In the begging there was me. I existed. I did not have a body but I had consciousness and that’s something to be thankful for because otherwise I wouldn’t exist. This is the tale of how I became a being. A pony to be precise.
At the start I was very confused. There was just black and my thoughts. I knew I existed but further than that I had no idea about anything. Then there was light. A blinding white light and a figure of beauty appeared.
She had long slender legs with a sleek body. On top of her head there was an enormous white horn that rose a good 2 foot into the air. At either side of her torso there were two white wings, and on her flank there was a depiction of the sun. At the time I did not know it but she would soon be the most important person in my life. She spoke to me,
“Hello there, I am Princess Celestia and welcome to the passage” she informed me calmly. I stared.
“Ah I am getting ahead of myself, you cannot talk can you”, I continued to stare. She laughed and continued. Her horn shimmered with light, and so did I, Celestia’s brow creased with concentration and a bead of sweat dripped down her forehead from the effort.
Eventually I began to start feeling things and continued looking at the Princess wondering what had happened.
“My gift to you”, she explained,
“A body. Look down and take a look”, I did so, I have no idea how I did it, it just instinctively happened. I looked at myself. A shimmering figure or a chest and two legs met my eyes, just behind the two legs were two more and a shimmering tail.
“You are now a pony, however you lack anything other than a body and a voice, this also goes for physical features and attributes. This will be enough to assist you on your journey”, Celestia explained calmly.
“Now I shall restore your memories”, and once again her horn glowed with light. As it did thoughts raced through my mind and then nothing.
=============================================================================================================
I awoke to see Celestia standing above me. Wait. Pause, rewind. I looked up.
“ERMERGERD CELERSTIA” I yelled, doing a poor intimidation of the meme. Celestia smiled.
“Hello again”, she said simply. I looked up at her confused,
“Again?” I asked.
“Yes again, this is your journey my child, your quest the task you took upon yourself since entering the Pony Creator”. I laughed in response.
“So you’re telling me that the Pony Creator on deviantart is now like, what the laser thingy out of TRON”, Celestia glared at me.
“I do not know of this TRON that you talk of but I guess you don’t want to be a pony then?” She said leading me on,
“Hey I just wanted to make an OC not get dragged-” I gestured around me “-here”, I finished. Celestia sighed.
“So you don’t want to be able to live in Equestria?” She asked me.
“I’m a Brony of course I do” I said simply.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.” She replied. “Very well then to business”. She magiked up two chairs and a desk and took a seat behind the desk and gestured towards the opposite chair. I sat down and looked at Celestia from across the desk.
“As you know you entered the Pony Creator to make an, as you call it, an OC”, she informed me.
“Yes-“ I replied “but what has this go to do with me being sent to Equestria”,
“Sometimes those with a very strong will to actually live in Equestria end up here, this is where they become a pony, one of my little ponies” she informed me.
“So how come I’m this white…thing?” I asked unsure what to call myself.
“Because in order to become a pony you need to go on a quest, to find out who you truly are, earn your cutie mark and discover if you will be an Earth Pony, Pegasus or Unicorn.”
“Okay so how does this work then?” I asked suspiciously.
“Simple through rebirth, you shall be reborn and relive your childhood in the realm of earning; however this does come with a price.” She warned me.
“Through rebirth all traces of me will be destroyed back home?” I guessed.
“Yes. This means you will never see your family again or your friends. You will retain some memories though. The ability to speak and walk also things you like dislike and small memories of your past life.” She answered.
“Now you must begin your journey, I wish you the best of luck”. And with that Celestia disappeared with a flash of white light.
I woke up again. At this point I was fed up of waking up after going through light. I took in my surroundings. As far as I could see there was a beautiful blue ocean sparkling in the sunlight. Then I looked down. This was a big mistake bellow me was a sheer cliff, with waves crashing against the rocks at the bottom. I chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of my… I stopped. Since when was my hand all the way down there. Then I remembered what had happened with Celestia.
“Well this is going to take some getting used to” I sighed irritably. I looked back at the drop and backed back slowly, or at least tried to until I feel over and landed on my flank.
“Oh come on! You could at least have taught me how to walk!” I looked back at my hooves. “Just think of it like crawling” I told myself. I moved my right leg back, then my left, then the same with my forelegs until finally there was some distance between myself and the end of the cliff. I sighed in relief. Now all I had to do was figure out how to turn around…
Time Passes…
“Ha! Take that Celestia! I’m Oliver master of walking!” I smiled with euphoria. After an age of falling over I had finally managed to figure out how to walk. My body was covered with marks and scratches but I was ecstatic with successes. I started to explore the island if this is where I’m supposed to become a pony then there must be someone or somewhere that I needed to go right?
I looked around at the rolling hills and took a deep breath.
“Ahhhh well at least the scenery is nice, unlike being in that stuffy old town” I had a goofy grin on my face, I eased back and ran as fast as I could forward letting out a wild laugh in joy. It was the first time I had been in the country side in years and it was great to be free out of the busy town that I lived in.
Eventually I came to the top off a steep hill and stop taking in my surroundings. This truly was a beautiful place. Just below the horizon was a clear blue strip of ocean, and before that I could see a river and more hills, a large area of grass land what looked to be a forest or woods. I looked around for some sort of building and finally noticed a large house at the side of the river just after the forest. It would be a long journey a good day of walking. I looked up at the sky. The sun was almost starting to lower below the horizon, soon it would be night.
“Right” I told myself “I had better get a move on then”, with that I started my long journey to the mysterious building.
I looked up at the female pony and sighed.
"What do you wanna know?" I asked. She looked directly in my eyes as if expecting something to happen.
"Tell me... your name" she said cautiously. I looked at her, I stammered.
"Um it's...it's... " I racked my brains trying to remember, but I came up with nothing "I-I don't know" I looked down ashamed. How could I not know my own name! She seemed to look relieved. I looked at her questioningly.
"We all have the same problem, it's quite annoying really", she responded.
"Oh I see..." I paused awkwardly. I didn't have much to say.
"Anyway! Seeing as you're here we can split into two teams and go find some food and carry on travailing!" She said it as if I don't have a choice. "And for now your name will be... Oliver" she grinned manically. I just smiled back. The name Oliver seemed familiar somehow but I couldn't quite place why.
"Okay" I replied "and what are your names?" I asked. The stallion replied
"She decided on Thomas for me but just call me Tom" and the other pony replied by simply saying,
"Beth", finally the other mare who was obviously the leader of the little group said,
"And you can call me Annie!" She walked up to me and held out her hoof, I shook it and she loudly announced,
"Right Oliver you're coming with me Beth and Tom you two go off together too. We shall meet up here at...some point." Tom and Beth looked at each other nodded and set off in one direction whilst Annie dragged me off in another. I walked beside her and followed absent mindedly looking for food.
"you know we could just eat the grass right I mean we are ponies... sort off." She looked at me,
"Have you tried that stuff? It tastes horrible!" I shrugged lent down and took a bite...
"Actually I haven't tried it..." I then proceed to take a bite of some and chomped down on the grass. Finally I decided on what I thought. "I don't think it's too bad". Annie stared at me.
"Strange person." Was all she said as she carried on walking. I grinned in a way that can only be described as 'shit eating'.
"I know right! Isn't it great!" I carried on grinning. She looked me in the eye, I held her gaze. And like that the ice broke. She started laughing like a maniac.
"You are so weird!" She yelled rolling on the floor in fits of laughter.
"And that is why I'm so awesome" I said grinning.
"That you are my friend that you are" She lay there on the floor panting from her laughing fit. I held my hoof out to help her up. Oddly she blushed at the gesture, I just shrugged it off and helped her up.
"Why how gentlecoltly of you" She said smiling.
"Any time" I said kindly. We carried on walking for a while in silence until we came across a clearing in the forest.
For the first time since I was on this island I truly understood beauty. In the middle of the clearing there was a large blue lake glistening in the sunlight. Surrounding it was a lush green bank of grass, completely different to the dark, coarse grass in the forest. Dotted around the grass were beautiful flowers of all colours. Something in my mind said this place was familiar, in a book I once read; I simply shrugged it off and turned to Annie.
"Well looks like we found dinner" I said simply, "That is of course if you like flowers".
"Yes I love flowers especially these" she said grinning as she pointed at some violets.
"Welp" I said leaning down to take a mouthful "I'll give them a try" I took a bite of some. They tasted... odd. Sweet yet bland at the same time. I shrugged at Annie.
"They're okay" I informed her.
"Well guess that means more for me", she responds grinning.
"Shouldn't we go get Tom and Beth first", not wanting them to go without.
"Ah yeah that's a good idea, come on" she says standing up after taking a last mouthful of violets.
=============================
By the time we had returned to our meeting place, Beth and Tom had already arrived. We informed them of our find and we all agreed to go there. The other two also found something. Mushrooms. It turns out Tim knew a bit about forest food and what mushrooms were edible, poisonous or were good for...other things.
Eventually we made it to the clearing and made camp... or rather a fire and we slept on the grass. Tom and Beth were the first to fall asleep. I watched as they lay next to each other. Eventually at some point Toms foreleg found itself wrapped around Beth who nuzzled into it. I looked at it with a raised eyebrow, wondering if they were more than just friends. Suddenly Annie poked me. I looked at her startled.
"Yeah what?" I whispered trying not to wake the two ponies sleeping nearby.
"We need to talk" She replied.
"Okay so talk". I responded.
"Its about this place. I want to know what you remember before here?" She asked. I racked my brain.
"Umm light lots of light. But it's strange, every now and then it's like I see something and remember something from a past life. Like this place-" I gestured around me with my hoof "- it reminds me of a place in a book, but I've never read anything before appearing on this island. And my name Oliver its like I've heard it before, and when you say it it just feels right. Like it's supposed to be my name." She nodded understandingly.
"Me and the other two feel the same way. It's weird. However I want to be here and I have this feeling like... it's hard to explain." She finished sighing. I nodded with understanding.
"I know what you mean. I've been feeling something similar." We looked at the sky for a while.
"Well" I said breaking the silence "I'm going to get some sleep night," I turned over getting comfortable.
"Goodnight Oliver". She replied. I heard a rustle as she got comfortable. Shortly I feel asleep. Unfortunately.
=============================
As I slept I dreamt. Flashes of people from my past. A woman with brown hair. A large rectangle of light with a blue bar up on side with the words Fallout Equestria written in the middle. Other flashes of memories, the chug of an engine whilst I guide a boat along a stretch of water, Walking whilst the words "Don't damn me when I speak a piece of mind, cus silence isn't golden when I'm keeping it inside" blare into my ears. And finally a group of people surrounding, a guy with a brown mop of hair, a girl with glasses and long brownish hair.
I jolted awake. My head hurt. Annie's leg laid limply on my stomach. I shook my head ignoring the freaky dream and went back to sleep.
=================================
The next morning was warm and sunny. I woke up feeling refreshed, even with my waking up in the middle of the night. I had a breakfast of wild flowers and then went to wash in the lake and have a drink. I walked back to the camp and sat next to Annie. I sat there... and sat there. I was kept fidgeting, restless waiting for her to wake up. Finally I got bored. I leant down next to her head. Slowly lifted up her ear, being careful not to wake her.
"Annieeeee" I said softly. She murmered.
"Anieeeee" I said slightly louder,
"I love you Anieeeeee", I giggled.
"I love you too mummy" she murmered. I giggled uncontrollably.
"Wake up now Annie!" I yelled in her ear. She yelped in shock. I burst out laughing.
"What was that for!" She protested. I carried on laughing, tears in my eyes. At this point Tom and Beth had woken up.
"What are you laughing at?" Tom questioned as I carried on laughing.
"He decided to wake me up" Annie told him.
"Ah" Tom responded.
"By yelling in my ear." She finished.
"Oh... I see." Was all he said. I finally finished laughing and got up, wiping my eyes.
"Okay I'm finished." I said breathing deeply, occasionally joined by a light chuckle. Annie rolled her eyes at me.
"Well lets have something to eat and get going". she decided.
"Uh where are we going?" I asked. "I was heading to this little building I saw by the river myself". Annie looked at me surprised.
"We never saw that we just wanted to get through this forest". She replied. "However that seems like a good place to go shall we all go there together?" She asked us all. Tom and Beth murmured in agreement.
"Great! It's settled then we can all go to this place together". I walked over to one of the larger tree's in the clearing and started to climb.
"Wait what are you doing?" Annie called in alarm.
"Don't worry I'll be down in a minuet." I called as I continued to climb.
Finally I got to a good vantage point where I could look to see what direction we were heading in. I looked around for the river. Finally I noticed it. I started to follow it along until I found the building. It seemed like we should be out of the forest by the end of the day. Then all we simply had to do was follow the river to the right until we reach the building. Finally after deciding where to go I started to make our way down the tree to the ground below.
Once I was safely on the ground I pointed to my right.
"We need to go that way then follow then turn left and follow the river." I told my friends... Were we friends at this point? Annie maybe but... I guess Beth and Tom were just people I knew. Anyway they nodded and we set off in the direction I had pointed to.
I shan't bore you with the details of our journey. The most exciting thing that happened was Beth falling in a ditch. We passed tree after tree idly chatting about things such as the weather (how British of us), what we thought this building was and also why we were here with gaps in our memories. At one point we decided to take a break and eat some of the mushrooms Tom had collected, before carrying on travailing.
========================
It was that point of the journey. That point where you were getting fed up and were ready to admit defeat. Well at least it was for Annie.
"Come onnnnnnn." She whined, "we've been walking for hours I thought you said we were almost out of this bloody forest", she complained. I stopped and facehoofed.
"I said we only had about a days worth of travailing left to do" I said, for the umpteenth time.
"Well it's almost been a day look it's getting dark!" Once again I stopped and facehoofed. Annie turned to see me with my hoof on my face.
"What!" She demanded.
"We are in a forest it's always darker in forests!" I shouted. "Now stop moaning it's driving me mad. Annie pouted. I struggled to remain mad at her. She looked adorable.
We carried on walking for what seemed like hours. I couldn't tell really. As we walked I noticed the tree's starting to thin out. The gaps between each tree becoming slightly wider. Then finally we stepped out of the forest. Just in time to see the sun set. It was beautiful really. The beams of light catching the rippling surface of the river in front of us, the clouds in the sky turning a shade of pink that only sunlight can manage. The four of us stood with mouths agape at the shock of it. After spending days in that forest the sheer brightness of it was astounding. Even in the clearing we had slept in last night the shadows of the tree's hung over us. I looked to my right. There in the distance I could make out the building I had been heading to all this time.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow I would finally reach the building. I started to worry. What if it wasn't what I was hoping for? No I mustn't think like that, I told myself, it will be what I've been hoping for, all my questions will be answered. I crawled up to go to sleep looking forward to the next morning.
The first thing I saw after stepping through the Princess' portal was a red strip of carpet. I followed the carpet upwards and gasped. The room I stood in was beautiful and absolutely enormous! In front of me was a golden throne with a back that ended half way up the wall standing on top of a water feature. All the way along the wall there were stain glass pictures depicting the sun rising and also the elements of harmony, defeating Discord and Nightmare Moon.
Sitting at the throne was Princess Celestia.
"Time to find out where you shall be living from now on." She informed us in a tone that suggested this was not up for discussion.
"And before you ask, no, you cannot choose where you will be living." We all gave a sad sigh.
"Tom I have decided to send you out to Manehatten." She informed him. "Beth, you shall be joining him on his journey, however you will part ways at Fillydelphia." They said nothing, they simply nodded.
"Annie, you shall be living slightly closer in Ponyville and you, Oliver, shall be living here in Canterlot." I glanced up at her, scowling. I hated the city, especially as I knew how snobby the Canterlot ponies could be. I sighed.
"Very well." I replied, as there was no arguing with her.
"However you shall be travelling to Ponyville every couple of days to receive lessons." I looked at her, confused.
"Lessons? What on?" I asked.
"Well, firstly on how to integrate yourself into our society, and also flying lessons." I simply nodded, lacking anything to say.
"Your first lesson shall commence today and so will yours Annie for the same reasons, however you shall be reviving magic tuition." As Celestia finished she stood up, shrinking in size at the same time. By the time she stood in front of us she was now a Pegasus with a smiling sun cutie mark.
"I shall accompany you to the station and whilst we are travelling you shall refer to me as"- She smirked as she said the name -"Morning Glory." I snorted at the crudity of her name. She set off, motioning for us to follow.
After a quick walk through the grand streets of Canterlot, we finally reached the train station. Celestia motioned to a pair of guards. When they approached her she bent down and whispered something “Probably telling them who she really is.” I thought to myself. When she had finished she turned to us.
“This is Piercing Gaze and Diligent Watch.” She informed us pointing to each stallion as she said their names. “They shall be accompanying you and helping you settle into your new homes.” She smiled. “Tom, Beth, this is your train. I shall be accompanying Annie and Oliver myself.” I looked at my two friends.
“Well I guess this is goodbye then.” I said to them holding out my hoof, Tom grabbed it and then I repeated the same thing with Beth however she did something different. Instead of shaking it she walked up and wrapped a foreleg around me nuzzling me. I stood paralysed by the sudden contact before doing the same to her. I smiled at them waving as they stepped onto the train.
Annie poked me in the side.
“Bet you liked that, didn’t you.” She said coyly giving me a wink.
“Oh quiet you.” I replied sticking out my tongue. “I can give you a hug too if you’re feeling jealous” I winked at her, she responded with a raspberry.
“If you two are quite finished, our train is here.” Celestia said, motioning for us to move. We blushed, moving quickly onto the train. I found a pair of empty seats and we all sat down. Annie sat next to me and Celestia sat opposite with me against the window.
“You might as well get some rest, the journey takes three hours.” Celestia informed us. We simply nodded before getting comfy. I rested my head against the glass shutting my eyes.
Clack clack…clack clack…clack clack
I opened my eyes irritated I was never going to sleep on this thing. I felt something stir on my side. Looking over I saw Annie’s head rested on my shoulder. I smiled at her at least she was getting some rest. Looking up I saw Celestia watching us.
“So what’s you’re move?” She asked. I gapped.
“Uh… What?” I asked unsure where this is going. Celestia laughed.
“Oh come on, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed?” I stared. Was she..? No she couldn’t be… right.
“Uhhhh… You’re not suggesting she, uhh, has feelings for me.” I looked at her. “You are, aren’t you” I sighed, oh this could be interesting.
“So what are you going to do?” She asked, curious.
“I have no idea. I’m not really good with this… I’ll just ignore it for now I think.” I looked back at Annie. Celestia sighed.
“Well I hope you decide quickly, she is the main reason why I decided to keep you in Canterlot.” I looked at her curiously. “Distance makes the heart fonder.” Was all she said in reply.
========
After what seemed like an eternity we finally pulled into Ponyville station. Celestia, Annie and I exited the station.
“Right, follow me and I’ll take you to meet your teachers.” Celestia told us.
“Uh, Cel- Morning, who are these teachers?” I asked nervously.
“Oh, well, you’re going to be taught flying by Rainbow Dash and both you and Annie shall be taught the basics about pony life by Cheerilee, don’t worry both are very kind… although expect Rainbow Dash to be quite… pushy with her teaching.” I was informed. Oh goody this flying lark could be… interesting. After a short walk we found ourselves standing outside a small red wooden building.
“Welcome to your new school kids.” Celestia said patronizingly. I rolled my eyes.
“Really, Morning? Really?” I asked.
“Awww but I’ve never been able to say that before.” She pouted. I sighed.
“Fine, I’ll let you have this.”
“Yaaayyy!” Celestia cheered. “Now let’s introduce you to your new teacher.” She led us into the small school. I chuckled at her childishness before following behind her.
The interior of the building was fairly simple, Just one room filled with desks for the students with a blackboard and a long desk at the front for the teacher. Behind the desk sat a mauve coloured earth pony. On her flank were 3 smiling daisies. She looked up as we entered the small room.
“Hello can I help you?” She asked. Celestia answered by changing her form back to her normal look.
“Yes Cheerilee, I do believe you can.” Cheerilee gasped.
“Princess Celestia! To what do I owe the honour?” She asked.
“I have some students who require an education on fitting into our society.” She said simply.
“Oh, I see.” She responded simply eyeing me and Annie.
“Humans?” She finally asked. Celestia nodded. “Fans?” Celestia nodded again. Cherilee rubbed her fore hooves together “Oh this shall be fun.” She finished grinning like a madpony. Finally she asked. “Do I need to cover…” She coughed.
Celestia grinned before responding. “Of course you do.” Cherilee laughed. Little did I know what this would mean.
Cherilee pulled down a large poster depicting a pony. I stared. I stared some more.
“So first off… SEX EDUCATION!” The manic teacher cheered.
“Oh God why?!” I looked at Annie who had turned a lovely shade of red.
========
“And that should about wrap things up! Any questions?” Cheerilee asked. I shook my head.
“Good.” She grinned at our embarrassment after spending the last hour going through male and female anatomy in far too much detail.
“Now to teach you about our society.” She said and launched into a long explanation about the world of Equestria.
========
One Hour Later
“I’m freeeeee~!” I cheered as I finally escaped from the school building. I started galloping down the dirt road in blind euphoria. Suddenly I was forced to stop as a pearly white glow surrounded me. I turned to face the stern look of Celestia.
“You’re going to stay with me okay?” I gulped, nodding. She smiled and set me down.
“Right, well, get Annie settled into her house and then I’ll take you to meet Rainbow Dash.” She led us through the street before taking us to a small house on the outskirts of town.
“Of course, you’ll need to pay it back eventually but that won’t be required until you have a job.” Annie nodded.
“And of course, the same goes for you too, Oliver.” I too nodded.
“Very well then.” Celestia fished out a key from…somewhere and opened the door. We stepped into the small building and looked around. It was open plan with a small living area with a sofa and a coffee table and then a fully equipped kitchen behind. On the left was a staircase which I guess led to a bedroom and bathroom.
“So Annie what do you think?” Celestia asked.
“It’s lovely thank you very much.” Annie replied mechanically. Celestia chuckled.
“I am aware of how lacking it may seem, so go ahead criticize it.”
“Well, it’s a bit dirty and squalid also that sofa will need to be replaced as it looks like the stuffing’s going.” I blinked. That was quick.
“Apart from that it’s perfect.” Annie finished. Celestia chuckled.
“Well, I don’t know about the size, however, the other two issues I can quickly rectify.” Celestia replied, her horn glowing. A quick flash later, and the room was suddenly spotless. The kitchen surfaces washed down and the wooden floorboards polished to a shine and the sofa’s stuffing had been sorted out too. Annie blinked.
“Wow.” She said simply.
“Well, if that is all, we shall leave for the night.” Celestia said turning.
“Uhh, yeah, okay.” She looked at me. Celestia chuckled
“I’ll give you time to say goodbye.” She said walking out of the door. I held out a hoof nervously.
“Well I’ll see you later. I can come back sometime soon if you would like.” Annie beamed.
“I’d like that.”
“Hey Celestia what day is it?” I called out to her.
“Mareday.” She replied.
“In English?” I asked. She chuckled before translating.
“Monday.” I turned back to Annie.
“Friday then?” She nodded.
“It’s a date.” I nodded in response.
“Uh, yeah I guess it is.” In a moment of daring I walked up and hugged her, wrapping a foreleg over her body. She responded the same nuzzling into my neck. Eventually we both stepped away.
“I’ll, uh, see you Friday then.” I said nervously before stepping out of the door. Celestia giggled.
“Shut up, you.” I said before storming off. Celestia trotted to keep up.
“Stop that! What did I say about walking off?” I sighed.
“Just take me to see this flying instructor so we can get back to Canterlot.”
“Oh, we’re not going back today, we’re going to stay at my student’s house and you’re going to meet your instructor there.” Celestia replied before leading me to our destination.
Celestia led me through the streets of Ponyville before we finally stood outside a giant tree.
“The library… is a tree.” I deadpanned.
“Yes, it’s a tree.” Celestia replied. I sighed now I’d seen it all what with the strange looking train that looked like a children’s toy. Celestia started to enter and as I looked at the absurd building. Noticing her absence I ran to catch up. Celestia knocked on the door. Immediately, the door glowed purple and was yanked open. A purple unicorn stood there flushed.
“Princess Celestia!” The Unicorn exclaimed.
“Hello my faithful student.” Celestia responded. “May we come in?” She asked politely, knowing the answer.
“Yes, of course.” Celestia’s student said, moving to let us in. All proceeded as normal until I walked past the student. She took one look at me before squealing with joy.
“Celestia! A new soul searcher! It’s been centuries since we’ve had one!” She exclaimed. Celestia smiled.
“Well recognised, Twilight. This is one of four”. Twilight’s mouth dropped.
“Four! All at once! That is almost unheard of.” Celestia shrugged.
“Almost.”
“Touché.” Twilight replied. Celestia continued.
“So my friend here” She gestured toward me. “requires flying tuition and I think one of your friends may be up to the job.” Celestia smiled.
“Well sure I can talk to Rainbow Dash about it if that’s who you mean. I doubt she’d say no to you, although…” She turned to face me. “He doesn’t look very athletic… Are you sure he can cope?”
“Don’t worry I’m sure he shall be fine.” Celestia replied simply. “Besides, the exercise will do him good.” I scowled at the Princess who responded by laughing.
“You sound like my Mother, stop it.” Twilight gasped at how I was treating the Princess who in reply continued to laugh harder. I turned to Twilight shrugging. “She may be a Princess and your ruler but that doesn't mean she needs to be treated differently, so I’ll treat her the way I would treat any other pony except with a bit more respect.” I told her simply.
“It is refreshing for someone to treat me as such, most ponies are so dull around me.” Celestia replied with a smile. She turned to Twilight.
“Anyway my faithful student, would it be okay for us to stay here for the night?” Celestia asked.
“Of course I’ll let you sleep in my bed and me and… Oliver, was it?” She asked, and I nodded in response.
“We can sleep in the spare bed in the basement.” I blushed. Noticing the couch nearby, I quickly spoke up.
“No, no, I’ll sleep on the couch, it’s fine”. I smiled. Twilight blushed herself noticing the implications.
“Oh, uhh, you sure? It’s not very comfortable.” I stammered before finally speaking.
“Okay I’ll sleep with you.” Celestia giggled at the awkwardness.
“Well then, I will retire for the night, Twilight, could you get Rainbow Dash to come here tomorrow morning?”
“Yes of course.” Celestia smiled,
“Very well then. Goodnight to you.” Celestia turned and walked up the stairs. I looked at the door down to the basement and yawned.
“I think I’ll do the same.” I turned to the door. “Oh and thanks for letting us stay here.”
“It’s no problem, goodnight.”
“Night.” I said walking downstairs. Twilight followed behind.
“I’ll need to make the bed up for you.” She informed me. I nodded. The basement was actually quite comfortable looking with wood panelling on the walls and wooden floor boards. Up above dangled all the roots from the tree with lights attached to make the area seem quite homely. In one corner was a strange device with wires attached haphazardly and a hat on the floor which was attached to it. I looked at it curiously before hearing magic behind me.
Twilight had made the bed in a matter of seconds just by simply using her magic.
“Well there you go.” She said. I nodded my thanks. Twilight left me to get into bed as she started to walk out of the room. I looked at the bed pulling over the sheets and crawling under them. After sleeping in the wilderness for the last few nights the bed felt like heaven and soon enough I had fallen deeply asleep.
========
The next morning I awoke to feel of something soft behind me. Looking forwards I noticed a pair of purple legs wrapped around me. I turned my head to see who was spooning me. As I did something sharp hit my head.
“Ow!” I yelped. I heard a moan from behind. I jumped out of the bed. “Why am I sleeping with a purple unicorn?” I yelled in shock. Twilight was awake immediately.
“Morning Oliver.” She said sleepily. “What’s all the noise about?”
“Uhh, Twilight, I woke up to you cuddling up with me.” I said simply. Twilight’s face turned crimson.
“Oh, uh, hehe, sorry about that”. My heart felt like it was going to explode. So damn cute! I thought.
“Eh it’s okay.” I shrugged. “So you gonna get Rainbow Dash so I can get started on these flying lessons?” I asked itching to get started. Twilight nodded in response.
“Okay I’ll make breakfast whilst you’re out then… what do you have?”
“Oh, umm… oats annnd you could make pancakes or waffles.” She answered.
“Okay I’ll make waffles.” We both walked up the stairs. Once we were in the main room Twilight pointed.
“That’s the pantry”- She moved her hoof to another room. -“and the kitchen is in there.” I nodded.
“I’ll have some waffles done by the time you get back.” I informed her grinning.
“Okay I’ll look forward to them.” She turned away and exited the room calling back “see you soon” as she left. I turned to the pantry and started to look for some waffles.
========
“What kind of backward country is this!” I yelled in frustration.
“Equestria.” A regal voice replied behind me. “What is the problem Oliver?” She asked.
“Twilight doesn’t have a toaster.” I said simply.
“Well use the grill then, duh.” I looked at the oven.
“I can’t turn the knob.” I mumbled softly. Celestia chuckled.
“Then I shall assist you with using the oven.” With a flash of magic the oven opened allowing me to place the waffles on the tray, I did so and with another flash the oven was shut and turned on emitting a small hum. I sat down on the floor watching the waffles cook making sure they don’t burn. After a few minutes I asked Celestia to open the oven. She did so as I picked up a spatula in my mouth.
“Ish woulb be shu mush eashyer if I wash a Unicornsh.” I said around the handle before awkwardly turning the waffles over. From behind me I heard the door open.
“Hi Twilight, waffles are almost done!” I called.
“Great! I look forward to them.” Twilight responded enthusiastically.
========
10 minutes later and the waffles had be served up and scoffed down.
“So...” I said leaning forward. “When will I get to learn how to fly?” I asked anxious to get started.
“Rainbow will be coming around this afternoon.” Twilight replied. “And she told me to tell you that, and I quote, ‘What kind of a pathetic excuse for a Pegasus are you if you can’t fly’ and she still stood by that after I explained what you were.”
“Oh goody this will be fun.” I deadpanned. Celestia sighed.
“Very well then Oliver, you and I will get some practice in this morning if Rainbow is going to be like that.” Twilight looked at me with a raised eybrow. I guess it wasn’t every day you got flying lessons from the most powerful being in Equestria.
“Sure when do you want to start?”
“Oh I was thinking…Now.” She answered chuckling.
“Okay, lead the way, oh master of flight.” I replied motioning to the door with my hoof. Celestia chuckled before walking out of the door.
“Good luck and have fun.” Twilight said as I walked out smiling.
“Thanks.” I replied leaving.
When I got outside I was greeted by the figure of Morning Glory.
“Right, we’ll be practicing out at Ghastly Gorge.” she informed me. I nodded gulping. The name made this seem ominous. I looked at Morning who was lowering herself. “Climb aboard.” She told me. Nervously, I carefully climbed onto her back being careful not to trap her wings.
“Hold on tight.” She warned. I wrapped my fore hooves around her neck before a loud whoosh filled my ears.
“Aaaahh~!” I screamed in joy as I was suddenly high in the sky. Celestia laughed below before doing a barrel roll. I felt my grip loosen. There was a ‘fwump’ sound behind me as I felt muscles on my back straighten out as I fell off Celestia’s back.
“Why would you do that?!” I screamed as I began to plummet. I struggled to bring myself upright. Thinking as if I was playing a flight simulator helped, I moved one wing up and the other down. Slowly I began to return to an upright position. I flapped my wings strongly upwards trying to gain some altitude. Pain flashed across my mind as I used muscles that I never had before. Celestia returned to my side.
“Okay you need to tilt your wings so that you’re beating them towards and away from your face.” I began tilting my wings trying to move them. I moaned in frustration. “Patience Oliver these things take time. You’re learning to use limbs you’ve never had before.” I nodded. I concentrated hard and watched. I thought about it as if I was rotating my arm. Slowly I worked out how to apply the movement to my wings. My feathered appendages slowly began to rotate.
“Yes!” I cheered in success. I pushed forwards with my wings and flew away from Celestia. After I moved a small distance away I pushed forwards with my wings which started to slow my down until I came to a stop beating my wings softly as I hovered in the air. Celestia caught up to me grinning.
“Very good. Now all you need to do is land.” Oh… This could be interesting I thought. I leant forward and started to slowly propel myself towards the ground. As I reached the ground I leant backwards until I was parallel with the ground. I slowed down the beating of my wings until I was only a few feet above the ground. I stopped moving my wings and landed.
“Urgh.” I said collapsing on the ground. I was knackered.
“It seems you have a knack for flying.” Celestia informed me landing beside me.
“Shush. Dying." I said trying to recover. My back burned from the effort of moving my new wing muscles. I crawled back into the library and pushed myself up onto the couch. Celestia walked in behind me before reverting back to her normal body. I closed my eyes.
========
I awoke from my peaceful slumber to the sound of the door slamming open.
“Wha!” I jumped up wincing at the ache in my muscles. A blue Pegasus stood in front of me. Her main was poorly kept and was made up of all the colours of the rainbow. I connected the dots.
“Oh God you’re my flight trainer.” I groaned.
“Damn right I am and I come to see this pathetic lump snoozing on the couch!” She responded in an angry tone.
“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight scolded from the top of the stairs. “You say that when it is well known that you spend most of your free time napping!” I chuckled. Rainbow blushed in response.
“That’s not the point.” She retorted.
“Yes it is, it makes you a hypocrite.” I responded jumping into the conversation. Rainbow glared at me.
“Don’t call me things I don’t know the meaning of!” I laughed harder.
“Ah I see you two are getting acquainted.” I heard from behind me. Rainbow gaped.
“You can’t fly and yet you’re friends with the Princess!” She exclaimed. I nodded smugly.
“Yes and I expect you to take good care of my dear friend Oliver here.” Celestia said winking at me.
“Heh heh, yeah, sure. I’ll have him flying in no time Princess, you can count on me!” Rainbow responded nervously.
“Excellent! Well Oliver and I need to return to Canterlot when would be a good time for you to give Oliver his flying lessons?” Celestia asked.
“Uh whenever, as long as it’s in the afternoon after I’ve done my weather schedule.” Rainbow responded.
“Very well how about Monday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons?” She asked me. I nodded.
“Yeah that’s fine with me, what about you Rainbow?” The prismatic Pegasus just nodded in response.
“Excellent! Well we’d better be going Oliver.” Celestia gestured towards the door. “Thank you for the lodgings, Twilight and for the lessons, Rainbow Dash.” “No
problem.” The pair responded. Celestia led me out through the door turning back into the form of Morning Glory as she walked.
========
The train journey took a while and for once I found myself falling asleep. I woke up just as we were pulling in and to my embarrassment found myself leaning on Celestia’s shoulder I jerked up.
“Sorry Morning!” I exclaimed. She chuckled in response.
“It’s fine Oliver, we’re pulling in now anyway.” The train jerked forwards as she said this. I followed after Celestia as she led us through the maze of ponies.
“Well, let’s go find your new home.” Celestia said. I nodded.
“Unfortunately house prices in Canterlot are quite high so you will be living over a shop. I also got you a job there, so you can start making some cash in order to pay me back.” Celestia informed me. I nodded.
“Will I be sharing said home?”
“No the owner is a female. Decency and all that.” I blushed at what she was suggesting.
“Anyone would think I’m an indecent person.” I retorted.
“That’s because you are.” Celestia deadpanned.
“I’m just as dirty minded as you are, oh fair Princess.” I mocked.
“You must be very dirty minded then.” I stared.
“Okay I was not expecting that.” Celestia chuckeld.
“After living for a few millennium it’s very difficult to expect something from me.” She replied. I nodded in understanding.
“I guess you pick up a lot of idiosyncrasies.” Celestia stopped. I looked up.
“Welcome to your new home.” I looked at it. It was a very simple shop. At the top was a neon blue sign with the words "Wuba Dub Dub Music" Scrawled across the top over a sound wave across a CD.
“You have CD’s here!” Celestia turned.
“We’re not as backwards as you may think.”
“You don’t even have twitter.” I retorted.
“ Touché. Regardless this is the store of Vinyl Scratch, an upcoming DJ. Because of her new found fame, she needs another hoof around the shop for when she
doesn’t have gigs.” I nodded.
“Well if she’s a music fan we should get along fine.” I smiled. Inside I was actually nervous to meet this mare. Celestia led me inside.
“Vinyl! I have your new employee!” Celestia called. A white unicorn appeared from behind a mess of cables. I gapped at the crazy mess that was her mane. It was everywhere! And neon blue.
“Great!” She responded in a boyish voice jumping in front of me. She held out her hoof which I grasped onto nervously. “Nice to meet you I’m Vinyl Scratch aka DJ – Pon3.” I nodded dumbly as she continued to pump my arm up and down. She looked at it.
“Oh sorry, I’ll let go of that for you.” Something inside me clicked. She was just as nervous as I was. “She must get over her shyness by being loud, same as me.” I thought.
“Nice to meet you. So what kind of music does this place have anyways?” I asked.
“Oh you’re in for a treat.” She replied grinning.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to it then.” Celestia said leaving. “This is also your new home and here…” She handed me a piece of paper. “If you ever need me or if you want to chat, show this at the gate and they’ll let you in.” Celestia informed me. I nodded.
“Well then it’s been nice meeting you Oliver. Good luck with things.” Morning turned to leave.
“Bye Morning. I’ll see you soon.” I replied.
“I’ll look forward to it.” And with that she left. I turned to face Vinyl.
“So you wanted to hear some music huh?” And with that a massive sound wave hit my ears.
“AHHHHHH!” I screamed. “Too loud! Too loud!” The music turned off.
“Heh sorry about that.” Vinyl said sheepishly. It looks like my time living here was going to be eventful.