Echoes of Equestria

Afternoon brought with it a mix of anticipation and a little dread. I knew the forest from the show and how dangerous it could be, but I honestly didn’t know how Applebloom could brave it alone given what’s in there. And now that that I was a little foal myself, I honestly wasn’t sure that I…No, scratch that—I knew that I wouldn’t have been able to go in there on my own.

Twilight, having accepted my excuse of being homesick for not wanting to go into further detail about my planet’s history and technology—seeing as I hadn’t wanted to mentally scar her with all of the human atrocities—basically killed the remaining time until lunch reading. This left Fluttershy and I to our own devices.

I decided that I wanted to explore the castle, however as I was afraid of getting lost, I decided that I needed a guide. I thought of asking Spike, but I didn’t want to drag him away in case Twilight needed her number one assistant.

So, that left Fluttershy, who was more than happy to show me around. “And this is the main hall. It’s not really used much right now, but I’m sure it will come in handy once Twilight gets her new duties sorted out,” Fluttershy explained.

Nodding in acknowledgment I reply, “Yea. I can only imagine how much her life will change now that she’s the sole ruler of Equestria.”

“Yes. It’ll be a big change for all of us.” Suddenly curious she said, “Wait. How did you know that Twilight’s our ruler?”

“Just heard about it from casual conversation blowing on the breeze somewhere in town I guess,” I reply without missing a beat.

She nods continuing, “As I was saying, it’ll be a big change for all of us when her duties get sorted.”

You’d have to be deaf not to have caught the melancholy way in which she had said that.

“Apparently having just realized that herself she quickly added, “B-but I’m not sad about it. Not really. It’s just it’ll change things a little is all. Twilight, even if she decides to remain here will be—busier now.”

“I understand. She’ll have less time to spend with her friends. That’s gotta be tough given her title as Princess of Friendship. On her especially I mean.”

“Oh dear!” she exclaimed worriedly. “I hadn’t even thought of that. I mean I knew it would be hard on all of us at first, but how much harder for a pony when friendship is what defines her.” Oh. I hope she doesn’t get too lonely… By herself… In this castle… For days at a time.”

Yeesh! Note to self. Watch what you say around Fluttershy. “Hey, hey. Calm down. She’ll be fine. Remember this is Twilight we’re talking about here. A pony for all of her foalhood and most of her young adult life didn’t even have friends, ‘cause she didn’t think it was important. She’s used to being by herself. And anyway, if she does get lonely she’ll seek you guys out. Right?”

Calming down, she slowly relaxed as a small smile returned to her lips. She then nodded replying, “Yes. You’re right.” Her expression then shifted to curious confusion. “How did you know all of that stuff about Twilight?”

“Oh… Uh... That is to say,” I stammered my mind racing for a way out of this accidental blunder.

“Hey guys. Seeing as you’re here, any preference for lunch?” asked Spike, who had just waltzed into the kitchen that we had entered, moments before Fluttershy’s freak out.

“Latching onto the chance fate provided for me I gave him my full attention, walking towards him to give him my lunch order, I said, “Oh I would love a hayburger and hay fries if it’s not too much trouble.”

Chuckling he replied, “Naw. No trouble at all. I’m guessing ya want a soda to wash it down with.”

“Apple juice actually. If it comes from Sweet Apple Acres I mean.”

“Always does,” he says smiling. Then glancing at Fluttershy he inquires, “So, what can I fix for you?”

“Oh, um…” I noticed she was looking at me curiously again.

Oh shoot! Did I say something else I shouldn’t’ve? I mentally facepalm, panic rising. Why didn’t I just go with the soda? Of course Sweet Apple Acres wouldn’t even be on my radar yet. Way to go, genius—keep it together, or they’re going to figure you out.

After a few more moments of me worrying she looks back towards Spike and says, “Yes. I’d love a Daisy sandwich and some fried Brussels with garlic, salt, and, butter please. Oh and some iced tea. I-if that’s OK.”

“Sure. We got a fully stocked pantry and kitchen. We always have a fully stock pantry and kitchen now.”

“One of the benefits of gaining a nice big castle huh?” I inquired.

“Uh-huh,” he replies distractedly as he focuses on cooking.

“Come on Simon. We can wait for the food in the small dinette room.”

Nodding, I followed after her, noting the look she gave me as I mentally face slapped myself again. You just had to mention them getting the castle. Keep this up and you’re busted, you dummy.

A short trip later and she’s leading me into a cozy, circular room tucked away in one of the castle’s crystal towers. The walls shimmered faintly, like amethyst in sunlight with shelves lining one side, filled with books about magical cuisines and enchanted recipes. A round table of polished oak sat in the center, surrounded by mismatched yet elegant chairs—some carved with intricate designs of stars and moons. It’s nice to see that Twilight is reworking the castle’s cold crystal edifice into something that feels more homey. She could’ve used a crystal table, but went with something more earthy, I thought.

Above the table, there was a chandelier made of enchanted gemstones that cast a soft, warm glow. The floor is covered with a plush rug in deep purple adorned with Twilight’s cutie mark, which lay beneath the table. Tilting my head to the side I thought to myself, Nice touch. A window overlooked Ponyville, framed by flowing lavender curtains tied back with silver tassels. Small personal touches, like a teapot shaped like an owl—Aww. She must really love Owloiscious—or scrolls half-unfurled with notes, add warmth and life.

As we sat ourselves around the table, the door opens, and in walks Twilight. “Afternoon everypony.” Smiling she turned towards me and adds, “Did you enjoy the tour?”

Nodding with a smile I replied excitedly, “Oh yes. Your castle is so beautiful. And big. I’m glad I had somepony to guide me. I would have been lost for days trying to find my way around.”

Giggling behind her hoof, she took a seat and replied, “Sounds like you had a lot of fun.”

Nodding enthusiastically I state, “Oh yes. This palace is so pretty and sparkly. And I like the little homey touches that I’ve seen in some of the rooms. Like those ones for example. The table, the rug, the owl teapot. It makes the room feel warm and inviting.”

“Aww. I’m so glad that you think so. That’s exactly what I was going for.” Here she turned introspective. “You know, when I first got this castle, I hated it. It felt so big and cold, so lonely here.” She brightens again, “But my friends helped me find ways to make this castle a home.”

Must. Not. Sing.

It’s then that the door opened again, thankfully distracting my mind from the desire to sing that song, as Spike enters and placed our food before us. He then took his own seat and began munching on what looked to be obsidian.

“Obsidian?”

“Mm-hmm. You got a good eye for gems for such a young colt.”

“Well, truth is…” Oh shoot.

Spike stops chewing and gives me his full attention. “Truth is what?”

Twilight and Fluttershy have also turned to give me curious looks. Damn it! Now what Einstein? Well, maybe a deflective question to test the waters. If they’re OK with it I can maybe finish that thought. “Before I finish that thought let me propose a hypothetical query. How would somepony react if say, they found out that another pony, someone new in their life, turned out to be far older than they actually appeared? That circumstances beyond his/her control happened to make them appear that way.

Twilight ponders the question a bit, tapping her hoof to her chin, before turning back to me. Looking very serious she answers, “I would say that a pony who kept something like that from another pony, even if they were scared to reveal it for whatever reason, would be dishonest in doing so. It’s always better to be up front about such things.”

Fluttershy nods in agreement adding, “And even if this were the case it’s not as if it were their fault. It would be unfair to blame him for something that he had no control over.”

“Him/Her.” I reiterate.

Chuckling Spike interjects, “Give it up man. You know they know right?”

“Huh?”

Grinning he continues. Dude. You proposed this”—here he does claw air quotes—“hypothetical scenario right after you stopped yourself mid sentence. Pretty obvious you’re talking about yourself and that you were going to say that you’re far older than you look.”

“Spike!” Twilight admonishes.

“What?”

“You robbed him of his chance to fess up to us.”

“Oh. Heh, heh. Oops.”

Twilight shook her head as Fluttershy placed a wing around me. It’s OK Simon. We understand. The portal robbed you of your age as well as your species.”

Nodding I say, “Y-yeah. I’m sorry!” I say pressing into her side trying to fight back the tears threatening to flow.

“Shh. No worries, but I would like to know one thing.”

Pulling away I looked her in the eyes as mine still stung with unshed tears. “Yes?”

“Why did you feel the need to hide this from us?”

“I blame it on foalish instincts. Well, in part. It was mostly the shock and everything. Fear for my father and what’s going to happen to him if I don’t return in time. Confusion as to why this happened to me in the first place. Anger at being so weak again. A lot of things contributed to it, but mainly. I thought you’d wouldn’t want to…t-to…” It was at this point the tears would no longer be denied.

Gently, Fluttershy picks me up and rocks me. There, there. You’re such a silly foal. You know that? You really thought that I would be offended to share my bed or cuddle up with a foal just because they happen to be regressed?

Still crying I nodded with my face pressed into her leg.

“Would never happen. You’re far too adorable.” She then kissed me below my horn.

My tears dried up so fast it was like they were instantly evaporated by the sun.

“Besides, foal or stallion, I could tell you were desperately in need of a little kindness ever since we first met. It’s as if you’ve been denied it for all your life.”

Grimly I replied, “I could tell you stories, but the tl;dr is, I haven’t had much luck with friends back where I come from.”

She then embraces me tighter for a moment before setting me back on the pillow. “Eat. We don’t have much time if we want to get done with our business in the Everfree before nightfall.”

Nodding I tucked in. My eyes widened in shock as the taste hit my tongue. The taste was astounding. It was sweet and savory. A kind of barley like flavor mixed with nuttiness with a sweet flavor reminiscent of clover. Why the heck does this taste so good to a pony? I then bite into a fry and the flavor is so surprising. If I hadn’t known that this was hay I could swear that I was eating McDonald’s French fries.

The others must’ve taken notice of the goofy faces that I had no doubt made. Their smiles of amusement were quite evident on their faces.

“If you knew what this tasted like to a human, trust me, you’d be just as surprised.”

Smiling Twilight responded with, “I actually do know”—here she clears her throat—“and I unfortunately know what your version of a burger tastes like.”

My eyes widen again in shock. I almost let slip that I had always wondered if she happened to have had a hamburger in Sunset’s world before, but I catch myself just in time. “I’m so sorry.”

She waves me off. “Don’t be. It was a learning experience. Now that I know that humans are omnivorous I’ve made sure to always ask for the vegetarian option. Your veggie burgers don’t taste much different than hayburgers.”

“No kidding?”

“I’m serious. I highly recommend when you return home, that you should try it at least once. Especially since you seem to be enjoying that.”

“Heh, heh. Gotta admit. The flavor surprised me.”

In unison they said, “We noticed.” They then giggled.

Blushing, I resumed eating. The apple juice was delicious. Sweetest apple juice I’ve ever had in my life.

Once done, the three of us gathered in front of the castle doors.

“All right. Is everypony ready to go? Twilight asks.

Both of us nodding I add, “I was ready five hours ago.”

“Oh hush you.”

I stick out my tongue playfully.

“Well, without further ado”—here she enveloped the door with her magical aura—“let’s go.

The doors then opened as we made our exit from the castle and headed out towards my destiny.