What If?

First Contact

California, Twenty fifteen. It’s the five year anniversary of My Little Pony, and Hasbro has finally decided to host a convention honoring the fans and loyal supporters of the show with a weekend of fan art, music and Q&A panels with the cast and shows creator itself. Also scheduled are panels of creators spanning the community ranging from writing, music and art.

“Quiet everypony!” Called the annoncer. “We have a very special guest speaker here today. One thats been part of our community for along time. A pony thats made a lot of wonderful art and some of the best fan fiction most of us have ever read.”

“He must be talking about Timeless Equine, that guy makes some awesome stuff!”

“Yeah I know right?” Commented some fans speaking aloud.

“So without further ado.. I bring you Timeless Equine! Come on everypony! Lets give him a round of applause!” The announcer said, soon after the audience stood up clapping and cheering him on, but after a few minutes of it the sounds of applause died down, and soon the idle sounds of chatter coming from the audience could be heard. “Is he not here?” The announcer asked holding his hand over the mic the person standing next to him shrugged.

“He was on the list, and I have been told he was here, let me go ask around back maybe he’s just got some stage fright.” he said heading off the stage to the curtain, but just as he was about to go behind it, the curtain swung open and a lady came out from behind it.

“He’s here guys just give him a second. I’m sorry for the delay, but this is the first time he has ever came out on stage or even in public.” She said walking back behind the curtain, and a moment later some talking could be heard.

“I wonder why this guy didn’t want anyone around him when he arrived its not like we’re going to reject him or something.”

“Yeah I know right? He must be a really timid guy I guess.” He said crossing his arms looking at the curtain, talking could still be overheard plus an odd sound of something clipping at the floor. “I guess she’s trying to steel his resolve and what's that sound?” He asked scratching his head.

The announcer walked over to listen for himself. “I don’t know,” He said shrugging. “But  why does it sound like there's three people walking around back there? I thought it was only him and her back there.” He scratched his head looking at it. “I’m going back there to find out what’s going on.” He walked up to the curtain, but just as he was about to stick his head behind it the lady emerged.

“He’s ready.” She said standing in front of the announcer keeping him from peeking behind the curtain. “He just needed a last minute pep talk, but can I take the mic for a second? He wants me to say a few things before he comes out.” She asked. The two nodded.

“Sure you can. Just give me a moment to let the audience know what’s going on okay?” He offered walking up to the podium. She nodded and followed him up to it. “Attention everypony! Can I please get your attention.” The audience becoming quiet. “Before our guest speaker comes out, he has requested that his friend here say a few words on his behalf.” He stepped to the side and allowed the girl to step up to the podium.

“Before you people get to meet Timeless, theres just a few things he wanted me to say. This may sound odd and a little weird, but bear with me alright?” She asked. The audience looking upon her with odd looks some chuckling and giggling. “Anyway, Timeless... Well actually his real name is Chronos.” She stopped when a person in the audience spoke up.

“Chronos? Thats an odd name to name your child.” Someone in the audience commented.

“Well sir, This guy is well.. Lets just say he’s from a faraway place. Also, please don't get shocked or scared when he comes on stage. Give him the chance to come up and speak.”

“Scared!? What is this guy afraid of?” A person asked. Some people in the audience were now getting a little impatient.

“Just tell him to come out already! We won’t bite.” Someone else from the audience added.

“Okay then.” She turned to look at the curtain. “Chronos, could you come out here please?”

“O-okay..” Came a timid males voice from behind the curtain. A moment later out came to what the audience could only ascertain was an Alicorn wearing what looked to be a twenty percent cooler hoodie with a pair of tan cargo shorts. His fur was a shade of cobalt except a small patch of gold on his snout and his hoof tips.  His mane was mix of white and gold.

The audience fell eerily silent as they watched him with rapt attention as Chronos slowly made his way to the podium looking around at all the people with their mouths wide open, some with eyes wide. Even the camera crew had stopped recording the event and focused all their cameras on him as he made his way across the stage. “Hello Lauren, Tara and John. I’ve heard a lot about you people its an honor to meet you.” He said waving to them. They didn’t reply, they just sat there looking at Chronos as if they seen a ghost. He frowned a little bit and then continued up to the podium.

“Chronos, let me make it easier for you to speak to the audience.” His friend said then set the mic down on the stage so he could speak into it easier. Chronos came up and sat down by it and looked out over the group of fans, all of which were still gazing at him with rapt attention.

“H-hello everybody.” He said, but the audience remained silent. An uneasy silence fell over the room, and Chronos himself started to get a nervous shake, that is until someone finally spoke up.

“Y-you’re a pony!?” Someone finally said breaking the tension.

“A what?” He asked raising an eyebrow. His friend went over and whispered into his ear. “Oh yeah! Heh.. I keep forgetting thats what you call my kind.” He said with a nervous chuckle. “Well then in that case, I guess I am.” He said, but then a thousand questions were being instantly flung at him. He jump backed shocked holding his hooves out. “Please guys, not so many questions at once! I can’t understand what you’re saying.” He said, but the overwhelming amount of noise was muffling his voice and after a moment of it he threw his hooves over his ears. It was too much.

The announcer went over and picked up the mic and held up his hands then began speaking. “Please everybody! Calm down! We are not going to get anywhere if all of you are talking at once!” The announcer said. The audience after a few moments fell silent. “Ok people, this is what we’re going to do. Anyone wanting to ask Chronos a question please raise your hand.” He said and obviously they all did this. “Chronos here will pick a person at random and then you can stand up and ask him your question, but only one question per person. I’ll start.” He then took a moment to scan the audience. “You there.” He said pointing to a teenage boy. “What is your question?” He asked and the fan stood up.

“Are you from Equestria?” The teenager asked.

“Yes I am.” Chronos replied. Then held out a hoof pointing to a young female dressed to look like Rainbow Dash. “What is your question?”

She stood up and asked, “Are you an Alicorn? I see you got both wings and a horn.”

He shook his head. “No I am not an Alicorn.” He replied, but suddenly felt like he had offended them when some people in the audience gasped when they heard his reply.

“What!? But you have a horn and wings though.” Another fan tried pointing out.

“You are correct Sir, but my breed of equine is know as Unisus.  A mix of Unicorn and Pegasus.”

“A Unisus? I never heard of that.”

“You’ve never been to Equestria either I take it?” He said a bit sarcastically, some people in the audience laughed at this. The fan just shrugged.

“You got me there, but up until now Equestria was a..”

“A part of a kids cartoon?” Chronos replied before the guy could finish.

“Well.. Yeah.” He said flatly.

“Well I can tell you this, Equestria is not only a real place, but its another world too!”

“I have a question.” Asked a young girl.

“Yes what is it?” Chronos said trying to find where the girl was sitting at.

“Do you still have Cutie marks?” She asked.

Chronos raised an eyebrow while scratching the side of his head. “Cutie mark?” He asked confused, but just as he was about to ask her what she meant his friend nudged him on the shoulder. He looked up to her raising his ears. She nodded her head and pointed to his hip clearing her throat. He looked down to where she was pointing then back up a bit shocked. He nodded to her and then returned to the girl who had asked the question. “Oh you mean my Mana mark right?”

She looked at him confused tilting her head scratching it. “Uh.. Mana mark?”

He smiled and stood up “Yeah its right here.” He said showing his mark on his shorts. It was round and white, looking like a clock with hands pointing in all directions. “Is this what you’re talking about?” He asked. She nodded and sat back down.

“What’s a Mana mark? Is it like the Cutie marks on the show?” Another person asked.

Chronos held out a hoof twisting it side to side “Kinda, but not totally.” He said sitting back down. “For one thing it’s our defining mark in the abilities we are most capable with. Kinda like the show, but it is also used to channel Mana through our body. Now how this works and what our marks look like is dependent on the Equestrian in particular, their genetic makeup and things like traits, family history and breed.

“Why is that?” The fan asked.

“Well for example. Me being a Unisus, my mark for me is of controlling the forces of Mana and projecting it into physical manifestations through my horn, but it could've easily gone the other way and I would have excelled at flight and its applications. Or I also could’ve been more well rounded. A jack of all trades so to speak.”

“You keep saying Mana.” A fan asked. “I’m assuming by this you mean magic right?” The equine nodded.

“You are correct Sir. On my home world of Equestria, Mana is the driving force of all things we do. Our homes, places of business, even our power and electricity are all controlled and managed by Mana manipulation.”

“Mana does all of this? I thought you po.. Sorry Equestrians, just used mag..Mana to do everything”

“Well we do, but we also mix a lot of it's uses with technology. We call it ManaTech.”

“Excuse me Chronos,” A person said standing up “You referred to yourself as a Unisus correct?” He nodded. “Well I was wondering are there other types of your kind?” He asked.

“Yes there is. We also have Terracorns, Geosus too along with Unicorns, Pegasus and Earth Equines.”

“I assume these breeds are also capable of calling forth on their marks right?” He said. Chronos nodded.

“Yes they are, but again for the mixed breeds it's really dependent on their dominant traits. Also I would like to point out that mixed breeds like myself, just because my strong point is magic doesn’t mean I cannot fly. But what happens is my wings are larger in size compared to a Pegasi or Unisus or Geosus that accel in flight.” He demonstrated this by unfurling his wings and extending them to their lengths, the audience snapping pictures and looking in awe at the sight of his large wing span. He then folded them back up and waited for the next question. “You sir what would you like to ask?” He said pointing to a person in the back row.

“Well I have a bit of an odd question.”

“What is it?” Chronos inquired.

“Well why are you wearing clothing? Sorry if the question is implying too much. I don't mean to be rude.” He said.

Chronos shook his head while waving a hoof . “No no, that's perfectly alright. I understand since you people have never actually seen my kind you are probably using the show as your basis correct?”

“I guess you can say that.” was the reply.

“Well as you can see I am not a cartoon character, and I am as very much real as you are right?” The fan nodded. “Well just because we have fur covering our bodies doesn’t mean we walk around town naked letting out privates hang out. We to wear clothing on my world, and we have many clothing designers. One of them in particular I think you people already know.” He said giving a wink.

“Rarity?” A fan asked, her eyes full of anticipation at the answer. Chronos nodded.

“Oh my god! She’s real! That’s awesome!” She cheered. “Have you ever met her?”

He shook his head “No I have not, but I have seen her articles and clothes designs. She makes really nice clothing although it’s a bit high strung for my taste.” Then went to look for another person to let them ask their question. “You there Miss,” He said pointing to a girl looking to be in her twenties. “What would you like to know?”

“I would like to know how is it that we can still see your Mana mark on your shorts?” She asked standing up.

“Our Manamark will project itself on top of any form of clothing covering it so it can always be seen. This goes the same for our coats too. Since in reality the mark itself is on our skin, and obviously our coats would naturally cover it up. So the Mark ‘imprints’ itself on whatever it is that is covering it. Here, let me demonstrate.” He then asked for a piece of clothing from the audience. A fan came up with a shirt and handed it to Chronos and then he placed the middle of it over his hip. “Okay now watch this.”

A moment later a magical like aura formed on the shirt and his Mana mark soon afterward materialized on it. Chronos concentrated on the mark for a moment, he squinted a stressful contorted look and his horn lit up then a golden aura appeared around the mark. A moment later Chronos relaxed panting a bit and his horn’s aura subsided. “Here ya go,” Chronos said hoofing the shirt back to the fan. “I embedded the symbol with Mana it is now permanently imprinted on the shirt.” He said smiling wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Are you ok, Chronos?” asked the fan a bit concerned.

Chronos nodded, waving a hoof, and let out a breath. “Hah....Drawing mana and projecting it on your world is hah... Very exhausting, even a small projection like imprinting my mark’s symbol on your shirt is taxing.” he replied taking in a few breaths letting his heart rate slow down to normal.

“You know come to think of it. What does your Mana mark represent?” He asked.

“Mine is of time and my ability to partially control it.”

“Control time!? That sounds pretty awesome!” The fan chirped. Chronos smiled.

“Why thank you! I appreciate that.” Chronos said. A moment later he felt something touch his shoulder. He looked back over it, and to his surprise it was Lauren.

“Excuse me Chronos, She said as he turned around to bring his full attention onto her. “I would like to know are the main six real? Well besides Rarity, do the rest of the girls really exist?” She asked.

Chronos put a hoof to his chin and thought about it for a moment. “Hmm.. Well during one stay in the Celestial palace, I did meet a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. She was working with the Princess on something.” He said watching Lauren put on a small smile.

“Oh? And the others? Is there a place in Equestria called Ponyville?” She asked, but he shook  his head.

“No there is no place called Ponyville Lauren, but Twilight did say she was living at some library in a nearby town. I forget what it was called though.” He said. She frowned a bit.

“Well thats good to hear. Anyway, thanks for telling me that.” She started to walk away, but was stopped by a hoof holding her arm. She turned around. “What is it Chronos?” She asked.

“I remember seeing you the day I came over.” He said. She looked at him shocked.

“So that was you that day I saw that anomaly. And here all this time I thought it was only a dream.”

He stood up and offered her a friendly hoof. “Thanks for what you have done Lauren, without it I may not of had a safe place to make first contact if you hadn’t.”

She took his hoof, but looked at him somewhat confused. “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“Oh come now Lauren, imagine me an alien that looks like a pony of all things, has wings and a horn, and talks too, trying to make contact anywhere else. I would've probably been scooped up by some government officials and taken to some laboratory to be experimented on possibly. But by coming out here, I was able to make first contact, and in front of a news studio too.”

“I don't really see your point Chronos." She said looking at him confused. "What made you think us humans would do such terrible things to such a friendly being such as yourself?” She asked giving him a concerned look.

Chronos then looked down at his hooves tapping together. “Well.. Mostly from what I seen on TV, and things I have read in the newspaper.” He said letting his ears fall back. Lauren smiled at him and knelt down to put a hand on his shoulder.

“Chronos sweetie,” She said with a soft calming tone. He looked away from her blushing slightly. “I can honestly say myself you have nothing to fear from us humans.” She then thought for a moment. “Well for the most part anyway.” He looked up to her a slight blush was still visible on his face. Lauren couldn't help but smile seeing this. He saw her smiling and was a little curious why she was smiling at him.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” He asked tilting his head sideways scratching it with a hoof. She reared her head back a little bit surprised putting a hand over her mouth.

“Oh I’m sorry Chronos, but you just looked so cute when you turned away bashfully like that that.” She said. And again he blushed and looked away when she said that. “Oh my thats even cuter now. You know even though you don’t look exactly like the characters on the show, your kind still looks so cute when you're trying to hide your bashfulness.” She said smiling and ruffled his mane. Chronos smiled then rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof and his wings raised up a little bit. She chuckled a bit surprised when she caught notice of it. “Oh heh so it is true. Your wings do pop up when you get emotional or excited.”

He looked behind him and his eyes went wide. “Oh my Celestia! I’m really sorry for that!” His face went red. “Darn wings heh heh.” He said with a nervous laugh.

Lauren couldn’t help but laugh at him trying to hide his embarrassment. “Oh its ok don’t worry, I know you’re just nervous being up here.” She said patting him on the back.

“Yeah.. I was never good with being on stage.” He said finally able to regain control of his wings he folded them back up.

“Well ok Chronos, I am gonna go sit back down now. Also, don't worry yourself about what's going to happen.” She said putting a hand on his shoulder. “I feel you will find it that us humans can be very friendly if given the chance, and for an individual as friendly as yourself, I can only see good things coming from this first encounter.” She said and booped him on the nose.

He smiled when she said that. He felt a lot better now hearing such kind words coming from her. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He said getting up and reached over to Lauren and gave her a hug before she had a chance to stand up. “Thanks a lot Lauren, it really makes me feel better knowing there are such wonderful people on this world like yourself.”

She smiled a little surprised at the gesture from the him, so she did the only thing she felt was right at the moment. She wrapped her arms around his neck careful to avoid his wings, because she felt if one part of the myth was true, the other may very well be also. “You're welcome Chronos, I’m glad I was able to make you feel better.”

“Figures it would be Lauren to get the first hug from a pony.” One of the fans watching commented, while a few others were taking pictures. Chronos broke from the hug and sat back down his face still a little flushed. Lauren then stood back up and gave him a friendly nod with a smile, and went back to her seat at the table.

“So Lauren, whats its like?”

“What’s what like Tara?”

“Hugging a pony. I saw you two over there and he hugged you. I wanted to know what it felt like hugging him.” Tara asked.

“Oh heh, well.. It was odd to say the least. He kinda felt like a big warm and fuzzy teddy bear.” She said with a chuckle. “Also it seems that wing thing fans made up when pegasi get excited is true too.” She said as she sat there watching the Equestrian talking with some fans.

“Oh yeah? How did you find that one out?”

“Well when he thanked me for what I had done, and said this convention was a good place to make first contact since it had media coverage. By the way, take as many pictures and post Twitter feeds about him as possible. He will need as much exposure as he can get.”

“Oh I don’t think thats a problem” Tara said reaching for her laptop. Lauren looked at Tara somewhat confused.

“Really? Why do you say that?” She asked. Tara rotated her laptop around so Lauren could see it.

“A YouTube video of him speaking during the convention about five minutes ago is nearly at twenty million views.” She pointed out.

“Wow! I can’t believe people would believe it so quickly. Usually this would be played off as a hoax or something like that.” Lauren said with a bit of surprise.

“Not when its being live streamed and you’re standing there hugging him too they wouldn’t.”

“You know in all my years while being part of the Star Trek universe, and now this fandom, I am not too surprised at seeing this honestly. Although seeing an extraterrestrial that looks like a pony is an eye opener I have to admit.” John said chuckling.

“Yeah.. That kinda threw me a curveball too,” Said Tara. “I would've never thought I would have been able to see an extraterrestrial in my lifetime, and its even more ironic that the first one I see is a pony of all things!” She laughed. “But he does seem really friendly though, and I get a good vibe off him, so its not all that bad honestly.” She said looking over to Chronos watching the fans ask him questions.

“Also, he’s pretty cute when he blushes.” Lauren added getting a surprised look from Tara when she mentioned it.

“You got him to blush? Oh you so should of gotten a picture of that!”

“Just go over and talk to him when you get a chance Tara. He gets nervous pretty easily, and he looks really cute when he is. So call him on it, and he’ll probably blush. Just be careful where you touch him on his back and his wings.” She chuckled. “You may get a unexpected response if you touch the wrong spot!” She said giving Tara a nudge with her elbow.

“I’ll go do that, but I think I’ll wait till he’s not surrounded by a bunch of fans.”

“Yeah I think thats best.” Lauren said nodding in agreement.

By now Chronos was being asked a multitude of questions, eventually some starting to repeat, but he carried on answering them as best as possible. After a few hours of endless questions, Chronos found himself standing in between a few fans waiting to have their picture taken him.

“Ok hold still please.” Asked a fan holding a camera on the other side was Chronos standing in between some fans waiting to get their picture taken with the Equestrian. “Say cheese!”

“Cheese!” Said the group grinning. *Click*

“Thanks Chronos!” Said the person holding the camera.

“No problem, my pleasure.” He said waving goodbye to the fans as they walked off. Just then his stomach grumbled ‘Darn I knew I should not have skipped breakfast this morning. I’m starved!” He thought. He got up wandered around the convention hall sometime stopping to have his picture taken with some fans or signing autographs for passers by. Eventually after an hour of looking around he returned to his friend. “Hey Lily, I kinda skipped breakfast this morning and I am pretty hungry. Is there anything to eat in here?” He asked her.

She shook her head. “Well theres nothing in here, but I think theres some fast food restaurants across the street.” She said. “I’m not sure if you want to venture out there alone though.” She said.

He looked down his ears falling back.“Yeah.. I know..Maybe I could ask some of the people here? They seem like a nice bunch.” He said looking around at the people passing by. “Because I am really hungry and would like to get something to eat.” He was about to ask around when a girl walked up to him. She had overheard what he had said.

“I’ll go with you Chronos.” She said waving as she walked upcoming up.

“Okay what’s your name?” He said smiling and held out a hoof.

“Bonnie, its nice to meet you.” She said taking his hoof.

“Likewise.” Chronos said.

“I’ll go too.” Offered up another fan, This one a bit older, and well kept. Wearing a pair of black slacks with a blue dress shirt, a twenty percent cooler button was pinned on his collar. “My name is Steven, but  you can call me Steve.”

“Nice to meet you Steve, I’m Chronos.”

“I’ll go!”

“Me too!” Offered up two more fans.

“Great what are your names?”

“Mines Randy.”

“And I’m Jerred.”

“Its nice to meet you all!” Chronos said happily. “Lets get going shall we?” They nodded and the five of them made their way to a somewhat secluded back door.

“Have you ever been outside in public?” Bonnie asked as they reached the door.

Chronos shook his head. “No not really. Only a few times outside at night to stretch my wings to keep them in shape, but thats about it.”

“How long have you been here on Earth?” Steve asked.

Chronos put a hoof to his chin and thought for a moment. “Umm.. Almost  five years now I believe.” He said looking back to Steve.

“Five years!?” Steve said a bit shocked. “How did you manage for so long?”

“I have made some contacts here on Earth. A select few that had promised me they would not reveal my presence until now. Like Lily here.” He said holding a hoof out to her. Lily walked up kneeled down and put her arm around his back.

“It has been my pleasure Chronos.” She said giving him a kiss on his cheek.

Chronos blushed rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. He was smiling nervously. “Heh, heh T-thanks Lily.” He said a bit timid.

“That was really nice of them, and you too Lily.” Steve said looking at her smiling. “Its really hard to find people able to keep such an amazing discovery like you secret for so long.” He said.

Chronos smiled looking down and dragged his hoof in circles on the floor. “Aww I’m not that special.” He said blushing a bit turning away shyly.

Bonnie couldn’t help but let out a nerd squee when Chronos was trying to hide his bashfulness. “Oh my god! You’re so cute when you do that! It makes me want to hug you!” And thats exactly what she did, but Chronos wasn't ready for it, and when he turned to look back when he heard the sound, the only thing he could do was throw his hooves up and let out a yelp.

“Yikes!” Chronos cried as Bonnie scooped him up pulling him away from Lily in a tight hug lifting him up off the ground.

“Ohh you’re just so adorable!” She said squeezing him, but then she felt Chronos tapping her on her back. “What is it?” She asked pulling him around to look him in the face and noticed it was bright red.

“Umm... Heh heh.. C-could y-you put me down please?” He said chuckling nervously.

Oh Jeez! I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me.” She set him down and noticed his wings were extended. “Oh.. Heh.. Sorry about that too.” She pointed and he looked behind him and saw his wings standing up.

“Darn it! Not again..” He looked down putting a hoof to his face.

“Ha! Wingboner! I knew it!” Said Jerred pulling out his camera. “I’m so getting a picture of this!” He snapped a quick picture of it while the others laughed. Chronos was looking away rather embarrassed.

“Darn wings always getting me into trouble with the mares!” He said aloud. Bonnie looked at him funny after hearing that.

“Chronos?”  She said giving him a surprised look. His  eyes went wide, and he threw a hoof over his mouth when he realized he had said it out loud.

“Oops I mean heh, heh ladies! Umm.. Heh heh, er.. Uhh.. Not that I like you or anything...Its just you know... A reaction.” He said nervously rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. Bonnie gave him a sultry look, batting her eyelashes at him.

“Are you sure thats all it is Chronos?” She said in a seductive tone leaning in.

Chronos started to tug on the collar of his hoodie and his eyes darted around trying not to look at her. “Gee its getting hot in here, why don’t we head outside and find something to eat?” He said hastily. The others started to laugh then Bonnie came up to him and put a hand on his back.

“Relax Chronos, I’m just teasin ya. Besides, you’re not really my type.” She laughed. “Not my species either.” Chronos let out a sigh of relief his blush fading, he flapped his wings a couple times to get the stiffness out of them then folded them back up.

“Wow them wings of yours are pretty powerful.” Randy commented. “You think you can give us a little demonstration when we get outside?” He asked.

“Uhh thats not the best idea Randy. Like I had mentioned before my wings are rather big to make up for the fact I excell in projecting Mana and not really using it for my wings. So I usually need a bit of room around me when I want to fly. So maybe some other time okay?”

“Awww shoot.” He said throwing his hand out in front of him snapping his fingers.

“Where are you going Chronos?” Lily asked stopping them at the door.

“Outside to get something to eat Lily. Don’t worry, I’ll be alright and besides, I think its a little too late now to hide my presence don’t you think?” She nodded and stepped aside.

“I guess..” She said and knelt down to put a hand on his shoulder then looked over to the people going out with him. “You four please keep a watchful eye on Chronos here okay?” She said looking back to Chronos. “I don’t want to see him getting hurt.” She tapped him on his head a couple times. “You got that to you knucklehead?” She said with some concern.

He rubbed his head and nodded. “Yeah I understand, no fancy stuff.” He said and bumped her with his wing. “Trust me, I won’t try to get myself hurt.”

“Don’t worry Ma’am.” Steve chimed in. “We’ll make sure our guest here is well taken care of.” Steve said looking at the other three. “Isn’t that right guys?” They nodded. “Well then.” He said walking to the door. “Our guest here is hungry, lets go get him somthing to eat shall we?”

“Sounds good to me I’m starved!” Chronos said walking over to the door.

“You first.” Steve said holding the door open for him.

“Thanks Steve.” Chronos said and walked through the door. Soon after the other four followed.

                                                                  ****

Once they were standing on the back steps outside of the convention center. The group slowly made their way around the corner keeping their guest in the middle of them to minimize exposure since it was a busy day and traffic in the street was rather intense. They walked along a wall and thankfully since Chronos was only about four and a half feet when walking on all fours, his head barely popped up over the wall, but once they came to the end of it they stopped and scanned around to find the closest place to eat.

“So where do you want to go get something to eat at?” Steve said looking around the corner. “I’m not sure if there’s an all vegetarian place around here though.” Steve said holding his hand to his brow to keep the afternoon sun out of his eyes as he scanned across the street making sure no one had spotted them.

“Why would I want to go to a place like that? He said tilting his head sideways. Right now I’d settle for a burger and some fries.” He said poking out from behind the wall to take a peek. But when he noticed it had gone quiet, and they were giving him odd looks as he turned to look back he wondered why. “What? Is there something wrong?” He said giving them a questioning look.

“Y-you eat meat?” Jarred stammered.

“Well yeah what’s wrong with that?” He asked, but after taking a moment to think about it he now understood. “Ah you’re thinking us Equestrians are herbivores like the show right?” Jerrid nodded. “Well sorry to disappoint, but actually us Equestrians are quite a diverse race. We are very much like you humans. Some like myself are omnivores, whereas others are herbivores. It depends on the family tree and the traits they pass down over the years.”

“Interesting. Care to elaborate?” Steve asked. “I am really interested in learning about your culture.” Steve said while leaning against the wall. Chronos smiled.

“I’d be happy to tell you,” But just then his stomach grumbled. He looked up and chuckled. “Heh..Can we first go get something to eat? I would feel much better on a full stomach.”

“Okay then where would you like to eat? I see a few places that are close enough we can get to without causing too much of a commotion. You decide.” He said.

Chronos turned to look back around the wall and held a hoof to his brow scanning for a place to go to, but he couldn’t decide. Sitting back down he put a hoof to his chin and thought for a moment. “Ah ha! I got it” He said hopping up to his hooves. “Why don’t we go for a little stroll and I’ll let my stomach decide for me.” He said with a snicker looking back to them.

“Letting your stomach decide for you eh? I can go with that.” He said pushing himself up off the wall.” Lead the way, but no fancy tricks. You promised Lily you know.”

Chronos looked back at him nodding. “Yeah I know I promise I’ll be discreet.” He said then stood on his hind legs and propped himself on the wall looking over the top of it. He looked from left to right scanning the establishments looking for the closes one. “How about that one over there?” He said pointing to a red roofed restaurant about a block down their side of the street.

“Pizza Hut eh?” Steve said looking over to where he had pointed.

“Is that what that place is called? Nice! What kinds of pizza they serve there?” He asked hopping down off the wall.

“Many different types like sausage, pepperoni, vegetable and cheese. I think you’ll like it” Randy said.

“Oh that sounds good! I like pizza even since I first tried it. Do they serve anything else?” He asked.

“Yep” Jerred replied. “The also have wings too! Plus salads and bread sticks that you can get with cheese toppings.” He said as they walked up to the door.

“Nice! Well lets not waste time!” Chronos said eagerly waiting to get inside. “Somepony is hungry here!” He said getting a laugh out of all of them.

“Heh.. That’s pretty funny hearing that from you.” Steve said laughing. “Anyway,” He walked up to the door and opened it holding out his hand beckoning them inside. “After you.”

“Thanks.” Chronos said walking inside followed by Bonnie, Jerred and Randy. “Aren’t you coming to?” Chronos asked Steve.

“Be there in a minute.” Steve said letting the door close in front of him. “Phone call I need to answer. Go ahead I’ll catch up” He then walked around the corner and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Steve here what’s up?”

“What’s going on down there Steve?” A man speaking from the other side said. “I’m getting some pretty strange reports of a...” The phone went silent for a moment and he thought he heard laughing in the background. “A pony that showed up at that My Little Pony convention you were attending, and it talks?”

“He talks. And that's affirmative sir. His name is Chronos.”

“Do you have anymore solid evidence or video proof of this so I have something more to go on besides a talking pony at a kids cartoon convention.”

“Are there any other agents in the area?” He asked. The phone went silent for a moment and sounds of computer keys being types on were heard.”

“Yes, Agent Jessica is in the area and can be at your location in a few minutes.”

“Good tell her to come and let her see for herself. Then you will have all the proof you need. But tell her to be discreet. We don’t want to spook our guest here okay?”

“Understood Steve. Agent Jessica has been contacted and is in route to your location. She has been informed to observe only and not make contact with your group. Keep me informed.” The man said and hung up. Steve slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked inside returning to the group.

“Boy aren’t we lucky.” Steve said walking up to the four. “Looks like we missed the rush.” He noted looking around the dining room. Only a few people were still around eating their food. The five walked up to the sign and waited to be seated.  A few minutes later a waitress appeared from behind the counter and walked up to the group waiting to be seated.

“Welcome! My name is Cindy, and I’ll be your waitress this afternoon. How many will be dining..” She stopped when she saw Chronos. “Umm... You guys realize we don’t allow pets in here right?” Chronos’s face contorted into a displeased look.

He sat down and crossed his forelegs looking at her with a frown. “Hey I’m not their pet.” He said with and let out a huff. The waitress took a step back holding her hand over her mouth shocked.

“I-it.. It talks!?” She said in total disbelief.

“Come on Ma’am I’m a he not an it!” Chronos said trying to defend himself. Just then Steve stepped forward.

“Let me handle this Chronos okay?” The equine titled his head and raised an eyebrow.

“O-okay..” He said scratching his head Steve smiled at Chronos and winked then lead the waitress off behind the counter. A few moments later Jerred came up and kneeled down beside Chronos.

“What do you think theyre talking about back there?” Jerred said. Chronos looked at him then back to where Steve had walked off with the waitress.

“I don’t know, but we are about find out because here they come.” He said pointing to Steve as he came out from behind the counter with the waitress.

“I’m sorry Chronos, Steve here was kind enough to explain your situation to me.” He looked at her somewhat confused, but when he looked over to Steve and seen him nod he figured not to keep worrying about it.

“Well okay... Anyway, we would like to be seated.” He asked. Cindy extended a hand forward and beckoned the group to follow her. The group followed her to a corner booth away from the few other people eating.  When they arrived she laid five menus down for them and stepped aside.

“What would you like to drink?  She asked.

“Can I have some ice tea please?” Chronos asked. Cindy smiled and nodded

“Sure. What can I get you others?”

“Water please Cindy” Bonnie said.

“I take Pepsi.”  Jarred said.

“Me too!” Randy added. The waitress nodded and scribbled  it on her notepad.

“And you sir?” She turned to look at Steve.

“I’ll take an ice tea to please.” She nodded and scribbled it down then put the notepad back in her apron.

“I’ll be right back with your drinks then I’ll take your order.” She turned and walked back to the the counter leaving the five standing there. They went and sat down waiting for the waitress to return. Steve sat on one side of the booth with Randy, while Jerred sat on the other side with Bonnie. Chronos pulled up a chair and sat at the end of the table. The open back of the chair allowed him to stick his tail out so he wouldn’t be uncomfortable sitting even though he looked kinda weird sitting at the table with his forelegs resting on it. A few moments later the waitress reappeared with their drinks and placed them on the table.

“Here you go are you ready to order?” The five looked at each other and nodded.

“We would like three pepperoni pizza please.”

“Could we add sausage to one of them please?” Jarred asked. The other four nodded. “Okay great add sausage to one of those please. Cindy scribbled it down on her notepad.

“Is that all?” Chronos raised a hoof.

“Could I get an order of these stuffed pizza rolls please?” He asked and pointed to them. She smiled and scribbled it down on her notepad.

“What kind of sauce would you like with them?” She asked.

“Umm..” Chronos looked back down at the menu. “Marinara please.”

“Sure thing.” She scooped up the menus and turned to walk away. “You food will be out shortly.” She then walked back behind the counter. Meanwhile the five sitting at the table started to drink their beverages waiting for their food. When Chronos took a sip of his drink though Bonnie couldn’t help but giggle to herself. Chronos hearing it, turned to look at her puzzled.

“What’s so funny Bonnie?” He asked confused scratching his head. Bonnie waved a hand at him.

“It nothing Chronos, its just when I saw you taking a drink of your ice tea you reminded me of a picture I’ve seen of Lyra once when I was scanning for pony pictures on the internet.”

“Lyra? Hmmm.” Hey took a moment to think. “Do you think you could find that picture again please? I would really like to see it. That name sounds awfully familiar.” He said. She nodded.

“Sure, let me see if I can find it.” She said and pulled out her smartphone and started scanning the internet for the picture. “Ah ha! Here it is.” She said and turned the phone around to show him the picture.

He looked at the phone and squinted to focus on the picture. Taking a moment to look at it, his eyes widened and he pointed at it . “Hey! I think I’ve actually met that mare once before.” He said. Bonnie got excited when she heard that.

“Really!? Thats awesome! Did you get a chance to talk to her?” He shook his head.

“I can’t recall. I kinda just bumped into her when I was visiting the palace she obviously looked different than that picture of yours, Well.. I mean different by not looking like a cartoon, but I can see the similarity in her coat and eye color though.” He laughed “She looks really silly with that look on her face though. Did I actually have that kind of face when I was taking a sip of my drink?” He asked.

“Naa.” Bonnie said with a chuckle. “It just reminded me of it thats all.”

“Look” Steve said pointing to the waitress. “Here comes our food.”

“Here you go guys.” Cindy said setting the food down on the table. “I’ll stop by in a few moments if you need anything else.” She said and walked off to another table.

Steve was about to pick up a piece of pizza when he noticed a female waving to him with a surprised look on her face. He simply nodded and she walked out of the restaurant afterwards.

“Who was that? Chronos asked.

“Oh just an old friend stopping by to say hi.” He said putting a few pieces of cheese pizza on his plate. “Which piece of pizza would you like?” Steve asked him. Chronos then looked around the table rubbing his hooves together it all smelled so good.

“Umm.. I’ll take a piece of that one please.” He said pointing to the pepperoni. “And let me try some of that sausage too.” He asked. Steve smiled and picked up a slice of pepperoni and sausage and placed it on his plate. Chronos leaned in and took good sniff of it, his mouth watering at the smell. “Oh my this stuff smells wonderful!” He said and then levitated a piece of pepperoni up and took a bite. “Ohh! Thats hot!” He quickly leaned over to take a sip of his drink. “Ahh.. Thats better.”

“Chronos if you don’t mind me asking. How does non unicorn type Equestrians eat food? Steve asked. “I mean you guys obviously don’t got fingers, so do they just scarf it up with their mouths? He wondered.

“No no.” Chronos said shaking his head. “We’ve developed specially made utensils for them to slip over their hooves so they can pick up food and eat it in a civilized way.

“Well thats makes sense. I should've thought of that in the first place.” He said and went back to eating his meal.

For the next hour the five sat and ate their meal talking about the convention and what had transpired, sometimes stopping to ask Chronos a question about Equestria or what he has been doing on Earth for the past five years, and how he likes it here so far. Eventually they finished up and went up to the counter to pay the tab.

“I got this.” Steve said pulling out his wallet. “You four wait outside I’ll be right out.”  They nodded and proceeded to the exit and waited for him just outside on the sidewalk.

“So Chronos.” Bonnie said. “How was your trip outside today?” She asked typing something on her phone. He looked back up to her and smiled.

“I had a fun time today actually. You people are really fun to hang out with.” He said stretching extending his wings.

“Chronos you may want to put them things away you're getting odd looks from across the street.” Randy said pointing to a group of patrons eyeing the Unisus from across the street.

“Sorry, but sitting like that gave me a cramp that I just needed to get rid of.” He said folding his wings up, but it was too late a shout from across the street prompted the four to look up.

“PONY!” A little girl shouted across the street hopping up and down when she saw Chronos. She then took off running towards him breaking away from her mother.

“Don’t run out into the street!” Her mother shouted, but it was too late the young girl had already ducked between two parked cars and then darted out into the street.

“Oh my god she’s going to get hit by a car!” Bonnie screamed running towards the street with Randy, Jerred and Chronos closely following her. “Stop! Go back! You’re going to get hit by a car!” Bonnie yelled trying get the little girl to turn back. The girl stopped and froze when she saw a truck barreling towards her horns blaring.

“Mommy! Help me!” She screamed.

“I’m coming sweetie!” Her mother yelled shooting through the parked cars and running recklessly out into the street, but her path was blocked by cars speeding by. Just as the girl was about to be hit, the truck mysteriously became enveloped in a golden aura and slowed down to an almost stand still. Bonnie, Jarred and Randy spun around to find Chronos standing in a aggressive stance his legs shaking from the strain of focusing so much Mana. His head was down horn glowing fiercely. He looked up at the three watching him with mouths hanging open.

“S-save her! I..I Can’t hold it for much longer!” He said gritting his teeth. By now he had pushed himself over his limit and was starting to lose consciousness. “P-please H-hurry! I’m losing control...!” He stammered out trying to remain focused. Randy shook his head breaking himself from his trance and nodded then rushed out into the street scooping up the girl and ran over to his mother grabbed onto her arm and pulled her out of the street.

“They’re safe Chronos you can relax now!” Randy shouted. Chronos looked up his nose was now bleeding from the stress of focusing all his ability to hold the truck from hitting the little girl. He let out an exhausted breath coughing up some blood. His horns aura then subsided slowly letting the truck go. Once it was released it resumed it speed, but came screeching to a halt a moment later. Steve hearing the commotion outside rushed out to the equine’s side and knelt down to make sure he was alright.

“Chronos are you alright?” He asked. Chronos looked up his face flushed with exhaustion his nose bleeding. “Oh my god! You're bleeding!” He said and quickly pulled out his phone “This is an emergency! The subject is injured and needs medical attention immediately!” Steve shouted into his phone. Chronos looked at Steve with glazed over eyes he was wobbling on his hooves.

“D-d-did we save that young girl?” He asked coughing up some more blood gasping for air in short breaths. Steve nodded.

“Yes you did good, but I need you to relax Chronos the ambulance is on its way. Could you please sit down for me?”  He asked wiping the blood from his nose. “Are you alright?”

“M-my heart is going a mile and minute and I feel really tired.” He said falling back on his haunches. “Heh... Had to go kinda overboard there trying to slow down that truck. Its really hard to use mana here on earth, and I think I may have started to pull from my life force there for a moment.” He said trying to keep his eyes open. He looked up for a moment when he heard the sounds of sirens in the distance.

“Please Chronos.” Steve said. “Focus on breathing and take it easy. Help is almost here.” He said wiping some sweat from his brow. A minute later the ambulance pulled up and the paramedics got out and rushed over to them.

“Ok where’s the patient..” They stopped when they walked up and saw Chronos. “Uhh.. What is that?” One of them asked pointing to Chronos.

“It looks like a pony to me.” The other replied scratching his head. “With wings and a horn too.”

“Uhh sir.. I think you need a veterinarian here for this situation. We're not equipped to handle this uhh.. Whatever it is” He said sitting his medical kit down.

“H-hello guys..” Chronos said looking up to them with a weak smile. The paramedic’s jaw dropped.

“It talks!?” He said jumping back shocked. “Uhh... What is going on here?” He asked. Steve stood up and faced the paramedic.

“Look there's no time help him!” He pleaded.

“I-I’m fine Steve, really I am..” Chronos said then passed out and fell over on his side. The paramedics rushed over when this happened.

“Check his pulse!” One said reaching for Chronos’s forehoof.

“I got nothing here!” He then pressed two fingers under Chronos’s chin. “I got a pulse here! He’s alive! Give him some oxygen.”

“How? Our masks are not designed for ponies!” The paramedic said looking over the mask. Then got up and ran back to the ambulance. “Hang on a second! I think we got something that will work in the truck.” He returned a minute later with a oxygen mask that was meant to be fitted over an animal's snout. “We got a few of these a month ago. They were designed for animals mainly pets, but it should work here.” He handed it to the other paramedic holding Chronos’s head off the pavement.

“Thanks.” He said and slipped the mask over Chronos’s snout and immediately the equine responded by taking in deep breaths of the fresh oxygen. “Okay lets get him on a stretcher he may need a hospital.” The other paramedic went back to the ambulance and brought the gurney around and the two gently picked him up and set him on it and started to take him back to the ambulance, but just then a bunch of black SUV’s pulled up and a bunch of people got out wearing blue vests with FBI in bright yellow letters embroidered on it. Steve walked up and waved a hand to them.

He went up to Chronos who was barely conscious and put a hand on his hoof. “Don’t worry Chronos, we’re just going to make sure you're alright, but afterwards I feel you’ll be answering a lot more questions and are in for some surprises, but don’t you worry. I have been assured by my superiors you will not be harmed. You’re a hero you know.” He said smiling. Chronos brought a hoof over and rested it on top of Steve’s hand and gave the best smile he could.

“T-thanks Steve, but I think right now I could use a little sleep.” He said and closed his eyes.

“That okay.. Rest now Chronos.” Steve said waving the paramedics over to put him in the ambulance. “ You've earned it.”