered. “Oh my, such a gentlecolt, er, gentleman for helping you out.” Rarity complimented. “Thanks for the compliment Rarity! But it was nothing really.” I said. “Well then, on to business! I’m guessing you’re here for some new clothes Brendan?” Rarity asked. “Yes indeed I am. Thank you for being generous enough to make me some Rarity. I’ll have to repay you some day.” “Nonsense dear, it’ll be my pleasure! I am the element of generosity after all.” “You have a point there!” “Now just come up here and take off your clothes so I can take the measurements.” “Umm… Rarity?” “What is it darling? Just take of your clothes and we can get started.” “Remember what I told you about humans and clothes back in Canterlot?” Rarity tapped her chin with her hoof for a moment, and then gasped and turned red in realization. “Oh, well, yes, I’m sorry for the offence Brendan.” “None taken.” “But how am I going to take the measurements now?” She asked. “I’ve got an idea! Do you have a place where I can take off the clothes in private? “Yes there’s a small fitting room right behind you.” She pointed out. “Well, how about I take off my clothes in there and give them too you so you can take the measurements from them? That way I won’t be out here.” “Splendid idea Brendan, that should work just fine!” “Alright then, I’ll go and take off my clothes in there and I’ll hand them to you over the door.” With that issue resolved, I went into the changing room and took off all of my clothes and threw them over the door, when Rarity caught them with her magic and brought them over to a measuring table, picked up a measuring lint, and started measuring my clothes. While I watched her measure, I noticed Fluttershy had taken a seat on the purple couch and was just prodding the couch while watching Rarity work. I caught her peeking over at me and she blushed heavily and turned her head away and hid behind her mane. She could only see my head and feet, the rest was covered by the door, so I wasn’t worried that she’d see me butt naked. “I’m finiiiiiiished!” Rarity said in a singing voice as she threw my clothes back over. “Already? Wow that was quick!” I exclaimed. “Well of course, I am a professional after all, and this was just a simple thing.” “Touché.” I dresses myself again and stepped out of the changing room. “I’ll make sure to give you the clothes once they’re ready darling.” “Thank you so much Rarity for making me some new clothes.” “Think nothing of it darling! Now I must be off to continue my other orders.” “Of course, we’ll be going now. Goodbye Rarity!” “Ta ta darling! Come by again soon!” Fluttershy and I left the boutique and headed back to her cottage again. We walked about half way in silence and then Fluttershy timidly spoke up. “I-I’m sorry that I tried to look at you, I shouldn’t have done that, I’m so sorry, p-please don’t hate me!” “Oh Fluttershy, It’s not a big deal.” I said reassuringly. “You were just being curious. It’s not every day that there’s a new species in town.” She just whimpered and hid behind her mane. I put a hand on her head and tussled it a bit. “Fluttershy don’t worry, I don’t hate you. As far as I’m concerned you’re the best, most kind pony out here.” She came back from her mane and simply gave a light smile which I responded to with one of my own. When we arrived back at the cottage there was a large crate standing in front of the path and a grey pegasus with a yellow mane standing by. When she saw me she quickly came over. “Mr. Human, Sir, you have a package delivered for you!” Up close I noticed she had incoherent eyes, one to the right the other to the left, both switching sides but staying opposite, she had bubbles as a cutie mark. “Huh, a package? I didn’t order anything.” I said surprised. “It’s an urgent shipment from the princesses.” She added. The princesses? What could they have sent me? “Okay then, Thank you for the delivery!” “Could you please sign here.” She said pointing at a spot on the clipboard. I took the pencil from her mouth and signed on the blank spot. “Thank you!” She shouted, and with that she flew off. Fluttershy and I looked over at the moderately sized crate and the first thing I noticed was that there was a muffin on top of it. I figured the mail mare must have left it there as an extra. I walked over to the crate and opened the narrow side. Inside was none other than my bike and bag. “Oh!” I exclaimed. “How could I have forgotten that? They were probably still in Canterlot!” I pulled out my bike and bag together from the crate and put the empty crate on the roadside to be taken away. “Hey Fluttershy, is there anywhere where I can put my bike for now?” “Umm, you can put it on the left side of the cottage if you want to, I just keep some gardening tools over there.” “Okay, thanks!” I put the bike aside and took my bag off and we both went inside. Holding the door open for Fluttershy once more we entered, and I put my bag beside the couch. I looked at the clock and it read six ‘o’ clock. We were gone longer than expected. I saw Fluttershy head into the kitchen and asked what she was going to do. “I’m going to make us dinner.” She replied. “Do you need any help?” I asked. “Oh no. You made me breakfast and helped me with the animals, so let me make you some dinner to thank you.” She said happily. “Alright then. Thank you so much Fluttershy.” “You’re welcome.” She said smiling warmly. As Fluttershy entered the kitchen, I sat down on the couch and returned to my thoughts once more. You know, this isn’t half bad. I may be stuck in a completely different world or even a dimension, but I’ve got it good. I’ve got a roof over my head, food to eat, and a kind, beautiful pegasus to thank for that. She’s just too kind for her own good sometimes, always puts others before herself, especially her animals. She’s exactly everything one could want in a person, er, pony. Kind, caring, loving, generous, beautiful… I looked over into the kitchen where she was cooking up a meal that I could smell all the way over here, and man, did it smell good! Beautiful? No, gorgeous. Wait, I haven’t even been here for 3 days and I’m already falling for someone… and not just someone, a pony?! Naw, come on, now that’s just downright weird, right? I couldn’t fall for a pony how would that work out? Certain things just don’t make sense right here. Ugh, I should stop this mental debate, I’m gonna get a 404 brain error this way. “Hello, Brendan?” I snapped out of my mental debate with myself and turned my attention to Fluttershy. “Oh, sorry, what was that Fluttershy?” “Dinner is ready.” She stated. “Oh, alright.” Was I really debating that long?! We walked over into the kitchen and took a seat at the kitchen table. There was a big pot in the middle with what looked like a thick tomato soup. It sure smelled like tomato soup, and man, did it smell good. Fluttershy hovered over the table and scooped a big portion into my bowl and did the same for herself. She looked at me with anticipation, wanting to hear how I liked the soup. I picked up the spoon and scooped some up and brought it to my nose, letting the amazing fragrance dance across my nostrils, if it smells this good than it must taste even better. I couldn’t have been more correct, it was pure heaven, like nothing I’ve ever tasted before, just so amazing. If I wouldn’t have been eating, my jaw would have dropped. “Fluttershy. This. Is. AMAZING!” She blushed and smiled. “Thanks, it’s my own made recipe, from the tomatoes in the back yard.” “I can honestly say now that I’ve yet to taste better cooking than this. I don’t even think it’s possible that anything could be better than this!” Fluttershy was smiling brightly, happy that her cooking skills amazed me. “Well you can cook amazingly well too. That breakfast you made today was delicious.” “Thanks, but I don’t think it could rival this pure awesomeness.” I added. “Oh, I’m sure it could.” “No it couldn’t.” “Yes it could.” “No it couldn’t” “Can too!” “Can not!” “Can too!” “Can not!” “…” “…” We realized how childish we were being and both broke out into a fit of laughter. “How about we call it even?” I suggested. “Yes, let’s.” She agreed. We both agreed and returned to the soup. Both of us ate our bowls up within minutes and were very generous on our seconds, big scoops every time, and before we knew it, the pot was empty and we were full. “That was absolutely delicious Fluttershy!” I said. “I think we can both see that.” She said. We both laughed and I opted to do the dishes. She wouldn’t let me do it alone, though I got her far enough as to let me help her. After finishing the dishes we went back into the living room and, coincidentally, both yawned. We just giggled at the sight and both agreed to got some shuteye. “Are you sure you don’t want to use the bed? I can sleep down here.” Fluttershy suggested once more.” “No Fluttershy, I can not get it over my heart to deprive you of your bed. I’ll stay down here on the couch, It’ll work out just fine.” “Oh, Okay. If you need anything just call me.” “Don’t worry about it, I’ll fine.” “O-okay. Goodnight Brendan.” “Goodnight Fluttershy.” Fluttershy went upstairs and I lay down on the couch, grabbing the comforter and wrapping it around me, and just listened to the night sound you could hear so well from her cottage. Cricketing crickets were very helpful to get me to fall asleep. As I soon departed for dreamland once more. Although I did have a feeling tomorrow was going to be a long day. Chapter 7 (Party Hard & Soft)Once again I was awoken by none other than the bright orange-red sun of the morning shining right through the window. It was as if waking up here at any time would be a lovely experience. At first I just laid there awake, just enjoying the morning sun come up. As it went I remembered that I had said that pancakes were next on the list for breakfast. So without further ado I set off to the kitchen once more. I grabbed a medium sized pan out of the cabinet and set it on the stove. I gathered the ingredients for the pancakes and also got two bowls from the cabinet. I decided to add a little extra this time. I was going to make half the batch regular and the other half would be banana pancakes. I found enough bananas in the fruit bowl on top of the table and brought them over to the stove as well. I mixed half of the ingredients together in both bowls and added the bananas to one of the mixes. After some good stirring and waiting for the pan to heat up, I poured some of the mix into the pan and it gave a satisfying sizzle and it smelled good right away. Taking the pancakes away after flipping it until it was done I put it on a warm wooded board and covered it with a dry cloth to keep it nice and warm. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was once again peacefully asleep in her bed as always, as the smell of my cooking slowly made its way up the stairs and into her room once more. It crept past her muzzle and she (sleep) smelled it, as if she were in a fantasy world. This slowly but surely woke her up. She slowly opened her eyes and realized that it was probably me again making her breakfast. As she laid there for a couple of minutes just enjoying the smell she thought: He’s so sweet and kind to me. Making me breakfast every morning and helping me with my work. Nopony has ever been this kind to me. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much spare time before he came along. Fluttershy decided it was time to get up and see what I was cooking up this time. She got up and trotted over to her dresser and took her brush with a wing to brush out her morning hair. Afterwards she slowly trotted downstairs, round the corner, and into the kitchen just in time to see me finish cooking. “Good morning Fluttershy, I just finished making you breakfast again” I cheerfully greeted her as she came in. “Good morning Brendan and thank you again for doing this again.” Fluttershy replied with a sweet small smile. Fluttershy took a seat at the table again, as I walked over to the cupboard to grab the syrup. I came back and put it on the table and walked over to the counter and took the warm wooden board with the, in dry cloth covered, pancakes. “What did you make this time?” Fluttershy asked. “Pancakes, remember? I said that I’d make them next since you don’t know them.” I reminded her. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” She recalled. “I’d really like to try them” Without further ado, I took the dry cloth off of the pancakes. Fluttershy’s eyes just widened, as they were a lot bigger than expected. And I don’t know about her, but in my mouth it was starting to water up once more. “There, now I made two types right here.” I pointed out. “The right stack is regular and the left one has bananas in it, and if you want you can put some syrup on top too. Which do you want, Fluttershy?” “Oh, umm, I’ll try the regular first please, thank you.” I scooped up two regulars with a fork and shot them onto her plate. “There you go Fluttershy. Would you like some syrup on that?” “Oh, yeah please.” She replied. I grabbed the bottle of syrup and poured some onto the pancakes just perfectly. “There you go Fluttershy. Enjoy!” I scooped up some banana ones for myself and put some syrup on them too, as I waited and watched for Fluttershy to take the first bite. Fluttershy delicately cut off a piece, took it and put it in her mouth and chewed on it. “Oh, these are delicious!” She exclaimed. “Glad to hear you like them.” I said starting on my own serving. After finishing her first batch she asked for the banana ones. I scooped and syruped them up for her again, and she found these to be even better with the slices of banana in them. It wasn’t long before both of the stacks were gone and we both were satisfied at a good breakfast. I took the dishes over to the sink again and started doing the dishes when Fluttershy came up to me and look at me with those turquoise eyes of her again. “Thanks again for breakfast.” She said, and she gave me another hug. This time though, I was prepared and I hugged her back equally. SHE’S STILL SOOOOO SOFT! This time though we hugged way longer than normal, like we were waiting for one of us to break it instead of ourselves. Funny enough, we both let go at the same time and just looked each other in the eye. I finally broke the silence. “Okay then, I’ll get the dishes done and you can start feeding the animals again, and when I’m done I’ll help you again, Okay?” “O-okay, a-are you sure you want to help me again? I mean you’ve already done so much for me.” She asked “Nonsense Fluttershy, I’d be more than happy to help!” I happily told her. Fluttershy just gave a sweet little smile and went to feed the animals while I did the dishes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ After I finished doing the dishes I went over to help Fluttershy with feeding the animals. This time though, everything went a lot smoother. The animals have gotten used to me being the one that could feed them too. As per usual, we both finished very early ‘cause of my help. We were both just sitting on the couch silently. “So,” I started. “Do you have anything else to do now that we’re finished?” I asked. “Umm, I can’t think of anything right now. I might think of something later.” She replied. “Well then, I think we could just sit here and relax then. Judging by the amount of work you usually have to do, you deserve it.” Fluttershy smiled and slowly closed her eyes and released a sigh of relaxation. Falling back onto the headrest of the couch she turned her head to me and opened her eyes, showing me their gleaming turquoise color. “Thank you for helping me so often. It feels good to be able to take things easy for once and to have time to just relax.” “Not a problem Fluttershy! As long as it makes you feel good.” I replied. She closed her eyes once more and just rested against the couch. I soon followed suit as it seemed like a good idea. We both just rested there on the couch. The only noise being made was the ticking of the clock on the fireplace’s frame. After a little while I felt a certain weight fall onto my shoulder. I opened my eyes and saw that it was Fluttershy. She had fallen asleep and her head had fallen onto my shoulder. She had a light, sweet smile on her lips, her chest slowly rising and then falling again. All I could do was smile at the sight. After all the work she usually does she definitely deserves some extra sleep, it’ll do her good. I thought. I just stayed there leaving her head on my shoulder. To be perfectly honest; it felt really nice, to have someone like her resting on me. I never thought I’d be used for a pillow. I closed my eyes, deciding to join her. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ I opened my eyes, feeling good as new again. The first thing I did was take notice of the time. It was 3:15PM. I only slept for about 2 hours, not bad. Fluttershy was now curled up next to me on the couch, still sleeping peacefully. I decided to stretch my muscles which resulted in a few satisfying pops from some bones. As I stretched, Fluttershy was beginning to stir and she slowly woke up. Uncurling herself and stretching her wings she opened her eyes. “Good afternoon.” I greeted her. “Afternoon.” She smiled back. “Did you sleep well?” I asked. “Yes, I’ve never really gotten the chance to do something like this before, it feels good.” She replied. “Good.” I said. She looked over at the clock and then it hit her. “Oh, that was it!” She realized. “What?” I asked. “I still have to go to the market to get some more food and supplies.” “Oh, well, until when is it open?” I asked again. “Until six ‘o’ clock” She said. “Oh! We still have three hours left. That should be enough time.” I said. “That’s right.” She said. “Since we don’t have anything to do anymore, why don’t we go now? I think I could use a good stretch.” I suggested. “Yes, that seems like a good idea. I’ll go get my saddlebags.” She said, and then left the couch to get her saddlebags. She soon returned with her light yellow saddlebags with butterfly clippings. “Ready?” I asked. “All done.” She said. “Alright then.” I walked over to the door and held it open for her again, resulting in another ‘Thank You’ from the shy butter yellow mare. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to Fluttershy and we both walked over to Ponyville. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ “And that’s how I figured out my special talent was taking care of animals.” Fluttershy concluded. Fluttershy had been telling me the story of how she had earned her cutie mark since I brought up the question shortly after we left. “That’s a very interesting story. It must have felt like an entire adventure, didn’t it?” “Yes, it did. It was one of the scariest, and at the same time, one of the happiest moments of my life.” She said, looking back at the time. “That and you overcame one of your fears. That’s like a double accomplishment.” I added. “Yeah, I guess it was.” She said smiling. By this time we had arrived at the marked square. The only thing that was off was the lack of ponies. Only a few were still out and the owners were still there. “Hmm, looks like today is a quiet day.” I concluded. “That’s what it seems like.” She agreed. “So, what do we need?” I asked. “Umm…” She murmured while looking in her saddlebag for a small list. “A bag of grapes, a bag of cherries, a bag of tomatoes, cucumbers, a few stocks of celery and a bag of oranges.” “Seems good.” I said. “There’s the tomato stand.” I said, pointing to a stand with a tomato sight on top. We both walked up to the stand and Fluttershy placed the order. “U-umm, I’d like a bag of tomatoes please.” She asked. “That’ll be three bits then!” The mare behind the counter said. “Oh.” Fluttershy replied. “But yesterday they were only two.” “May be, but today isn’t yesterday. Today they’re three.” The mare replied rather harshly. So they haggle here over the prices eh? Thus far I can’t see Fluttershy do that and she’d end up getting ripped off tons of times. Let me see if I can do anything about this. I thought as Fluttershy took out three bits and placed them on the counter. Before the mare could grab them however, I had my hand over them. “Hey! What gives?” The mare said. “I think that charging three bits for a bag of tomatoes is outrageous. I say she only pays two bits!” I said, taking away one. “No! They’re three bits!” She said shoving it back again. “And I say she only pays two!” “Three!” “Two!” “Three!” “Two!” Fluttershy just stood there, watching the coin going back and forth as I haggled with the owner. Suddenly I remembered something I had seen on television back at home on Loony Tunes. It was a ridiculous idea, but I wanted to see if it worked nonetheless. “Three!” The mare yelled pulling the coin back again. “Three!” I yelled taking the coin and pushing it back again on the other side. “Two!” The mare yelled pushing the coin away. “Three!” I yelled pushing the coin back again. “Two!” She yelled again. Hahahaha! I can’t believe it actually worked, now for the final bid to end this! I mentally laughed. “I say it’s three bits or nothing!” I yelled. “Two bits and that’s my final offer!” She yelled. “Okay have it your way.” I casually said taking the one bit back and the bag of tomatoes and walking away. She was about to pick up the two bits when she realized what had just transpired and yelled; “Hey!” All I could do was snicker, and I walked over to Fluttershy. “There you go Fluttershy!” I said placing the bag in one of the saddlebags. “I just saved you a bit.” I said as I flicked the coin over right into her bit-bag. Fluttershy just looked at me as if I was some kind of magician. “What?” “H-how did you do that?” “Just keep haggling about the price until they break, or try to use a simple mind trick.” I said, chuckling the last part. Fluttershy smiled at me, walked up over to me and gave me a hug. “Thank you.” She said. Yup, she’s still soft. “No problem Fluttershy.” I said. “I didn’t want you to get ripped off.” “Umm, d-do you think you could help me out with the other too?” She asked. “Of course, I actually had fun doing that!” We broke the hug and went over to the next stand: Grapes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Oh geez, did you see that stallion's face when he realized that he had just lowered his price by 10 bits?! He was really desperate right there!” I laughed as we made our way back to Fluttershy’s cottage. “Oh yeah, and that one that was taking away the bits, just because you said nothing at all!” Fluttershy said, barely being able to stand upright. “How did you learn those tricks?” “Well, there’s this person back in my world that is very good at things like this, and he gave classes on how to do it, and I might have taken it.” I snickered. Fluttershy took her bit bag and started counting what she had left. “Oh my, you saved me over 50 bits! This is amazing! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” She shouted jumping up to me and hugging my mid-section. I hugged her back once again telling her that it was no big deal at all. “I-I have to do something in return, you’ve done so much for me now!” She told me. “Now you don’t have to.” I replied. “Oh please let me, please?!” I had to let her have it once by now. “Okay then, but just this one time.” “Oh great!” She exclaimed. “How about I take us to Sugarcube Corner? You’ve saved me more than enough to get us something to eat!” “I’d be delighted to go with you.” I replied. Fluttershy was beaming, skipping alongside me as we headed towards to cottage. Once we came back Fluttershy dropped her saddlebags on the couch and we headed out again to Sugarcube Corner. As we were walking back again I noticed that Fluttershy was walking a lot closer to my side, her mane slightly brushing against my arm as we walked. I turned and looked at her. She had a heartbreaking smile on her face, as if she were in dreamland. Also I noticed the slightest shade of red on her cheeks as we continued. I looked back in front of me, catching my own face becoming warm. I had a nice feeling as I looked at her, something I hadn’t had in a long time. We finally came into town and Fluttershy directed us to Sugarcube Corner. As we arrived however, something was off, besides the lights inside the store. It was very quiet in the streets, nopony in sight. I thought they were used to a human walking around in town by now. I thought. Nevertheless, we walked up to the door and I opened it for Fluttershy, who gracefully took the offer. I walked in after her and all there was was a dark room. Fluttershy was about to ask what was going on and then… SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!! Fluttershy and I both jumped in fright at the sudden change in color and sound, until we both realized it was a party! Out of the blue (or should I say pink) came Pinkie Pie right up into my face. Congratulations Brendan! She screamed. Welcome to you ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party! There are games and presents and cookies and cupcakes and punch and…” Before she could continue there was a blue hoof stuck in her mouth. “What she means to say is that she gave you a surprise party for coming to Ponyville, like she does with everypony new.” Dash told me. “Mmmmhmmm” Pinkie hummed through the blue hoof in her mouth. “Wow, a surprise party for me?! Pinkie, you shouldn’t have.” “Yes I should have!” She started. “Otherwise you’d be the only one not to get one and then you could’ve become sad and as your friend I don’t want to see you sad and…” She was cut off once more by the blue hoof. “Pinkie, I think he gets it.” Rainbow deadpanned. “Okie dokie lokie!” She said bouncing away. I don’t think I’ll ever understand that mare. I looked around the room and noticed that just about all of Ponyville was at this party. I noticed the 3 others standing by a table with some punch. I decided to get some for me and Fluttershy and join them. “You want some punch Fluttershy?” “Oh, yes please, i-if that’s okay with you…” Good enough. I walked over to the punch bowl and grabbed two cups and filled them to the brim. I then walked over to the table and placed one cup by Fluttershy who mouthed a ‘thanks’ and took a sip of my own. “So,” Twilight started. “How do you like the party?” “It’s just absolutely awesome! Does she always throw parties like this for everypony?” I asked. “Yup, she’ll just about use any excuse she can use just to get a new party a goin’.” Applejack answered. “Well she sure does a good job at it too!” “I wouldn’t know what we would do without Pinkie.” Twilight said. “Oh, Brendan,” Rarity began. “I believe I have something for you.” She levitated a white bag from behind her and flew it over to me. “Consider it your welcome gift.” I took the bag and looked inside for its contents. Inside were two pairs of regular pants that looked like jeans, but they were made of some kind of soft fabric and were stitched in a different way. One was in a traditional blue and the other was light beige. Amongst the pants were some shirts too. One was white and short sleeved and the other was dark blue and long sleeved. Both were made from a lighter fabric than the pants but felt like they would be comfortable nonetheless. At the very bottom was the big prize; a dashing black tuxedo, hat, shoes and everything to go with it. I was baffled at the sight of it. “Oh, wow, Rarity, this is amazing!” “Why thank you, I did put my best effort into it after all.” “Thanks so much Rarity!” I leaned over to her and hugged her shortly which she returned. “Now make sure that suit stays in proper condition. I wouldn’t want to do it all over again, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to ruin it either.” “Sure thing, will do, Rarity! Well then, were at a party aren’t we? So let’s get this party started!” _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The party went on into the late night and I was having the best of times. Dancing weirdly (since I don’t really know how to do it properly, but hey, just about everypony here didn’t), enjoying the confectioneries mostly. All was great fun, but it was about to get better. A slightly (it looked like to me) tipsy Rainbow Dash ‘trotted’ over to me with a mug in her hoof. “Hey *hic* Brendan, here try *hic* shome of thish. It’ll *hic* do ya good!” Now I’m not much of a drinker, but a little alcohol from time to time wouldn’t hurt anything. I took the mug from her hoof as she just watched me, and put it up to my mouth. Instead of the bitter taste of the alcohol hitting my tongue like I expected, I was greeted with a rather sweet and fruity taste. It took some time to realize that this was neither beer nor wine nor cider. It was just plain old fruit juice! Ponies here get drunk on fruit juice?! As the fruit lover that I am my first reaction was to go on and gulp it all down, savoring the taste. And so I did. The mug was empty within seconds. “Aaahhh, now that’s delicious!” Rainbow just stared at me like I’d preformed a miracle. “H-how did you do that?!” She asked in surprise. “Umm, it’s just plain old fruit juice ya know” I explained. “Yeah, one of the strongest types of fruit juice around too!” She added. “Well, back at home fruit juice is a regular beverage; we don’t get drunk from it.” I explained. When she heard this she put a toothy grin on her face and took me by my hand. “Where’re we going?” I asked. “To Berry Punch, and you’re gonna have a drinking contest with her.” I was about to heavily retaliate at this, but then I realized; its fruit juice… What’s it gonna do to me. This was gonna be fun. We arrived at a table that had a whole lot of, what I could only describe as, fruit shots on it. Like whiskey shots, but then with ‘strong’ fruit juice. “Ah, so you’re the new human in town. Name’s Berry Punch, nice to meet you.” “Brendan. Nice to meet you too!” “This guy here wants to challenge you to a drinking contest, Berry!” Rainbow said. “Aha, wanting to play with the big stallions already! Well I never back away from a drinking challenge.” She leaned over. “Just so ya know, I’m the drinking champion of this town.” She whispered. “We’ll see about that.” I whispered back. She just gave a smug grin and said; “The rules are simple, the one who falls down first loses.” “Obviously.” I stated. Both of us grabbed hold of a cup while two others came over; one to keep the score and one to start us and announce the winner. “On your marks,” The crowd gathered round. “Get set, DRINK!” Both of us drank the first cup quickly making sure to stay in sync and waiting for the other to finish before taking the next one, and the next, and the next. Only two minutes or so had passed and we were both on 16 cups. Berry was looking rather drowsy whilst I remained unaffected. “Shhho, how can yoooooooooou dooooo shat?” Berry slurred. “I don’t know, special human ability maybe?” I joked. It was just regular fruit punch, so it didn’t make any difference at all. As soon as we both drank our 17th cup, Berry seemed mesmerized for a couple of seconds, everyone watching with anticipation. And then, she simply toppled over. The ponies cheered as I claimed the title of winner. (Even though I might have been cheating.) Hehe, I could make a living off of this if I were to place bets on myself, hehe. The remainder of the night was spent talking to various ponies, who had various questions as well. It wasn’t until midnight the Fluttershy and I were walking back to her cottage. “How did you do that?” She asked. “Do what?” “Drink all of that punch and are still able to walk straight.” “Oh that, well, it was only fruit punch. It’s a regular drink back in my world, everyone drinks it. We, unlike you ponies apparently, don’t get drunk when we drink it.” I answered. “Really? I never thought that was possible.” She said. “Well it is.” We were nearing the forest when; *GURGLE* I quickly grabbed my stomach, Fluttershy being startled at the sound. That punch was about to take its toll on me. “Excuse me for one quick second.” _________________________________________________________________________________________________ After taking a rather long time for such a small business we were back in Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy still giggling. “What’s so funny? It’s still about that?” “It’s just funny the way you walked away so quickly behind that tree. You shouldn’t have drunk so much.” “Well it wasn’t THAT bad.” Fluttershy finally calmed down and let out a rather cute yawn. I smiled. “I think we should both head off to bed, or couch in my case.” “Yes, it has been a long night. Good night, see you tomorrow.” She wished. “You too, Fluttershy.” With that, Fluttershy headed upstairs to bed, while I just plopped down on the couch, not caring if I still had clothes on. I was just THAT tired. If this keeps up every day, I’m not gonna have an ounce of strength left soon enough. And with that, I was out like a light. Author's Note And there you go, after a looooooooooooooooong time, a new chapter. I finally got my finger out of my lazy fat ass and started typing again and this is the result. Enjoy. PrologueMy life, well… I can’t say I didn’t have a good one. Actually, my life was great at home, but this made it even better in a way. I should start from the beginning shouldn’t I? My name is Brendan; I was born on the 23rd of May 1996 which makes me 16 years old now, almost 17. I live in the Netherlands, being bilingual makes both languages easy for me, American and Dutch. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister and a great mom and dad. They make me feel lucky to have them. There was one time in my life that wasn’t really that exciting; elementary school. Back in those days I didn’t really have anybody I could call a good or best friend. I was really shy back then and unsocial. That is, until my parents made me take a therapy, which in turn, made me, compared to then, more social, and I finally have best friends, only 3 to be exact, but still, I have regular ones as well, the ones you’d call acquaintances. Well then, let’s get back to the main story, huh? Enough background on me. Chapter 1 (Rainshine)Rain. Lots of pure, cold, wet rain. This is the regular weather for the Netherlands. It had been raining for a week now and it still didn’t show any signs of stopping. I didn’t mind though, I’ve lived here all my life, so I’m used to it. Going through my normal morning routine of getting ready for school. I’ve got to bike to school, through the rain, since they don’t have any school busses here. No wonder we’re the ‘biking’ country. “Ugh, rain, rain, and rain. It’s been going on for a week now. When is it going to stop?” I said. I often talk to myself when I’m alone. My mom has gone to bring my siblings to school, and my dad has gone to work. So, I’m left alone to get ready and maybe have some peace and quiet before I go. Finishing my sandwich with Nutella, I love Nutella; I brushed my teeth and took care of my other facial aspects, and say that I had a good 15 minutes left. So, I decided to sit down and rest a bit. Ten minutes later I decided it’d be best to go. I always leave 5 minutes prior to my normal departing time, and I’m always 5 minutes early everywhere. It’s just some good manners my dad taught me over the years, and I’m very grateful for it. Going outside and unlocking the doors and my bike, fastening my backpack to my bike and setting off to school, I thought; Someday I need to have a good talk with the weathermen around here. It hasn’t let up a bit at all. Little did I know that the rain would change my life and surroundings for good.
Chapter 2 (Sunshine)It was a quiet and sunny day in Ponyville, and all the ponies were bustling about their business. In a certain tree house in the middle of Ponyville, there was a certain unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle, busy studying in her books. She’d been working all night again. Her eyes were bloodshot of a lack of sleep, her main was all messed up, and she was barely awake. Trying to keep herself up she had her No. 1 assistant, a young dragon by the name of Spike shake her awake every now and then. It was getting less effective every time, but he still managed to keep her awake for a good 2 hours. “Twilight, maybe you should just go and get some sleep now. You’re going to be overworking yourself again!” Spike said. “No. I can’t go to sleep now! I’ll fall behind on my schedule for this month, and I’ll never get back on it unless I work through every night for a week!” She yelled. “Ok, ok. Sorry, it’s just that when you stay up so late for your studies you’ll end up like Applejack who didn’t want to sleep either just to finish bucking apples. You wouldn’t want to end up like that, would you?” Spike reasoned. *sigh* “I guess you’re right Spike. I do not want to end up like Applejack did. I guess I’ll go to bed after I finish this book.” She admitted. “Good. See Twilight, it’s not all that bad to skip a few things for the sake of your health.” He said. It still took a good hour before she even finished the book, and Spike could finally get her into bed. “There, now don’t come out until you’ve had at least 8 hours straight worth of sleep! Okay?” Spike said. “Alright, I get it. Leave me alone now please.” Twilight yawned. Spike was about to close the door when. *BURP* Spike burped flames and they formed a letter. Twilight immediately realized it was a letter from princess Celestia, and jumped up out of bed. *sigh* “So much for trying to get her to sleep.” Spike sighed. Twilight quickly grabbed the letter with her magic and started thoroughly reading it. My faithful student, It has come to my attention, by the Cloudsdale weather pegasi, that the self-sustaining weather in the Everfree forest has been going out of its bounds, and has been causing problems in the regular weather patterns so the weather pegasi have to work extra hard to keep it at bay and keep our weather normal. My sister and I have been asked to see if we could come up with a solution, and we think we have. So we ask if you and the other bearers of the elements are able to come to Canterlot and see us as soon as possible. Once we see the spell works we’ll teach you how to cast it, so you can keep a protective weather border around the forest to keep the weather from interfering with ours. There are 6 train tickets included with this message for you and your friends. We’d like to see you as soon as possible. Princess Celestia. Twilight looked up, her eyes still bloodshot, and sighed, “So much for getting some sleep.” She magically pulled out 6 train tickets for her and her friends for the train to Canterlot. First class of course, like the princess always does. She trotted downstairs, ready to go, and called to Spike, “Spike! The princess wants me to go to Canterlot for a weather problem. You have to stay here. I’m going now!” “Alright Twilight! I got it! Try to get some sleep on the train maybe. It’ll do you good!” Spike said. “Okay, I’ll try!” She said walking out the door. After finally finding all her friends, of which Rainbow Dash was the most difficult to find, they set off for the train station, and waited for the train. “Now what does the princess need us for anyhow? I’m thinkin’ it’s probably one of them problems that need them elements again?” Applejack asked. “No. Actually it's a weather problem” Twilight explained the entire letter to everypony about why the princess wanted to see them. “Now I just don’t understand why she’d be needin’ us for that. I don’t even have nothin’ to do with the weather.” Applejack stated. The train arrived at the station, and the ponies climbed into their own private first class carriage, and took their seats. As soon as they were seated the conductor shouted, “All aboard for Canterlot!” He blew his whistle and the train’s whistle blew long and loud, and started to leave for Canterlot “No. You don’t directly have.” Twilight continued. “But if these disturbances keep up I think you’ll be getting problems with your harvest.” “Hmmm.” Applejack hummed. “Gosh darn it! You’re right Twilight. I reckon she needs to see what effects it may have on ponies with farms near the forest. I wasn’t thinkin’ of that.” “Okay everypony, it’s going to be a long ride, so I’m going to try and get some sleep. I’ve been studying all night again.” Twilight called out. “Oh, again?!” Pinkie Pie called. “You need to stop studying so much and start partying more! I’ll make sure you’re invited more often to my parties!” “Pinkie, you already invite me to all your parties.” Twilight bluntly said. “Oh. That just means I need to throw more parties for you to be at!” Pinkie said, even happier now. “Ugh.” Twilight moaned. “I’m going to bed. See you later!” She said, climbing into her bunk. “Have a good sleep Twilight!” Pinkie yelled. “Have a good rest dear!” Rarity said. “Yeah, you really need to nap more like me.” Rainbow implied. “Good. Go and get some shuteye Twi!” Applejack said. “Um… S-sleep well.” Fluttershy softly said. And with that, Twilight was out like a light. The train arrived in Canterlot, and with that, Twilight was on like a light again. Though she hadn’t slept 8 hours, the 4 hour train ride sliced that time in half. The 6 ponies got off the train and started heading towards the castle. The 6 ponies arrived at the entrance of the throne room, where two guards where guarding the door. Twilight said, “We’re here because the princess called for us for matters that need to be attended.” The guard nodded and went inside. “Princess, the ponies you requested are here.” He said. “Thank you.” The princess said. “Please let them in.” The guard bowed and returned. “The princess will see you now” He told them, and let them in." The 6 ponies entered and bowed before the princesses. “No need to bow for us, you know us well enough” Celestia said. And with that they all rose again. “I assume you all know why you’re here?” Princess Luna asked. They all nodded. “We’re here about an Everfree weather problem.” Twilight said. “Indeed you are” Celestia confirmed. “And you’re going to test it out Twilight, and see if it works. If it does our problem is solved. If not, we’ll just have to find a different way.” Both Celestia and Luna whispered something to Twilight who nodded in understanding. Twilight charged up her horn, and concentrated on the spell, while the 5 other ponies and 2 princesses watched. At first all seemed well, but then… Twilight’s eyes began to glow and the magic was roaring stronger, wilder. Wilder than it was supposed to. It was soon that Twilight realized that she didn’t have control anymore. She was too tired to regain and hold control, and soon, the spell acted on its own. It couldn’t be stopped anymore. The ponies and princesses backed off as it started getting brighter, and brighter. Soon, rain could be heard, heavy rain. It was so bright nopony could see a thing. Finally after a minute or two, it started to die down. The magic faded together with the light and rainy noise. But before anypony could open their eyes and realize what had happened. They heard a bell and somepony yell, “LOOK OUT!”
Chapter 3 (Introductions & Tire Tracks)The rain was pouring down heavily as I left my house. Lucky for me my jacket was waterproof, but my pants weren’t so lucky. I didn’t have anything to cover them up. Exiting the street on which I live, I made a right turn and the next street a left, down a long straight stretch of road to the main square. I took another left and rounded the church. Across the 4-way intersection, and over the speed bump. Further down the road I passed the Esso Station, this is a gas station, and went on and around the roundabout. I applied both my brakes early and stopped a good 20 meters later. “I really have to tighten and fix my brake lines. I’m going to have an accident at this rate.” I told myself Like always, I had to wait a very long time before I could finally cross the roundabout, because at 8 ‘o’ clock in the morning it’s rush hour here, from 7 to 9 it usually lasts. After waiting a good five minutes, this is exactly the reason why I always leave early, to have some space for when something like this happens, and it happens very often, I was finally able to cross over, turn left again, cross over the other side of the roundabout once more, this time immediately, since this exit is rarely used, and continued down a slight slope just to go back up a long slow slope. This was the part of my trip I hated the most. I couldn’t go fast because of the hill, the wind was against me like always, and the rain was still pouring down as hard as ever. Now I have to do this more often but this time it just seemed like it was a lot harder than usual. Just keep going, and push on. It’ll be over before I know it. I thought to myself. Then again, this is starting to get really difficult. Maybe I should just stop and call my mom to see if she can call me in late? No! I couldn’t do that. That’d just be irresponsible. Deciding to keep pushing on it started to rain harder. Is it me or is it raining harder and harder as I go on? Just my luck! I thought. Huh? Why is it getting brighter up ahead? It’s raining! But before I knew it, the light was practically in front of me. What the heck is going on here? Ah! The brightness of the light blinded me as I biked straight into it. I still held on to the steering wheel to prevent me from crashing. I biked what felt like a minute or so and then it started getting less and less bright, and I could start to see again. Because if the bright light my eyes were still adapting to the new brightness and I could only see fuzzy. Then I saw what looked like 8 differently colored spots, and I realized that they must be people in my way! *DING* *DING* “LOOK OUT” I yelled, but the spots weren’t moving, and they were closing in fast. I applied my brakes as hard as I could. *SPRANG* *SPRANG* My brake lines had snapped out of their places, so now I didn’t have any braking force at all anymore, and I was still going pretty fast. The fuzzy beings still didn’t move, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I turned my steering wheel as far to the right as I could, but for some odd reason, I wasn’t turning very quickly. Darn! Must be the rain that made it so slippery! I thought. I was still heading straight for a purple figure, I thought it was someone with a purple jacket, but as soon as I was just about to hit them, they jumped aside. I sighed in relief as I had avoided that crash, but I still wasn’t turning very fast. My relief was suddenly drained away as I saw that I was heading straight towards a yellow, pinkish figure, like it was cowering on the ground. It didn’t seem like it was going to move, so I tried turning even harder. Finally, I started to turn and get clear of the obstacle. But it was just a little too late. Even though I was still partially blinded I could see that my tires ran over the yellow thing’s pink part, and as I did, I heard someone yell. Oh! I hope I didn’t hurt them too bad! Luckily I was able to avoid a head-on collision! I thought. Finally being clear of all obstacles, my vision was finally returning. Only to be greeted with the fact of seeing myself head straight for a wall. Turning away wasn’t an option now, as I’d never make that in time. So I said the only thing I could think of. “Hello wall! Nice to meet you! How’s it going?” As a reaction, the wall greeted me with a stone hard hug, and a gift of knocking me out instantly upon impact. I slowly opened my eyes, and was greeted with a less bright encounter. It was pretty dark as far as I could see. I slowly got up and assessed the situation. Apparently I was thrown in some kind of jail, me and my bike with me. It was a stone walled jail, I kind of had it with stone walls for now, with a few puddles of rainwater and a hay bed. “You know, the rain wasn’t all that bad…” I reasoned. It was then and there that I realized I probably wasn’t in my own country anymore, unless this was some kind of cruel joke played by someone. Slowly getting up and stretching, my bones cracking as I did, I looked and walked towards the door. All I could see was a long corridor and nobody in plain sight. Must be some kind of dungeon. I thought. Who the heck still uses a dungeon now days?! I looked back at my bike and decided to assess the damage. “Hmmm, just a twisted steering wheel, I can fix that right now. But the brake lines… I’m going to need a screwdriver in order to fix those, and I don’t have one on me now.” I concluded. I got the bike up, twisted the steering wheel back in place and set the bike upright on its stand. Once I fixed the bike I turned around and saw a few figures looking at me through the door. They didn’t look like human figures though, more like horses. My heart and mind were going crazy at this assessment. Suddenly, something that looked like a horn started to glow on a large figures head, and so did the lock of the door. My heart stopped as the door was unlocked and opened, and the large horse-like figure stepped inside towards me. Once it stepped into the light, I could see it, or her as far as I could guess. She was just as large as a horse, only she had a horn and a pair of wings attached as well. She had a bright white coat too. What did they call these things? Umm… Alicorns, that’s it! I noticed a picture of the sun on her flank, wondering what that meant I decided to look at her face. All I could really tell was that she was looking down on me, her smile curled down. Now, my expression was emotionless. In my head however, it was going crazy. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?! WHY ARE THERE MYTHICAL CREATURES STANDING IN FRONT OF ME?! WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?! CAN I EVEN GO HOME?! And such questions were running through my mind. My dad always taught me to be and keep calm in every situation, and I’m glad he did. ‘Cause I didn’t want to freak out right here and right now. It’d be a bad idea. I was going to handle this like a man, and no less. No, that doesn’t mean I’m going run around scared and screaming, pleading them to let me go. Slowly but surely I brought up my hand towards her and held it up. First impressions, eh? She looked at my hand and back at me, I was slightly smiling. This went on for about a minute until she finally, but reluctantly raised her hoof towards my hand. I slowly grabbed it, held it firm, but shook it gently. “Hello! The name’s Brendan. Nice to meet you.” She was taken aback a little by this, apparently not expecting me to talk and to be friendly. We shook for about two more seconds before her frown turned upside down and she smiled. “Hello. I am princess Celestia, princess of the sun. Nice to meet you too.” She said. In a motherly voice that would make anyone calm down I had kind of figured she’d talk, so I wasn’t taken aback that far by this. Then a dark blue alicorn with a moon as mark on the flank came up next to her and slowly raised her hoof as well, and I shook it the same way as I did to Celestia. “Hello. My name is Princess Luna, princess of the night. Charmed to meet you.” She said this a little more stern than Celestia did, nevertheless it couldn't worry anybody. “Likewise” I replied. “Name’s Brendan, your highness.” Looking behind them I saw 6 ponies, still looking scared and reluctant. I let go of Luna’s hoof and I saw a unicorn with the same white coat as Celestia slowly making her was to me. She had a purple mane and three diamonds as a mark on her flank. “Certainly any creature with manners as such isn’t hostile at all.” She said, in what sounded like a clear British accent. Thank you dad, for teaching me proper manners! I Thought. I took her hoof all the same and shook it. “I’m Rarity. Ponyville’s most known and appreciated fasionista, and element of generosity. Pleased to meet you! I had no idea what element of generosity meant, but I pushed it aside for now. “Pleased to meat you too, miss Rarity. My name’s Brendan” “Pleased to meet you Brendan. I can see you are well mannered.” She said. “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment” I said. “You’re welcome” She replied. At this time a lavender unicorn stepped up and we shared the same gesture. “Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’m the princess’ personal student, and element of magic!” She quite eagerly, but not boastingly, stated. “I’m amazed to meet you!” “Brendan. Likewise” I said. Then all of a sudden my vision was obscured with nothing but a pink face with a smile. “Oo, oo, me next, me next! Hi I’m Pinkie Pie, who are you?! Do you like cakes?! What flavor?! What’s your favorite color?! Oh, I should throw you a ‘Welcome to Equestria party!” She was talking a mile a minute. I wondered how she could keep that up without breathing. Still her smile was contagious and it made me smile. I spoke after she calmed down. “Hi Pinkie Pie! I’m Brendan. My favorite color is yellow. A party sounds great after I get this situation settled. Yes, I like cakes. As for the flavor, I don’t think you have it here.” “Oh, come on, tell me!” She pleaded. “Ok, I like cakes with Speculoos filling” “Specu-what now?” “Speculoos filling. It comes from a cookie that we call ‘Speculaas.’ That’s a ginger spiced cookie, and Speculoos is a creamed version of the cookie.” I explained. “Wow! I’ve never heard of that, but it sounds delicious! You should come by Sugarcube Corner so we can make it, oo and then we can make other cakes and cupcakes and sweets together too!” “That sounds like a great idea Pinkie! I’m sure I’ll do that once I get these happenings settled.” “Okie dokie lokie!” She said. She was then pulled back by and orange mare with a hat and tree freckles on each cheek and three apples as a mark on her flank. She looks like a country girl to me. I thought. “I’m a might sorry ‘bout that, but that’s just the way Pinkie is, all happy to make new friends and throw them parties.” She said in a thick southern accent. I had always fancied that accent, I could do it rather well myself. “Well, she’s got this friend in the bag” I said. “Whoohoo!” Pinkie yelled. “I’m Applejack. I work on the apple farm just outside of Ponyville. We make the best apples of all Equestria!” “I’m Brendan, Pleased to meet.” We shook hands/hooves, and she shook very hard and fast, thus, I responded to that the same way. “Well I’ll be, I’ve never met anypony that gave a hoofshake like an Apple does.” “Well, I was taught to shake strong and firm, so it’s normal.” Applejack tipped her hat to me. “By the way, nice hat, I have one myself. Just not on me now.” “Well, thank ya kindly surgarcube! I bet ya’ll’d look good in a hat.” “Thanks!” Next a cyan pegasus flew up to me. She had a rainbow colored mane and a cloud with a rainbow bolt as a mark. “Hey, I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria. You seem okay, but I’ve got my eye on you. If you hurt anypony I’ll pound you to the ground.” She said in a raspy voice. “Hi Rainbow Dash. I’m Brendan. You don’t have to worry about me hurting anyone. I never ever resort to violence. I hate fighting.” “Cool. But I’m still watching you!” She held out her hoof, and I figured she’d be the type of pony for a fist/hoofbump. So, I bumped her hoof. She grinned and flew back again. Just when I thought I had had them all, I saw a yellow coated, pink maned pegasus cowering, being very scared. She reminded me of my elementary school self. I walked up to her and decided to bend down to try and meet her at eye level. “Hello.” I said quietly. “I’m Brendan, what’s your name?” “U-u-umm… I-I-I’m F-Fluttershy” She whispered. She had a barely audible voice, but it was like an angel speaking. “Fluttershy? Did I get that right?” She nodded. Still hiding behind her pink mane. “Well that’s a nice name.” I said. Trying to give her more confidence. “Th-Thank you.” She whispered. I slightly held out my hand to shake hers, and she shakingly brought her hoof up and we gently shook. While we shook hands I noticed a pair of black stripes in the right end of her mane. I mentally gasped in realization of what I had done. I stopped shaking her hoof and put my hand on my mouth. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I realized I accidentally drove over something, and it must’ve been your mane, oh I’m so sorry. You know what? Don’t worry, I’ll fix it!” “Oh, no, it’s nothing really. You don’t have to do anything.” She quickly said. “No! I insist that I do something. It’d be utterly disrespectful to a mare like you for not fixing things that are my fault to you! I’ll be right back!” “Umm… Okay. *Eep*.” I walked back to my bag on the bike and took out some tissues and a hairbrush. For those of you who ask; why do I have a hairbrush in my backpack? Well, I occasionally have to do my little sisters hair, so I need to keep one on me at all times. I walked over to a small puddle of water and wet one of the tissues, then came back to Fluttershy. “Don’t worry. I’ll have it clean and back to normal in no time.” “O-okay” She said. I held her mane so, so I made sure that I didn’t pull it, and used the wet tissue to get all the black marks out. Once done, I took the dry tissue and dried up the wet section, and then proceeded to brush her mane back to its right position. While I was brushing, I could see her face. She had beautiful turquoise eyes which were eying me, inspecting me, making sure I wasn’t going to do anything sudden. Which I wasn’t. It felt like she could see right through me, and read me on the spot. She then turned her eyes to mine and I quickly turned them away from her, back to her mane. I also noticed she had a mark of three butterflies on her flank. That’s the first thing I need to ask. What are those marks for? I could only imagine what she could see in my eyes. Probably just blackness. My eyes had such a dark shade of brown you could only see it if you got close enough, or if you would shine a light directly into them. Otherwise they just looked pitch-black. I finished up her mane and stroked the part to make sure it would stay, which it did. “There you go. No need to thank me. It was my fault after all.” I said. “W-well, Th-thank you anyway” She said, a bit more comfortable. Just before I got up, I could see a small smile on her lips. This made me smile in turn, to see her smiling after I corrected my mistake. I put the brush and tissues back inside my bag and returned to the princess. “Well, it’s an honor to meet you all, now I assume everyone, err, everypony, has questions for me? And I do likewise.” The princess nodded and said, “Yes, we indeed have. Sorry for locking you up down here, it was just to ensure the safety of my subjects.” I waved it off. “No need to apologize. I completely understand your good judgment and your wise action.” “I’m glad to see you understand. Now, let’s go to our throne room and exchange questions there. It’s much more comfortable to do it in a more welcome surrounding.” Celestia said. “Indeed.” I stated. And with that, we headed down the corridor, up the stairs and towards a set of large double doors. Two guards who stood at those doors opened them as we came. I looked at the throne room in awe. It was just magnificent! The gold, silver, brass, stained windows, all of it. It was a work of true craftsmanship. “Please, take a seat, and we can discuss our matters” Celestia said. I saw a couple of soft pillows against a wall. I grabbed one, put it down and sat on it. It was really comfortable. I sat in the bottom-middle. The other 6 ponies did as well. Rainbow sat top-right, Twilight top-left, Rarity middle-left, Applejack middle-right, Pinkie in the middle, and Fluttershy, sat bottom-left, left next to me.
Chapter 4 (Questiones & Concerns)Celestia and Luna took their respective places on their thrones in front of us. “So, let us start…” “Umm… May I suggest something, princess?” I asked. “Yes, yes you may.” “Since we both have questions for each other, I suggest we exchange questions.” “Great idea!” … “Ladies first” “Thank you. Can you tell us what you exactly you are and where you come from?” “Of course! As you know I’m Brendan, I’m a homo sapient, or human for short. I come from a planet named Earth. I was born on May 23rd 1996 in the quaint village of Schinveld in the country of the Netherlands. One of the hundreds of countries in the world.” “Hundreds?!” Twilight exclaimed. I noticed she was taking notes of everything I was saying. “Yes, Hundreds of countries, with even more languages.” “How many do you know?” “Exchange in questions, remember?” “Oh, right.” “Okay, Where am I now?” “You’re in the land of Equestria, in the capital of Canterlot. The others here are from Ponyville, just south of here.” Celestia Explained. “Okay, thank you, that clears things up a bit.” “Do you always wear clothes, and why then?” Rarity chimed in. “Umm… Yes, we always wear clothes for two main reasons. Firstly, as you all have probably noticed, I have no fur except on my head. So it’s a good thing to keep myself warm. Secondly, well, there are certain… Areas we’d like to keep covered at all times, since, unlike with ponies, they don’t cover themselves. Nudity is frowned upon in my world. The ponies blushed a bright crimson at the thought of the latter reason. “Oh well, sorry for asking. I shouldn’t have intruded into personal matters like that.” Rarity apologized. “Oh it’s not a problem; I figured the question would come around.” I gave them a warm smile, reassuring the ponies to let them know I was fine with it. *Ahem* “Well… Now, how many of those languages do you know?” Twilight resumed. “If you take my dialect into account, five: Dutch, English, German, Limburgish Dialect and French.” “Wow, how do you remember them all?!” “I don’t know. Once you get them it goes by itself.” “Can you give us some examples?” “Alright, but you owe me 2 questions!” “Okay.” “Nou dan begin ik maar eens met Nederlands. Und dan wechsel ich zu der Deutsche sprache. Dan liekt ut dialect op ut Hollesch. Et le plus dernière est le Français.” “The first was Dutch, second was German, third was the Limburgish Dialect, and last was French.” “What about English?” “I’m speaking it now.” I retorted. “Oh, it’s called Equestrian here.” I could have figured. “Okay, now I have two questions, what are those marks on your flanks for?” “They’re called; cutie marks. Luna Explained. They appear when a pony finds his or her special talent, and it represents what it is. Humans do not have these?” “Nope, we all have things we excel at, but we don’t have specific special talents.” “Okay, next, what was that glowing of your horn back in the dungeon?” “That was magic.” Twilight explained. “You’ve never heard of it?” “Yes I have but there is no real magic in my world, it’s all tricks an illusions.” All the ponies gasped in shock. “How can you live in a world without magic?!” Twilight asked in shock. “With technology. Very advanced technology. My bike, the thing on two wheels back downstairs, it just a very small example.” “Wow, a world with advanced technology, but no magic. This is a very interesting thing” Twilight said while writing all of this down.” “Okay, your turn again.” “How are your countries ruled? Like we have the princesses?” “Monarchy was stopped a long time ago, there are still a few out there but it’s very unpopular, because the highnesses were selfish when it came to big decisions. Not all of them, but still most of them. So now we can be ruled by a President, Prime Minister, Premier, a Parliament, or even a Dictator, but you’d rather not, it’s like a very bag king.” Twilight’s quill was writing like crazy, trying desperately to keep up with my explanation. “Okay, now what do you have princesses for? No offence, but you seem like a culture that lives in peace, with princesses who are just as friendly.” “Why thank you. As for your question; We are the princesses of the sun and the moon, I raise the sun when it’s time, and Luna here raises the moon when I lower the sun.” “Well… That’s new, then again what would I expect from a race that can use magic. In my world the moon and sun raise themselves, the Earth turns on its own axis and revolves around the sun, and the moon revolves around the Earth. So it makes day and night by itself.” “What?! Really?! This is totally different from our world. I wonder how it can all work by itself?” Twilight inquired. “Gravity, eh.” “Next you’re gonna tell me that the weather controls itself too.” “Actually, Yes, it does.” I deadpanned. “What?! How can you prevent big storms or let it rain when you need it?” “We can’t. All we do is predict how the weather will move and get the people out of there if the weather is extremely bad.” “W-wow. Y-your w-world seems… harsh.” Fluttershy said with pity in her voice. “Well, at least it’s not as bad as the two world wars were. “TWO WORLD WARS?!” They all shouted in union. “Umm… Yes. Those were horrible times.” “How in Equestria can you provoke an entire world to war?!” Twilight asked with disgust. “Well, the 1st World War wasn’t just one country that provoked all the other, rather what we call the domino effect. It started in 1914 when a Serbian assassinated the duke of Austria-Hungary, which led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, but because Austria-Hungary had a bond with Germany, they were pulled into the war, and Serbia had a bond with Russia which pulled them into the war. While Germany was mobilizing their army, France didn’t like that and so, mobilized theirs as well. And when Germany invaded France, France declared war, and when Germany invaded Belgium, who had a bond with the United Kingdom, the UK declared war as well. And, because Germany kept destroying US ships, the US finally lost its temper and also declared war on Germany. And because all those countries except for the United States had colonies, they were fighting against each other as well. It finally ended when the Allies, who were the good sides, were able to push Germany back and end the war in 1918.” All the ponies were listening with their mouths to the floor, except for Twilight who, of course, was writing all of this down. “The 2nd World War was started purely by Germany again, who after the 1st World War was weak, was built up again by a leader named Hitler, and he was a pretty good leader until he invaded Poland in order to gain ground. When he invaded Austria it was the tipping point for the rest of the world and France and The United Kingdom declared war once more. Germany had a bond with Japan, and Japan decided to attack the US in Pearl Harbor, and so, even though the US wanted to stay out of the war, declared war on Germany once more. When Germany tried to invade the Soviet Union, formerly known as Russia, opening a second front doing so, the USSR declared war on Germany. It lasted 6 years, from 1939 until 1945. When the USSR and the US and UK were able to cut Germany’s supply lines, push them back and end the World Wars for good. Germany was divided in 4 parts to prevent this from happening again. Now days however, Germany is one country again, but they will never again do something as bad as they did in the World Wars.” Twilight finished writing all of this down and everypony just looked at me with shock in their eyes. Fluttershy was quietly sobbing, and Pinkie was on the verge of crying. “I’m sorry you had to hear all that. I hope you won’t judge me on these happenings. I’ve never picked a fight in my life; I’ve always walked away from them.” “Well…” Rarity started. “I don’t know about all of you, but I can see that I can’t blame him for all of that. He seems like the person that would rather not fight, and I won’t judge him on his people’s history.” “Thank you Rarity. I appreciate your understanding” “I think everypony here agrees with me, don’t we?” They all confidently nodded and I was washed over with a feeling of relief. “Any other questions your highness or anypony else?” “I think we’ve asked enough questions for now.” Celestia said. “Anything you’d still like to ask?” “No princess, I have no more questions” “Well, I don’t know about you, but I believe it is lunchtime and I would like to treat our guest to lunch in the castle.” They all nodded in agreement. My stomach rumbled at the word of lunch. I blushed out of embarrassment and the ponies giggled. “Thank you princess, I appreciate your offer.” I said. We all got up off of the pillows, put them back against the wall and followed the princess through the long corridors to the huge dining hall. “Please everypony, take a seat.” Celestia said. We all took a seat at an empty table and a waiter came up to us with the menu. There wasn’t much I could choose from, I never was the salad type, and that seemed to be very common here. Then again, they were ponies; of course they’d have lots of salads. I settled on a fruit salad with more fruit than salad, I love every type of fruit, and when the waiters came in in with all of our orders, I was baffled by the fruits. I had never seen so many different fruit at once, and my mouth was watering, ready to dig in. Starting with an apple and a watermelon slice, Pinkie asked me; “What do you all eat back on Earth? “Yeah, I noticed you have all kinds of teeth.” Rainbow added. I nervously and audibly swallowed an apple piece and smiled nervously. I rather wouldn’t have had them ask that question. “Well… we eat vegetables and fruits just like you, and… m-m-…” “And what Brendan?” Celestia asked. “M-m-meat? We’re omnivores.” The moment I said that everypony stopped eating and turned their gazes towards me. … I nervously smiled, hoping it wasn’t too much of a shock. “GUARDS!” Celestia shouted; her voice losing its motherliness and becoming one of anger. Crap, now I’ve done it. I was surrounded by guards in mere seconds. “Take him back to the dungeons! I won’t have a half carnivore on the loose in my kingdom!” “Wait! Can I at least try to explain?!” “Hold!” She said. I figured this was my queue and immediately began to explain. “In my world animals aren’t sentient like here! With ‘most’ of the animals it is; kill or be killed, so in that case I really don’t have a choice! But we can live without meat; there are enough people in my world that resent it! Please!” Now I was pleading. “I’d never hurt anypony here, there’s no need to! I can live fine without it!” I could see Celestia thinking about what I said. My future would depend on her choice now. Celestia then got up and came over to me, placed her horn on my forehead. It started to glow and I felt a dull throbbing in my head. I looked around and the world slowly started to fade away until I blacked out. “Hmm, It has never effected anypony else like that before” Celestia wondered. Slowly the world started to light up again and I regained my vision. I looked at the princess who was standing over me. “I’ve looked into your mind and have seen that you have no intentions to harm any of my little ponies. Guards! You may let him go and leave.” Oh, thank God. I let out a huge sigh of relief and sat back down. “Well then, I’m sorry I jumped to such conclusions too quickly.” Her voice had returned to a motherly tone once more. “I-it’s okay.” I stuttered; still a bit shocked. We ate the rest of our meal in peace, but not without a few awkward glances my way, watching me as if I would attack them. After lunch they seemed to have warmed up to me again, and I thank the heavens for that. I didn’t want to live around with ponies disgusting me for the fact that I’d eaten meat. “You must all be exhausted of an almost sleepless night regarding current events.” Celestia started. In all honesty, I wasn’t tired, but then again, I was knocked out half the time and they were all probably trying to figure out what happened. “You may all rest in the guest rooms here in the castle for the time being” She finished. For some odd reason Rarity’s face lit up and she sqeed with joy. Apparently she liked high class standards; then again she’s a fashionista. “Thank you for your hospitality princess” I said. “You’re quite welcome. Now, you can all follow the guards to your respective rooms.” We all thanked the princess once more and turned to the guard. “If you will all follow me please.” And we all followed. After leading all the ponies to their rooms the guard led me to mine. “Here you are Sir. Here is the key. Have a good night.” “Thanks!” The guard took his leave and I entered the huge room, there was a huge four-poster bed, a wardrobe and a door off to the side. There was a bathroom with a big tub and a toilet. Nice quality rooms. I thought. Well duh, It’s a royal castle, of course it high quality. I walked back, over to the wardrobe. Empty. Figured. I walked over to the bed and let myself fall onto it. It was heavenly soft and I laid back and closed my eyes. As I tried to get some shuteye, I stared to wonder about back home, my family, my friends. They’re probably wondering where I am. It started to concern me if I could even get back, never being able to see my family again, my friends, and a whole life, gone. As I tried to push those last thoughts away I finally managed to fall asleep. Dreaming about a, possibly, new life in a new world. As the only human in Equestria.
Chapter 5 (Nightmares & Tours)I was home, upstairs in my room. It was about 5:30 PM and I asked myself; why hadn’t I been called down to eat yet? We usually eat at 5:00 PM. I decided to go and check if everything was still okay, and I went downstairs into the dining room. The normally short and quick trip took longer than normal, like something was trying to hold me back. I finally made it to the dining room and saw that everyone except me was eating. “Hey, mom and dad, why haven’t you called me down to come and eat?” No answer. “Hey, guys! Why are you ignoring me?” No answer. Now it was really starting to get on my nerves. “Hey dad, answer me please!” They all finally turned their heads and dad spoke; “You, you left us, left us to worry, thinking you’d be dead and such, and you even have the nerve to come back!” “Huh? B-but…” “No buts!” He screamed. “You decided to leave us for some weird pony world and never come back! You’re not part of this family anymore, we never want to see you again, and we disown you!” “W-what?” I stammered. “You heard me, now go away!” Slowly but surely the entire room and house were sinking farther away from me, and no matter how hard I tried to get back to the table, it seemed as if it kept going faster and faster, no matter how fast I tried to run. “NOOOOOOOOOO, DOOOOOOOOOOON’T!” “NOOOOOOOOO, DOOOOOOOOOOON’T!” I screamed as I shot upright and awake. I was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. “Oh, good, it was only a dream, though it seemed very real.” The thought of me not being able to get home was doing a number on me, but I couldn’t let it affect me. Then I heard a soft knocking on my door followed by a soft angelic voice. “Umm… Brendan? A-are y-you okay?” I still had my clothes on from yesterday, so I walked up to the door and opened it, revealing a concerned looking butter-yellow Pegasus. “Oh, hello Fluttershy, yeah I’m okay, just a nightmare is all.” “Oh, o-okay then, a-are you sure you’re okay? Because when I passed by your door I heard you scream in your sleep and shout; no. So I thought I’d check up on you to see if you were okay. Umm… I-if that’s okay with you.” “Yeah, I’m okay with it, thanks for your concern, but I’m fine now.” “O-okay.” At that moment my stomach decided to give its point of view and grumbled. I lightly laughed and Fluttershy gave a small giggle, until her stomach decided to do the same which made her blush lightly. “Well,” I started. “Looks like it’s that time in the morning again, I think we should get some breakfast. Do you want to walk with me to the breakfast hall Fluttershy?” “Y-yes, I’d like to.” She said with the light blush still on her face. That’s just so cute. I thought. I closed the door behind me, locked it, and joined up with Fluttershy towards the breakfast room. Thank goodness for signs! I’d probably get lost trying to find the breakfast hall without. I mentally sighed. “So how did you sleep last night Fluttershy?” I asked. “Oh, I slept just fine, although I’d rather sleep back home.” She answered. “Yeah, there’s no place like home, huh?” She nodded and looked at me, smiling, immediately noticing that my smile had sunk. “Oh, what’s wrong? W-was it something I said? Oh, I’m so sorry” She whimpered and hid herself behind her mane. “Oh, no, not at all, my statement just made me think about home, that’s all” I sighed. “Oh, I’m sorry for reminding you, I shouldn’t have.” She whimpered, still behind her mane. “Oh Fluttershy,” I said putting my hand on her head and removing her mane from her face so I could see her and she could see me. “It’s not your fault, and don’t you think it was, it couldn’t have been your fault, you didn’t know it would’ve led to this, you were just curious is all. I couldn’t possibly blame you.” We looked at each other and she smiled once more making me smile. “Thank you, I can overreact sometimes thinking I did something bad.” She said. “Oh Fluttershy, how could you do something bad?” “Umm… thanks.” She blushed at the compliment and quickly retreated behind her mane again. I mentally shook my head thinking; Oh boy… We finally arrived at the breakfast hall and everypony else was already there. “Are we really that late?” I mockingly asked. “Ugh, no!” Rainbow groaned. “We’re just early. Why couldn’t we sleep longer?” “Because, Rainbow.” Twilight stated. "We all have work to do. We can’t nap all day like you do!" Rainbow groaned in frustration and just buried her head in the chair’s pillow. Fluttershy and I laughed at the sight and took a seat at the table. The waiters came by and gave us the breakfast menu, and I looked at it hoping there’d be something of interest to me. Please have eggs, please have eggs, please have eggs. Yes, they’ve got eggs and toast with it! Now if they had bacon it’d be even better, but… well… I trailed off into thought, not noticing that the waiter was waiting for my order. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’d like the eggs and toast please.” “Very well sir.” He said, taking the menu back and walking into the kitchen. The service in this place was almost instant, and within minutes we all had our breakfast in front of us and we all dug in. “So, Brendan, how was your night?” Celestia inquired. “Not the best ever but it was good.” I answered. Not wanting to worry everypony with the nightmare, but it still brought a question to mind. “Excuse me, princess Celestia, but do you think there is a way for me to get back home?” Celestia sighed and answered; “We’re going to look into it as soon as possible to find a way to get you back home. In the meantime though, I think you might be staying here for a while.” “Oh, that won’t be a problem.” I reassured them. I was really hoping that they could find a way to send me back, but I still had my doubts bugging me. “So, what do you think of the night?” Luna cut in. “In all honesty, I love the night way more than the day. No offence princess Celestia.” She just smiled and waved it off and I continued; “But there’s so much more to see at night than there is in the daytime, the sky is absolutely beautiful with all its stars and one bright moon. I was looking out the window quite some time before I fell asleep.” “D-do you really mean that?” Luna asked, all of a sudden being happier than I could even think somepony could be. Well, her smile could rival Pinkie’s just about now. I thought. “Every word is true” I responded. Luna all of a sudden jumped up and hugged me. I was in total shock right there; she really caught me off guard. I was hesitant to return the hug, but eventually I lightly did. I didn’t know somepony could become so happy of the thought about someone loving the night more than the day. “See dear sister, I told you somepo-, someone absolutely loved your night as much as you do.” Celestia said to Luna. Luna broke the hug and blushed as she realized what she was doing and retook her seat. *Ahem* “Well, sorry about that. I think I was just a bit overjoyed there.” She said. “Don’t sweat it; I didn’t know anypony could become so happy with such a simple compliment.” I said. Luna simply nodded, and we all ate the remainder of our meal in relative silence. After we all finished breakfast the waiters came along and cleared the table of our plates. “Alright, it was nice meeting you Brendan, and I hope you have a pleasant stay in Equestria for the time being. I promise we’ll look into your situation as soon and quickly possible.” Celestia said. “It was nice meeting you all as well, and thank you for trying to find a way home for me. I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy my stay for as long as it’ll last.” I replied. It was then that it hit me. I didn’t have a place to stay nor did I have any money, well, I did have money, but I didn’t think they’d accept Euros or Dollars here in Equestria. “Umm, excuse me princess Celestia, but I don’t have a place to stay nor do I have any of your currency. How should I get around?” “Well, normally I could loan you money, but lately there have been so many ponies asking for loans that the land isn’t able to afford it right now. I’m terribly sorry. As for your lodging…” “I don’t think he could stay with me. Twilight started. “The library is a mess at the moment.” “We’re all havin’ a renovation goin’ on at the house and barn, so we’re cramped up right now too.” Applejack informed. “Oo! I’d like to invite you to stay at Sugarcube Corner, but with the cake's babies being all wild I don’t think they’d appreciate the extra occupation.” Pinkie added. “Sweetie Bell has messed up my guest room and it’s a drama. I’m sorry, I can’t either.” Rarity said with regret. “And I don’t think you can stand on clouds now can ya?” Rainbow said. “Huh? You live in a cloud?” I asked pretty amazed. “Yeah, it’s a pegasus’ special ability to stand on clouds, so we build our houses out of clouds too. They’re very easy to move around too.” “Wow, I never thought I’d really see could houses. It just gets better and better.” “He could come and stay with me, I’m sure my animals won’t mind! Umm… I-if t-that’s okay with y-you.” Fluttershy piped in. “Are you sure Fluttershy? I’m pretty sure I’d be able to find another place to stay. I wouldn’t want to intrude.” I replied. “Oh, no, I’m sure, I’m mean, I c-couldn’t leave you out there if you couldn’t find a place to stay.” “Well I very much appreciate your offer, and it’d be rude for me to refuse. Thank you for being such a kind pony Fluttershy.” “Oh, i-it’s n-not a problem, not at all.” She said, slightly blushing and hiding behind her mane. She’s just so cute when she does that. I thought. “Well, now that that is settled. I’ve arranged a train back to Ponyville; it’ll be leaving shortly, so you’d best all be going.” Celestia said. We all thanked the princesses both once more and left the castle towards the train station. We finally arrived at the station, but not without me receiving lots of awkward glances from everypony. Some ponies waved nervously and I waved back reassuring them that I was friendly. Some just stared wide eyed at me, and some even ran away. Hey, what would you do if you saw someone strange looking walks by and he’s almost twice as tall as yourself? As if on cue the train arrived as we arrived and we immediately boarded the train’s fist class coach. It was a splendid site; it could’ve been the princess’ private coach if it wouldn’t have been for the lack of a throne. The interior was almost as good as that from in the castle. I took a seat in one of the private compartments and stared out the window as the train let out a beautiful whistle and started leaving for Ponyville. I’ve always loved trains since I was a baby, and the fact that they had trains here in Equestria made me happy. I sat alone in the compartment just staring out of the window, enjoying the scenery for about two hours of the four hour trip, when I heard the compartment door open and a yellow head with pink hair poked inside. “Umm, c-can I-I, Umm… c-can I…” “Can you come in and sit here? Yes you may.” I said finishing and answering her sentence for her.” “Oh, o-okay” She said, coming into the compartment and taking a seat across from me. She noticed me staring out of the window and she did the same. We sat in complete silence until I started. “I want to thank you again for being so kind to me. Letting me stay at your place.” “Oh, it’s nothing really. I don’t mind.” … “Do you like watching the scenery when you’re travelling?” She asked. “Yeah, I do, I love it. I’ve always loved train rides in general, and this beautiful scenery makes it all the better.” I replied. … “So, I heard you have lots of animal friends back at your house?” “Oh yes, I have many kinds, I love taking care of my little animals, and they love me for taking care of them. It makes me happy to see them happy.” I chuckled. “I bet you make a great caretaker if not the best.” She blushed once more. “Thank you.” “So, tell me something about your animals and what you do around your house.” We spent the last hours of the ride talking about her, her animals, and even some of my own animal experiences. I only had some fish at one point which I loved, and I told her about the time I once found a wounded little bird while mowing the lawn and took it inside and patched up and let it heal and let it go again. She seemed very happy about this. Stepping out onto Ponyville station very late in the evening, the train ride was longer than four hours due to a switch problem, Twilight started; “Why don’t we give you a quick tour of Ponyville while we all walk home, at least you’ll know the basic points of Ponyville and you’d be able to find your own way through, and you’ll know where we all live should you need us?” “That’s very thoughtful of you Twilight, of course I’d like to. And so, we set off on my tour of Ponyville, but, of course, not without me receiving the same kinds of stares like I had in Canterlot. The first place we arrived at was a carrousel like house with purple lining. “I’m guessing this is your place, Rarity?” “Indeed it is. You sure have a keen eye on details don’t you?” “I’ve always had, but sometimes it’s more of a burden than an advantage, especially if you always see the details, but luckily I’ve resolved that problem.” “That’s a good thing to hear. Anyway, you should pass by one day so I can make you some more clothes. Only having one of each seems… horrid.” “I have to admit; you’re right, but I don’t have any money on me. How in the world am I supposed to pay for it?” “Oh I’ll have none of that; I’ll do it for free. Consider it as a gift welcoming you to Ponyville.” She insisted. “That’s very generous of you, but I insist that I repay you in some way.” I pressed on. “No, you have not to. Just come by when you have the time and I’ll get it sorted you as soon as possible.” She insisted once again. “Okay then, I’ll see when I can stop by.” We all said our goodbyes to Rarity and set off towards a big tree house in the middle of town. “This is Ponyville library and where I live.” Twilight stated. I wouldn’t have expected different. “If you ever need a book on something, or you need me, then this is the place to be.” She finished. “Will do Twilight, will do. Thanks for showing me.” I said. We left Twilight and set off to a house that looked like it was made out of pastries. This reminds me of Hansel and Gretel, but with ponies instead of a witch. “Let me guess, this is Sugarcube Corner and where Pinkie Pie lives and works?” I started. “Righty you are.” Pinkie began. “And you should totally come over and have a cupcake some day or a cookie or cake or anything baked by me!” “I’ll be sure to come over and taste some of your wondrous pastries Pinkie!” I said with eager. “Woohoo, alright, see you later Brendan!” “See you later Pinkie Pie!” She shot inside faster than I even thought was possible. I was about to question it when I thought; don’t ask, it’s Pinkie Pie. “I’m gonna go from here on too” Rainbow Dash said. “I’ll see you later Brendan. Maybe you can come and see me do some tricks someday. You’ll be blown away by their awesomeness!” “I’m pretty sure I will Rainbow.” I said challengingly. “Oh it’s on! Just you wait!” We waved goodbye and she shot away into the clouds. Man, I’d love to fly! I thought. With just me, Fluttershy and Applejack left we set off into the outskirts of Ponyville, and eventually we passed by a huge apple orchard. Applejack needn’t say anything. She knew I knew she lived there. We walked up to the house and she threw me a small bag of apples. “There ya go! Consider it a welcomin’ gift, some of the best apples in the whole of Equestria!” Applejack said. “Why much obliged Applejack!” I said mimicking her southern accent at which she just smirked. “Yer accent ain’t half bad, guess you were right about being a slight southerner yerself. If ya ever need some work, you could come over and we could get ya started on the farm.” “I’m sure I’ll take up on that offer Applejack. Much obliged!” I replied. Me and Fluttershy waved goodbye to Applejack and left the farm further out of town. “You sure live far away from town Fluttershy.” I concluded. “Yes, I do. It’s so that I can be closer to the forest for my animal friends, and, well, I don’t really go out that much. I’d rather stay at home with my animals.” I knew the feeling. I wasn’t a whole lot different back in my elementary school days. “I understand Fluttershy. I used to be the same, not wanting to go out, just staying at home all day doing things with the family." "Rainbow Dash was the first friend I ever made, that was during flight camp, but she was the only one too. I eventually got four more friends you’ve met after Twilight came along. I was alone a lot before.” “We’ve got friends now and we should be happy that we do!” I happily said. “Yes, and I am.” She said smiling. We arrived at a quaint cottage and Fluttershy led me up to the door and we entered. “This place is just amazing Fluttershy!” I told her. “Thank you. I know it’s not much, but it is home.” She smiled. There were so many different animals that I couldn’t even count them. What stood out though was a snow white bunny eyeing me. Fluttershy noticed our staring contest and introduced us. “Angel, this is Brendan. He’s going to be staying here until he finds a way home. Brendan this is Angel, my pet bunny. He can be a handful sometimes, but he means well.” Angel shot her a glare at the latter statement, but soon returned his gaze to me. I walked up to him and stuck out a hand, he eyed it suspiciously until he took it in both paws and we shook. He smiled, did what looked like a salute and hopped off elsewhere. “Looks like you two will get along just fine.” Fluttershy said. I nodded and let out a yawn, but not without covering my mouth of course. I and Fluttershy laughed and both decided to get to bed. “You can take the bed; I’ll sleep on the couch.” She offered. “Nonsense Fluttershy, I’ve already taken your hospitality of staying with you, but I’m not going to rob you of your bed! You can go sleep in your bed and I’ll take the couch.” I objected. “Oh, umm… Okay.” She whimpered. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I don’t think it’d be very respectful of me to just take your bed.” “Oh, well, thank you.” “No, thank you.” She blushed again and hid herself once more behind her mane. We said our goodnights and she went upstairs, and I lay down on the couch keeping my clothes on. Fluttershy then came back with a blanket. I thankfully took it and she went back upstairs. I rested my head on a pillow, pulled up the blankets, and easily drifted off to sleep, without worry, just a nice deep sleep. No more nightmares, no more worries, just a feeling of relief of having made so many new friends already. Without further ado, I left for dream world.
Chapter 6 (Small Talk & Fasion Talk)I awoke to Celestia’s sun creeping in through the window and trying to pry under my eyelids. With great resentment I opened my eyes and yawned. I don’t think I’ve ever woken up this easily before, must be something with the world that’s so peaceful. I threw off my blanket, sat upright and looked at the clock. It was still fairly early in the morning and by the looks of things neither one animal, nor Fluttershy was awake yet. It was then that I got an idea; How about I make Fluttershy and me both some breakfast, she has already done so much for me I just have to repay her somehow. I got up and walked over to the kitchen. It was a fairly small kitchen, a small stove, small oven, a sink and lots of cupboards, most likely for the animal food. I was searching around through the cupboards while trying to think of something special to make for her, when I saw a cupcake tin with rounded bottoms. It was then that it hit me, I’ll make a Dutch breakfast delicacy; poffertjes. Poffertjes are like mini pancakes that are slightly ovaled in shape, and they’re usually gone quickly because they’re so good and eaten with powdered sugar on top, and the rounded bottom of the tin would make a good shape to make them in. I set to work on it immediately calling out the ingredients for the Dutch recipe to myself; “60 gram bakboter, 125 gram fijne suiker, 185 gram zelfrijzend bakmeel, 2 deciliter melk, poedersuiker, boter om te vetten, 2 grote eieren en een snufje zout…” After having mixed the ingredients in the proper order leaving me with a nice liquid batter, I slowly poured a small amount of batter into the bottom of the tins on the stove. Now the thing about poffertjes is that if you cook them too long they’ll stick, cook them too short they’ll stick, so I had to make sure that I turned them at the right times. After finishing the first batch I put them into a warm bowl to keep them warm, and went on to the next batch. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was sleeping soundly and slowly awoke to the sun coming in through the windows. She let out a small yawn and immediately opened her eyes. She smelled something, something real good. She slowly got out of bed following the smell downstairs as it got stronger and stronger, and better. She was really curious as to what it was and where it was coming from, so she peeked around the living room corner and noticed it was coming from the kitchen and I wasn’t on the couch anymore. She slowly trotted over to the kitchen door and peeked in seeing me behind the stove. Curiosity got the best of her and she decided to ask what I was doing. “Umm... excuse me, Brendan, what are you making?” “Oh, good morning Fluttershy, I thought I ought to repay you for taking me in and giving me a place to sleep so I thought; I’ll make her some breakfast. It’s a surprise.” I cheerfully said. She trotted over next to me and looked at me with those turquoise eyes of hers. “R-really? Nopony has ever made breakfast for me before; I usually have to make breakfast for myself and the animals.” This statement surprised me. “What? Really, haven’t any of your friends ever made breakfast for you?” “Well, they’ve invited me before, but I couldn’t just leave my animals here, and I don’t go out all that often.” “Then I say; just sit down relax and let me serve you some breakfast! It’s about time you were the one being served!” “R-really, you’d really do that for me?” “Of course, I have to thank you for being so kind to me in some way.” “T-thank you.” Then she did something that I didn’t expect. She came up to me and gave me a hug. At first I was surprised that she’d do this, but then again, I’ve seen that it’s a normal gesture here. After a few seconds I slowly hugged her back, putting my arms around her neck. SHE'S SO SOFT! Her coat felt softer than the softest pillow ever, it was just amazing. Fluttershy broke the hug, and I said; “Why don’t you go and sit down and wait, I’m finishing up the last batch right now, it’ll be out in just a minute.” “Okay.” She replied. She turned away and walked to the table. As she walked away I noticed her face was the slightest shade of crimson that disappeared as she sat down. I turned back to my cooking just as they were done. I took them out one by one and put them in the bowl with the other batches. I took the tin off the heat and put it in the sink to cool down, and threw the other items I used with it. I put two plates on the table together with the powdered sugar, got the bowl with poffertjes and put it on the table with a small towel over them to keep them warm. Fluttershy was very curious as to what I had made, so I removed the towel and she looked at them with confusion. “What are they?” She asked. “They’re called; poffertjes. They’re a Dutch delicacy like small pancakes. You know what pancakes are right?” “N-no, I don’t think we have those here.” “What?” I said surprised. “You have all those delicious pastries and cakes, but you don’t have something like pancakes?” “No, no we don’t.” “Well then, pancakes are next on the list. Pancakes are flat pastry like breakfast foods. They’re usually made in a pan, hence the name pancakes. Pancakes can be eaten with either powdered sugar or syrup, while poffertjes are a miniature version and are eaten with powdered sugar.” My, and probably Fluttershy’s, mouth were watering at my explanation of the foods. “Wow that sounds good.” She said. “They are good. Back on my world they usually go quickly because they are so good. People love them, and I do too. That’s why, to make sure, I made a bigger batch since they go so quickly.” “I’d love to try one” She said. I took the spoon and scooped up about ten on her and my plate and put the cover back over the bowl. I powdered mine over with sugar and I asked Fluttershy if she wanted some too. “You want some powdered sugar on them?” “Yes, I’d like to try.” She answered. I powdered hers over as well and waited for her to take a bite. She leaned in and smelled them, and by the expression on her face I could tell that they smelled good to her. She slowly took one and brought it over to her mouth. As soon as she put it in and chewed on them, her eyes when almost as wide as diner plates and she said in amazement; “They’re delicious, it’s nothing like I’ve ever had before, such a new and different taste!” She soon continued eating the rest of them with a smile plastered on her face. I just smiled because she smiled and soon followed. We both continued to scoop up more and more of them, they were so good. Luckily I made an extra-large batch just to be sure, and was I ever right to do so! After we had finished them all both of us were stuffed. Fluttershy just smiled and said; “Thank you for making breakfast it was absolutely delicious!” “No problem Fluttershy! I am more than happy to do it for you! I have to repay your kindness in some way.” She smiled and came over and hugged me once more. This time I felt a lot more comfortable returning the hug. I broke the hug and said; “Alright then, why don’t you go and do what you need to do Fluttershy, and I’ll clean up the mess.” “Oh, I can’t just let you do so much for me; you’ve already done so much.” “I insist Fluttershy. By my account, I’m not even close to repaying you for what you’ve done.” “Oh, okay, i-if you really want to…” “It’s nothing Fluttershy; I’ll have it done in a jiffy.” With that I got up, cleared the table, and set to quickly doing the dishes. It wasn’t that big of a job, I think I got done in less than ten minutes. After finishing that up, I left the kitchen, into the living room and saw Fluttershy tending to some animals that stayed inside the house. “Hey, Fluttershy, do you need any help with the animals at all?” “Oh, no, you don’t need to help me; you’ve already done so much.” “Well, I wouldn’t want to just sit here and watch you work, that’d make me feel bad. Are you sure I can’t do anything to help you?” “Well, you could come and help me with the animals outside now. That is, if you want to.” “I’d be more than happy to Fluttershy.” I waited for her to finish with the animals inside and we both went outside to tend to the animal garden that surrounds Fluttershy’s house. Taking care of the animals went just fine except for the fact that the animals were pretty scared of me at first. I opened the chicken coop and all the chickens looked at me and started screeching, flailing and running like crazy. They jumped out of the coop and left me and Fluttershy to chase them. After a good quarter hour of chasing, cornering and catching chickens we got them back into the coop and I was able to feed them and make their hay stacks on which they sit. Since the chickens now didn’t fear me anymore the other animals did so less as well, but not without them pulling back a few times as I tried to feed them and pet them. In the end all the animals got used to the human helping Fluttershy and we got it done. “Few, that was some work, but we got it done now.” I said tired. “Usually it takes me twice as long to get all the animals fed, but now we got it done just after noon.” Fluttershy said. We went back inside and Fluttershy got us some drinks which we both guzzled down within seconds. I looked over at the clock and it read 1:15 PM. “Looks like I’ve got the entire afternoon left to do stuff. Hey, Fluttershy?” “Yes Brendan?” “Do you mind if I pay Rarity a visit today? I promised her I’d come over when I had the time.” “Oh, no, I don’t mind.” She timidly replied in a tone that sounded a bit saddened. “Okay, thanks Fluttershy. Umm, can I use the bathroom real quick? I need to clean myself up a bit.” “Oh, Okay. It’s upstairs, the first door on the right.” “Okay, thanks!” I walked up the stairs and took the first door on the right. It was a small quaint bathroom with a single sink, a bathtub with a showerhead that was clearly too low for me to stand under, and a small toilet. It’s a good thing the toilets are still the same here! I thought to myself. I took a small washcloth from the cabinet under the sink, wet it, and washed my face with the nice cold water, making sure I got rid of all the dirt. I placed it over the heater to dry and looked at my clothes in the mirror. I really needed some new ones, these had a few stains on them now from the chicken chase. Deciding there was nothing left I could properly clean, I left the bathroom and went back downstairs. I found Fluttershy just peacefully sitting on the couch, just looking around. I walked up to the door ready to open it. “Bye Fluttershy! I’ll be back as soon as Rarity is finished.” I told her. I was about to open the door and leave, but a certain voice stopped me. “W-wait!” Fluttershy called. “Yes Fluttershy?” “C-can I c-come with you? We both got everything done so fast that there’s nothing left to do. Normally I’d be busy with the animals most of the day.” “Of course you can come Fluttershy. I enjoy your company.” Fluttershy smiled at the approval and jumped off the couch. I held the door open for her and made a slight bow. “Ladies first.” She blushed and walked through first. “Thank you.” She said. I walked out and closed the door behind me and went down the path as Fluttershy walked up next to me. She had that golden small smile on her face that would melt anyone’s heart through its cuteness. We walked down the long country road to Ponyville, Fluttershy giggling every now and then. “What’s so funny?” I asked. “I’m just thinking about how you managed to get those chickens scared so much, and how one ended up under your shirt.” She giggled. “Oh yeah? I’m wondering how one of them ended up on your head that one time. You were chasing one and another flew right into your head, sat on it, and decided then and there that your head would be the best place to lay an egg.” Fluttershy turned beet red of embarrassment and turned her head away as I broke out into a fit of laughter. Fluttershy turned her head back again and soon started laughing as well. We both continued laughing and reviewing the events that occurred that morning. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ “That’s it right there isn’t it?” I asked. “Yes, there it is.” Fluttershy pointed out. After lots of laughing and reviews we walked up to Carrousel Boutique. I knocked on the door and heard a singing voice respond. “Come iiiiiin!” I held the door open once more for Fluttershy at which she bushed again and walked in. I walked inside and saw a few equine manikins, some with designer clothes, and some without, a cabinet with rolls of fabric in all the colors of the rainbow. Most of interior was white and only the roof was purple. “Hello and welcome to carrousel boutique, where everything is chique and unique.” Rarity greeted popping out of nowhere. “Oh, hello Fluttershy, hello Brendan, nice of you to come by.” “Well I promised to come in when I had some time and I did now, so here I am.” “Splendid! And what about you Fluttershy, what brings you here?” Rarity asked. “Oh, I thought I’d come with him, seeing as he helped me out with the animals I got done much more quickly than normal. I had nothing left to do.” Fluttershy answered. “Oh my, such a gentlecolt, er, gentleman for helping you out.” Rarity complimented. “Thanks for the compliment Rarity! But it was nothing really.” I said. “Well then, on to business! I’m guessing you’re here for some new clothes Brendan?” Rarity asked. “Yes indeed I am. Thank you for being generous enough to make me some Rarity. I’ll have to repay you some day.” “Nonsense dear, it’ll be my pleasure! I am the element of generosity after all.” “You have a point there!” “Now just come up here and take off your clothes so I can take the measurements.” “Umm… Rarity?” “What is it darling? Just take of your clothes and we can get started.” “Remember what I told you about humans and clothes back in Canterlot?” Rarity tapped her chin with her hoof for a moment, and then gasped and turned red in realization. “Oh, well, yes, I’m sorry for the offence Brendan.” “None taken.” “But how am I going to take the measurements now?” She asked. “I’ve got an idea! Do you have a place where I can take off the clothes in private? “Yes there’s a small fitting room right behind you.” She pointed out. “Well, how about I take off my clothes in there and give them too you so you can take the measurements from them? That way I won’t be out here.” “Splendid idea Brendan, that should work just fine!” “Alright then, I’ll go and take off my clothes in there and I’ll hand them to you over the door.” With that issue resolved, I went into the changing room and took off all of my clothes and threw them over the door, when Rarity caught them with her magic and brought them over to a measuring table, picked up a measuring lint, and started measuring my clothes. While I watched her measure, I noticed Fluttershy had taken a seat on the purple couch and was just prodding the couch while watching Rarity work. I caught her peeking over at me and she blushed heavily and turned her head away and hid behind her mane. She could only see my head and feet, the rest was covered by the door, so I wasn’t worried that she’d see me butt naked. “I’m finiiiiiiished!” Rarity said in a singing voice as she threw my clothes back over. “Already? Wow that was quick!” I exclaimed. “Well of course, I am a professional after all, and this was just a simple thing.” “Touché.” I dresses myself again and stepped out of the changing room. “I’ll make sure to give you the clothes once they’re ready darling.” “Thank you so much Rarity for making me some new clothes.” “Think nothing of it darling! Now I must be off to continue my other orders.” “Of course, we’ll be going now. Goodbye Rarity!” “Ta ta darling! Come by again soon!” Fluttershy and I left the boutique and headed back to her cottage again. We walked about half way in silence and then Fluttershy timidly spoke up. “I-I’m sorry that I tried to look at you, I shouldn’t have done that, I’m so sorry, p-please don’t hate me!” “Oh Fluttershy, It’s not a big deal.” I said reassuringly. “You were just being curious. It’s not every day that there’s a new species in town.” She just whimpered and hid behind her mane. I put a hand on her head and tussled it a bit. “Fluttershy don’t worry, I don’t hate you. As far as I’m concerned you’re the best, most kind pony out here.” She came back from her mane and simply gave a light smile which I responded to with one of my own. When we arrived back at the cottage there was a large crate standing in front of the path and a grey pegasus with a yellow mane standing by. When she saw me she quickly came over. “Mr. Human, Sir, you have a package delivered for you!” Up close I noticed she had incoherent eyes, one to the right the other to the left, both switching sides but staying opposite, she had bubbles as a cutie mark. “Huh, a package? I didn’t order anything.” I said surprised. “It’s an urgent shipment from the princesses.” She added. The princesses? What could they have sent me? “Okay then, Thank you for the delivery!” “Could you please sign here.” She said pointing at a spot on the clipboard. I took the pencil from her mouth and signed on the blank spot. “Thank you!” She shouted, and with that she flew off. Fluttershy and I looked over at the moderately sized crate and the first thing I noticed was that there was a muffin on top of it. I figured the mail mare must have left it there as an extra. I walked over to the crate and opened the narrow side. Inside was none other than my bike and bag. “Oh!” I exclaimed. “How could I have forgotten that? They were probably still in Canterlot!” I pulled out my bike and bag together from the crate and put the empty crate on the roadside to be taken away. “Hey Fluttershy, is there anywhere where I can put my bike for now?” “Umm, you can put it on the left side of the cottage if you want to, I just keep some gardening tools over there.” “Okay, thanks!” I put the bike aside and took my bag off and we both went inside. Holding the door open for Fluttershy once more we entered, and I put my bag beside the couch. I looked at the clock and it read six ‘o’ clock. We were gone longer than expected. I saw Fluttershy head into the kitchen and asked what she was going to do. “I’m going to make us dinner.” She replied. “Do you need any help?” I asked. “Oh no. You made me breakfast and helped me with the animals, so let me make you some dinner to thank you.” She said happily. “Alright then. Thank you so much Fluttershy.” “You’re welcome.” She said smiling warmly. As Fluttershy entered the kitchen, I sat down on the couch and returned to my thoughts once more. You know, this isn’t half bad. I may be stuck in a completely different world or even a dimension, but I’ve got it good. I’ve got a roof over my head, food to eat, and a kind, beautiful pegasus to thank for that. She’s just too kind for her own good sometimes, always puts others before herself, especially her animals. She’s exactly everything one could want in a person, er, pony. Kind, caring, loving, generous, beautiful… I looked over into the kitchen where she was cooking up a meal that I could smell all the way over here, and man, did it smell good! Beautiful? No, gorgeous. Wait, I haven’t even been here for 3 days and I’m already falling for someone… and not just someone, a pony?! Naw, come on, now that’s just downright weird, right? I couldn’t fall for a pony how would that work out? Certain things just don’t make sense right here. Ugh, I should stop this mental debate, I’m gonna get a 404 brain error this way. “Hello, Brendan?” I snapped out of my mental debate with myself and turned my attention to Fluttershy. “Oh, sorry, what was that Fluttershy?” “Dinner is ready.” She stated. “Oh, alright.” Was I really debating that long?! We walked over into the kitchen and took a seat at the kitchen table. There was a big pot in the middle with what looked like a thick tomato soup. It sure smelled like tomato soup, and man, did it smell good. Fluttershy hovered over the table and scooped a big portion into my bowl and did the same for herself. She looked at me with anticipation, wanting to hear how I liked the soup. I picked up the spoon and scooped some up and brought it to my nose, letting the amazing fragrance dance across my nostrils, if it smells this good than it must taste even better. I couldn’t have been more correct, it was pure heaven, like nothing I’ve ever tasted before, just so amazing. If I wouldn’t have been eating, my jaw would have dropped. “Fluttershy. This. Is. AMAZING!” She blushed and smiled. “Thanks, it’s my own made recipe, from the tomatoes in the back yard.” “I can honestly say now that I’ve yet to taste better cooking than this. I don’t even think it’s possible that anything could be better than this!” Fluttershy was smiling brightly, happy that her cooking skills amazed me. “Well you can cook amazingly well too. That breakfast you made today was delicious.” “Thanks, but I don’t think it could rival this pure awesomeness.” I added. “Oh, I’m sure it could.” “No it couldn’t.” “Yes it could.” “No it couldn’t” “Can too!” “Can not!” “Can too!” “Can not!” “…” “…” We realized how childish we were being and both broke out into a fit of laughter. “How about we call it even?” I suggested. “Yes, let’s.” She agreed. We both agreed and returned to the soup. Both of us ate our bowls up within minutes and were very generous on our seconds, big scoops every time, and before we knew it, the pot was empty and we were full. “That was absolutely delicious Fluttershy!” I said. “I think we can both see that.” She said. We both laughed and I opted to do the dishes. She wouldn’t let me do it alone, though I got her far enough as to let me help her. After finishing the dishes we went back into the living room and, coincidentally, both yawned. We just giggled at the sight and both agreed to got some shuteye. “Are you sure you don’t want to use the bed? I can sleep down here.” Fluttershy suggested once more.” “No Fluttershy, I can not get it over my heart to deprive you of your bed. I’ll stay down here on the couch, It’ll work out just fine.” “Oh, Okay. If you need anything just call me.” “Don’t worry about it, I’ll fine.” “O-okay. Goodnight Brendan.” “Goodnight Fluttershy.” Fluttershy went upstairs and I lay down on the couch, grabbing the comforter and wrapping it around me, and just listened to the night sound you could hear so well from her cottage. Cricketing crickets were very helpful to get me to fall asleep. As I soon departed for dreamland once more. Although I did have a feeling tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Chapter 7 (Party Hard & Soft)Once again I was awoken by none other than the bright orange-red sun of the morning shining right through the window. It was as if waking up here at any time would be a lovely experience. At first I just laid there awake, just enjoying the morning sun come up. As it went I remembered that I had said that pancakes were next on the list for breakfast. So without further ado I set off to the kitchen once more. I grabbed a medium sized pan out of the cabinet and set it on the stove. I gathered the ingredients for the pancakes and also got two bowls from the cabinet. I decided to add a little extra this time. I was going to make half the batch regular and the other half would be banana pancakes. I found enough bananas in the fruit bowl on top of the table and brought them over to the stove as well. I mixed half of the ingredients together in both bowls and added the bananas to one of the mixes. After some good stirring and waiting for the pan to heat up, I poured some of the mix into the pan and it gave a satisfying sizzle and it smelled good right away. Taking the pancakes away after flipping it until it was done I put it on a warm wooded board and covered it with a dry cloth to keep it nice and warm. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was once again peacefully asleep in her bed as always, as the smell of my cooking slowly made its way up the stairs and into her room once more. It crept past her muzzle and she (sleep) smelled it, as if she were in a fantasy world. This slowly but surely woke her up. She slowly opened her eyes and realized that it was probably me again making her breakfast. As she laid there for a couple of minutes just enjoying the smell she thought: He’s so sweet and kind to me. Making me breakfast every morning and helping me with my work. Nopony has ever been this kind to me. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much spare time before he came along. Fluttershy decided it was time to get up and see what I was cooking up this time. She got up and trotted over to her dresser and took her brush with a wing to brush out her morning hair. Afterwards she slowly trotted downstairs, round the corner, and into the kitchen just in time to see me finish cooking. “Good morning Fluttershy, I just finished making you breakfast again” I cheerfully greeted her as she came in. “Good morning Brendan and thank you again for doing this again.” Fluttershy replied with a sweet small smile. Fluttershy took a seat at the table again, as I walked over to the cupboard to grab the syrup. I came back and put it on the table and walked over to the counter and took the warm wooden board with the, in dry cloth covered, pancakes. “What did you make this time?” Fluttershy asked. “Pancakes, remember? I said that I’d make them next since you don’t know them.” I reminded her. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” She recalled. “I’d really like to try them” Without further ado, I took the dry cloth off of the pancakes. Fluttershy’s eyes just widened, as they were a lot bigger than expected. And I don’t know about her, but in my mouth it was starting to water up once more. “There, now I made two types right here.” I pointed out. “The right stack is regular and the left one has bananas in it, and if you want you can put some syrup on top too. Which do you want, Fluttershy?” “Oh, umm, I’ll try the regular first please, thank you.” I scooped up two regulars with a fork and shot them onto her plate. “There you go Fluttershy. Would you like some syrup on that?” “Oh, yeah please.” She replied. I grabbed the bottle of syrup and poured some onto the pancakes just perfectly. “There you go Fluttershy. Enjoy!” I scooped up some banana ones for myself and put some syrup on them too, as I waited and watched for Fluttershy to take the first bite. Fluttershy delicately cut off a piece, took it and put it in her mouth and chewed on it. “Oh, these are delicious!” She exclaimed. “Glad to hear you like them.” I said starting on my own serving. After finishing her first batch she asked for the banana ones. I scooped and syruped them up for her again, and she found these to be even better with the slices of banana in them. It wasn’t long before both of the stacks were gone and we both were satisfied at a good breakfast. I took the dishes over to the sink again and started doing the dishes when Fluttershy came up to me and look at me with those turquoise eyes of her again. “Thanks again for breakfast.” She said, and she gave me another hug. This time though, I was prepared and I hugged her back equally. SHE’S STILL SOOOOO SOFT! This time though we hugged way longer than normal, like we were waiting for one of us to break it instead of ourselves. Funny enough, we both let go at the same time and just looked each other in the eye. I finally broke the silence. “Okay then, I’ll get the dishes done and you can start feeding the animals again, and when I’m done I’ll help you again, Okay?” “O-okay, a-are you sure you want to help me again? I mean you’ve already done so much for me.” She asked “Nonsense Fluttershy, I’d be more than happy to help!” I happily told her. Fluttershy just gave a sweet little smile and went to feed the animals while I did the dishes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ After I finished doing the dishes I went over to help Fluttershy with feeding the animals. This time though, everything went a lot smoother. The animals have gotten used to me being the one that could feed them too. As per usual, we both finished very early ‘cause of my help. We were both just sitting on the couch silently. “So,” I started. “Do you have anything else to do now that we’re finished?” I asked. “Umm, I can’t think of anything right now. I might think of something later.” She replied. “Well then, I think we could just sit here and relax then. Judging by the amount of work you usually have to do, you deserve it.” Fluttershy smiled and slowly closed her eyes and released a sigh of relaxation. Falling back onto the headrest of the couch she turned her head to me and opened her eyes, showing me their gleaming turquoise color. “Thank you for helping me so often. It feels good to be able to take things easy for once and to have time to just relax.” “Not a problem Fluttershy! As long as it makes you feel good.” I replied. She closed her eyes once more and just rested against the couch. I soon followed suit as it seemed like a good idea. We both just rested there on the couch. The only noise being made was the ticking of the clock on the fireplace’s frame. After a little while I felt a certain weight fall onto my shoulder. I opened my eyes and saw that it was Fluttershy. She had fallen asleep and her head had fallen onto my shoulder. She had a light, sweet smile on her lips, her chest slowly rising and then falling again. All I could do was smile at the sight. After all the work she usually does she definitely deserves some extra sleep, it’ll do her good. I thought. I just stayed there leaving her head on my shoulder. To be perfectly honest; it felt really nice, to have someone like her resting on me. I never thought I’d be used for a pillow. I closed my eyes, deciding to join her. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ I opened my eyes, feeling good as new again. The first thing I did was take notice of the time. It was 3:15PM. I only slept for about 2 hours, not bad. Fluttershy was now curled up next to me on the couch, still sleeping peacefully. I decided to stretch my muscles which resulted in a few satisfying pops from some bones. As I stretched, Fluttershy was beginning to stir and she slowly woke up. Uncurling herself and stretching her wings she opened her eyes. “Good afternoon.” I greeted her. “Afternoon.” She smiled back. “Did you sleep well?” I asked. “Yes, I’ve never really gotten the chance to do something like this before, it feels good.” She replied. “Good.” I said. She looked over at the clock and then it hit her. “Oh, that was it!” She realized. “What?” I asked. “I still have to go to the market to get some more food and supplies.” “Oh, well, until when is it open?” I asked again. “Until six ‘o’ clock” She said. “Oh! We still have three hours left. That should be enough time.” I said. “That’s right.” She said. “Since we don’t have anything to do anymore, why don’t we go now? I think I could use a good stretch.” I suggested. “Yes, that seems like a good idea. I’ll go get my saddlebags.” She said, and then left the couch to get her saddlebags. She soon returned with her light yellow saddlebags with butterfly clippings. “Ready?” I asked. “All done.” She said. “Alright then.” I walked over to the door and held it open for her again, resulting in another ‘Thank You’ from the shy butter yellow mare. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to Fluttershy and we both walked over to Ponyville. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ “And that’s how I figured out my special talent was taking care of animals.” Fluttershy concluded. Fluttershy had been telling me the story of how she had earned her cutie mark since I brought up the question shortly after we left. “That’s a very interesting story. It must have felt like an entire adventure, didn’t it?” “Yes, it did. It was one of the scariest, and at the same time, one of the happiest moments of my life.” She said, looking back at the time. “That and you overcame one of your fears. That’s like a double accomplishment.” I added. “Yeah, I guess it was.” She said smiling. By this time we had arrived at the marked square. The only thing that was off was the lack of ponies. Only a few were still out and the owners were still there. “Hmm, looks like today is a quiet day.” I concluded. “That’s what it seems like.” She agreed. “So, what do we need?” I asked. “Umm…” She murmured while looking in her saddlebag for a small list. “A bag of grapes, a bag of cherries, a bag of tomatoes, cucumbers, a few stocks of celery and a bag of oranges.” “Seems good.” I said. “There’s the tomato stand.” I said, pointing to a stand with a tomato sight on top. We both walked up to the stand and Fluttershy placed the order. “U-umm, I’d like a bag of tomatoes please.” She asked. “That’ll be three bits then!” The mare behind the counter said. “Oh.” Fluttershy replied. “But yesterday they were only two.” “May be, but today isn’t yesterday. Today they’re three.” The mare replied rather harshly. So they haggle here over the prices eh? Thus far I can’t see Fluttershy do that and she’d end up getting ripped off tons of times. Let me see if I can do anything about this. I thought as Fluttershy took out three bits and placed them on the counter. Before the mare could grab them however, I had my hand over them. “Hey! What gives?” The mare said. “I think that charging three bits for a bag of tomatoes is outrageous. I say she only pays two bits!” I said, taking away one. “No! They’re three bits!” She said shoving it back again. “And I say she only pays two!” “Three!” “Two!” “Three!” “Two!” Fluttershy just stood there, watching the coin going back and forth as I haggled with the owner. Suddenly I remembered something I had seen on television back at home on Loony Tunes. It was a ridiculous idea, but I wanted to see if it worked nonetheless. “Three!” The mare yelled pulling the coin back again. “Three!” I yelled taking the coin and pushing it back again on the other side. “Two!” The mare yelled pushing the coin away. “Three!” I yelled pushing the coin back again. “Two!” She yelled again. Hahahaha! I can’t believe it actually worked, now for the final bid to end this! I mentally laughed. “I say it’s three bits or nothing!” I yelled. “Two bits and that’s my final offer!” She yelled. “Okay have it your way.” I casually said taking the one bit back and the bag of tomatoes and walking away. She was about to pick up the two bits when she realized what had just transpired and yelled; “Hey!” All I could do was snicker, and I walked over to Fluttershy. “There you go Fluttershy!” I said placing the bag in one of the saddlebags. “I just saved you a bit.” I said as I flicked the coin over right into her bit-bag. Fluttershy just looked at me as if I was some kind of magician. “What?” “H-how did you do that?” “Just keep haggling about the price until they break, or try to use a simple mind trick.” I said, chuckling the last part. Fluttershy smiled at me, walked up over to me and gave me a hug. “Thank you.” She said. Yup, she’s still soft. “No problem Fluttershy.” I said. “I didn’t want you to get ripped off.” “Umm, d-do you think you could help me out with the other too?” She asked. “Of course, I actually had fun doing that!” We broke the hug and went over to the next stand: Grapes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Oh geez, did you see that stallion's face when he realized that he had just lowered his price by 10 bits?! He was really desperate right there!” I laughed as we made our way back to Fluttershy’s cottage. “Oh yeah, and that one that was taking away the bits, just because you said nothing at all!” Fluttershy said, barely being able to stand upright. “How did you learn those tricks?” “Well, there’s this person back in my world that is very good at things like this, and he gave classes on how to do it, and I might have taken it.” I snickered. Fluttershy took her bit bag and started counting what she had left. “Oh my, you saved me over 50 bits! This is amazing! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” She shouted jumping up to me and hugging my mid-section. I hugged her back once again telling her that it was no big deal at all. “I-I have to do something in return, you’ve done so much for me now!” She told me. “Now you don’t have to.” I replied. “Oh please let me, please?!” I had to let her have it once by now. “Okay then, but just this one time.” “Oh great!” She exclaimed. “How about I take us to Sugarcube Corner? You’ve saved me more than enough to get us something to eat!” “I’d be delighted to go with you.” I replied. Fluttershy was beaming, skipping alongside me as we headed towards to cottage. Once we came back Fluttershy dropped her saddlebags on the couch and we headed out again to Sugarcube Corner. As we were walking back again I noticed that Fluttershy was walking a lot closer to my side, her mane slightly brushing against my arm as we walked. I turned and looked at her. She had a heartbreaking smile on her face, as if she were in dreamland. Also I noticed the slightest shade of red on her cheeks as we continued. I looked back in front of me, catching my own face becoming warm. I had a nice feeling as I looked at her, something I hadn’t had in a long time. We finally came into town and Fluttershy directed us to Sugarcube Corner. As we arrived however, something was off, besides the lights inside the store. It was very quiet in the streets, nopony in sight. I thought they were used to a human walking around in town by now. I thought. Nevertheless, we walked up to the door and I opened it for Fluttershy, who gracefully took the offer. I walked in after her and all there was was a dark room. Fluttershy was about to ask what was going on and then… SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!! Fluttershy and I both jumped in fright at the sudden change in color and sound, until we both realized it was a party! Out of the blue (or should I say pink) came Pinkie Pie right up into my face. Congratulations Brendan! She screamed. Welcome to you ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party! There are games and presents and cookies and cupcakes and punch and…” Before she could continue there was a blue hoof stuck in her mouth. “What she means to say is that she gave you a surprise party for coming to Ponyville, like she does with everypony new.” Dash told me. “Mmmmhmmm” Pinkie hummed through the blue hoof in her mouth. “Wow, a surprise party for me?! Pinkie, you shouldn’t have.” “Yes I should have!” She started. “Otherwise you’d be the only one not to get one and then you could’ve become sad and as your friend I don’t want to see you sad and…” She was cut off once more by the blue hoof. “Pinkie, I think he gets it.” Rainbow deadpanned. “Okie dokie lokie!” She said bouncing away. I don’t think I’ll ever understand that mare. I looked around the room and noticed that just about all of Ponyville was at this party. I noticed the 3 others standing by a table with some punch. I decided to get some for me and Fluttershy and join them. “You want some punch Fluttershy?” “Oh, yes please, i-if that’s okay with you…” Good enough. I walked over to the punch bowl and grabbed two cups and filled them to the brim. I then walked over to the table and placed one cup by Fluttershy who mouthed a ‘thanks’ and took a sip of my own. “So,” Twilight started. “How do you like the party?” “It’s just absolutely awesome! Does she always throw parties like this for everypony?” I asked. “Yup, she’ll just about use any excuse she can use just to get a new party a goin’.” Applejack answered. “Well she sure does a good job at it too!” “I wouldn’t know what we would do without Pinkie.” Twilight said. “Oh, Brendan,” Rarity began. “I believe I have something for you.” She levitated a white bag from behind her and flew it over to me. “Consider it your welcome gift.” I took the bag and looked inside for its contents. Inside were two pairs of regular pants that looked like jeans, but they were made of some kind of soft fabric and were stitched in a different way. One was in a traditional blue and the other was light beige. Amongst the pants were some shirts too. One was white and short sleeved and the other was dark blue and long sleeved. Both were made from a lighter fabric than the pants but felt like they would be comfortable nonetheless. At the very bottom was the big prize; a dashing black tuxedo, hat, shoes and everything to go with it. I was baffled at the sight of it. “Oh, wow, Rarity, this is amazing!” “Why thank you, I did put my best effort into it after all.” “Thanks so much Rarity!” I leaned over to her and hugged her shortly which she returned. “Now make sure that suit stays in proper condition. I wouldn’t want to do it all over again, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to ruin it either.” “Sure thing, will do, Rarity! Well then, were at a party aren’t we? So let’s get this party started!” _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The party went on into the late night and I was having the best of times. Dancing weirdly (since I don’t really know how to do it properly, but hey, just about everypony here didn’t), enjoying the confectioneries mostly. All was great fun, but it was about to get better. A slightly (it looked like to me) tipsy Rainbow Dash ‘trotted’ over to me with a mug in her hoof. “Hey *hic* Brendan, here try *hic* shome of thish. It’ll *hic* do ya good!” Now I’m not much of a drinker, but a little alcohol from time to time wouldn’t hurt anything. I took the mug from her hoof as she just watched me, and put it up to my mouth. Instead of the bitter taste of the alcohol hitting my tongue like I expected, I was greeted with a rather sweet and fruity taste. It took some time to realize that this was neither beer nor wine nor cider. It was just plain old fruit juice! Ponies here get drunk on fruit juice?! As the fruit lover that I am my first reaction was to go on and gulp it all down, savoring the taste. And so I did. The mug was empty within seconds. “Aaahhh, now that’s delicious!” Rainbow just stared at me like I’d preformed a miracle. “H-how did you do that?!” She asked in surprise. “Umm, it’s just plain old fruit juice ya know” I explained. “Yeah, one of the strongest types of fruit juice around too!” She added. “Well, back at home fruit juice is a regular beverage; we don’t get drunk from it.” I explained. When she heard this she put a toothy grin on her face and took me by my hand. “Where’re we going?” I asked. “To Berry Punch, and you’re gonna have a drinking contest with her.” I was about to heavily retaliate at this, but then I realized; its fruit juice… What’s it gonna do to me. This was gonna be fun. We arrived at a table that had a whole lot of, what I could only describe as, fruit shots on it. Like whiskey shots, but then with ‘strong’ fruit juice. “Ah, so you’re the new human in town. Name’s Berry Punch, nice to meet you.” “Brendan. Nice to meet you too!” “This guy here wants to challenge you to a drinking contest, Berry!” Rainbow said. “Aha, wanting to play with the big stallions already! Well I never back away from a drinking challenge.” She leaned over. “Just so ya know, I’m the drinking champion of this town.” She whispered. “We’ll see about that.” I whispered back. She just gave a smug grin and said; “The rules are simple, the one who falls down first loses.” “Obviously.” I stated. Both of us grabbed hold of a cup while two others came over; one to keep the score and one to start us and announce the winner. “On your marks,” The crowd gathered round. “Get set, DRINK!” Both of us drank the first cup quickly making sure to stay in sync and waiting for the other to finish before taking the next one, and the next, and the next. Only two minutes or so had passed and we were both on 16 cups. Berry was looking rather drowsy whilst I remained unaffected. “Shhho, how can yoooooooooou dooooo shat?” Berry slurred. “I don’t know, special human ability maybe?” I joked. It was just regular fruit punch, so it didn’t make any difference at all. As soon as we both drank our 17th cup, Berry seemed mesmerized for a couple of seconds, everyone watching with anticipation. And then, she simply toppled over. The ponies cheered as I claimed the title of winner. (Even though I might have been cheating.) Hehe, I could make a living off of this if I were to place bets on myself, hehe. The remainder of the night was spent talking to various ponies, who had various questions as well. It wasn’t until midnight the Fluttershy and I were walking back to her cottage. “How did you do that?” She asked. “Do what?” “Drink all of that punch and are still able to walk straight.” “Oh that, well, it was only fruit punch. It’s a regular drink back in my world, everyone drinks it. We, unlike you ponies apparently, don’t get drunk when we drink it.” I answered. “Really? I never thought that was possible.” She said. “Well it is.” We were nearing the forest when; *GURGLE* I quickly grabbed my stomach, Fluttershy being startled at the sound. That punch was about to take its toll on me. “Excuse me for one quick second.” _________________________________________________________________________________________________ After taking a rather long time for such a small business we were back in Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy still giggling. “What’s so funny? It’s still about that?” “It’s just funny the way you walked away so quickly behind that tree. You shouldn’t have drunk so much.” “Well it wasn’t THAT bad.” Fluttershy finally calmed down and let out a rather cute yawn. I smiled. “I think we should both head off to bed, or couch in my case.” “Yes, it has been a long night. Good night, see you tomorrow.” She wished. “You too, Fluttershy.” With that, Fluttershy headed upstairs to bed, while I just plopped down on the couch, not caring if I still had clothes on. I was just THAT tired. If this keeps up every day, I’m not gonna have an ounce of strength left soon enough. And with that, I was out like a light. Author's Note And there you go, after a looooooooooooooooong time, a new chapter. I finally got my finger out of my lazy fat ass and started typing again and this is the result. Enjoy.
PrologueMy life, well… I can’t say I didn’t have a good one. Actually, my life was great at home, but this made it even better in a way. I should start from the beginning shouldn’t I? My name is Brendan; I was born on the 23rd of May 1996 which makes me 16 years old now, almost 17. I live in the Netherlands, being bilingual makes both languages easy for me, American and Dutch. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister and a great mom and dad. They make me feel lucky to have them. There was one time in my life that wasn’t really that exciting; elementary school. Back in those days I didn’t really have anybody I could call a good or best friend. I was really shy back then and unsocial. That is, until my parents made me take a therapy, which in turn, made me, compared to then, more social, and I finally have best friends, only 3 to be exact, but still, I have regular ones as well, the ones you’d call acquaintances. Well then, let’s get back to the main story, huh? Enough background on me.
Chapter 1 (Rainshine)Rain. Lots of pure, cold, wet rain. This is the regular weather for the Netherlands. It had been raining for a week now and it still didn’t show any signs of stopping. I didn’t mind though, I’ve lived here all my life, so I’m used to it. Going through my normal morning routine of getting ready for school. I’ve got to bike to school, through the rain, since they don’t have any school busses here. No wonder we’re the ‘biking’ country. “Ugh, rain, rain, and rain. It’s been going on for a week now. When is it going to stop?” I said. I often talk to myself when I’m alone. My mom has gone to bring my siblings to school, and my dad has gone to work. So, I’m left alone to get ready and maybe have some peace and quiet before I go. Finishing my sandwich with Nutella, I love Nutella; I brushed my teeth and took care of my other facial aspects, and say that I had a good 15 minutes left. So, I decided to sit down and rest a bit. Ten minutes later I decided it’d be best to go. I always leave 5 minutes prior to my normal departing time, and I’m always 5 minutes early everywhere. It’s just some good manners my dad taught me over the years, and I’m very grateful for it. Going outside and unlocking the doors and my bike, fastening my backpack to my bike and setting off to school, I thought; Someday I need to have a good talk with the weathermen around here. It hasn’t let up a bit at all. Little did I know that the rain would change my life and surroundings for good.
