At the Heart of it All

Chapter Two

A Fresh Start for a Young Heart

Stepping down from the gangway, Star Dancer smiled happy with the notion of the adventure she was about to undertake as she trotted merrily down the hallway with a little bounce in her step, humming happily to herself as she neared the exit to the Equestrian Immigration center on Ellis Island. But just when she was about to walk through the doorway, a man dressed in a blue uniform stepped out from a booth startling her, causing her fall back onto her haunches.

“Follow me please,” he said in a flat tone.

“W-where are you taking me?” She asked, looking at the man questionably.

“All equestrians entering the greater New York area for the next few weeks are required to a have a simple check up and health exam taken before they are permitted to enter Earth through this gateway entry point. If you do not agree to the screening process, you will be promptly escorted back to Equestria, and denied further access to the New York area until the situation is alleviated. Do I make myself clear?”

“Y-yes sir!” She quickly replied nodding a few times rather hastily and followed the man  feeling a little nervous as she was led into a room just off to the side.

“Please take off your bag Ma’am and go sit on the bed over there,” he said, pointing over to it. She nodded again, swallowing down the lump in her throat and made her way over to the table—slowly—then tossed her bag aside and hopped up on it, but then hopped off just as quickly after making contact with it.

“C-cold!” She cried, rubbing her rump. But, a second later though her ears snapped up, and she thought she heard what sounded like giggling coming from the room. ‘Is he laughing at me?’ She wondered looking up and took notice that the very man that had brought her into this room was now holding a hand over his face trying to hold back his laughter. “H-hey! It’s not funny!” She snapped, stomping one of her forelegs. “That table was cold!”

“S-sorry Ma’am,” the officer chuckled, then coughed clearing his throat. “Let me get something to make it more comfortable for you.” He then walked over to a nearby cabinet and pulled out a couple sheets and set them down on the table for her. “That should be more comfortable now.”

“Thanks...” She muttered, hopping back up on the table. “Now why did you bring me in here? I’m not sick.”

He didn’t reply—only shrugged, but stopped and turned around just before he walked out the door. “The doctor will be in soon and she will explain everything, so please be patient.” He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Crossing her forelegs, Star Dancer took a few moments to scan around the room at the various medical equipment and supplies while kicking her hind legs nervously as she waited for the doctor to come.

“Hi there!” The doctor cheerfully said opening the door—walking up to her. “My name is Stacy Hardin and you are?”

“S-Star D-Dancer.” She nervously stammered. “Why am I here? I’m really starting to get nervous Stacy. I feel like I am being treated like I got some kind of infectious disease.” Stacy smiled and reached forward resting a hand on Star Dancers shoulder.

“That isnot the case Star Dancer.” Stacy smiled, easing some of Star Dancers anxiety.

“Then why am I here? Can you please tell me?” She timidly asked, with a pleading look and reached forward with her hooves to hold Stacy's hand.

 “It’s for your safety honey.” Stacy answered with a warm smile, squeezing her hooves gently.

“M-my safety?” She weakly replied, her voice cracking a little bit.

“Mm hmm.” Stacy nodded. “You see, due to a recent small outbreak of the flu here, we are inoculating all equestrians coming into our lands. It’s merely a safety precaution for you guys. The medicine is perfectly safe I assure you, and has no side effects... Well maybe a little drowsiness, but a mare of your age should have no problem handling it. Or, should I say... hoofing it?” Star Dancer looked at Stacy rolling her eyes, but at the same time a small smile crept onto her face, and she managed a weak laugh.

“Do I have to get a needle?”

“Yes sweetie, but don’t worry, it’ll be over before you know it.”

Star Dancer sighed. “Good, because I really hate needles.”

Stacy laughed, walking over to a cabinet and pulled out a vial plus a needle then returned to Star Dancers side. “Afraid of needles huh? That soo reminds me of another equestrian I helped out a few years ago,” she said, then picked up the package containing the needle and opened it up. “Pull up your sleeve please Star Dancer.” She asked, sticking the needle into the vial and pulled back on the plunger, filling the needle with the medicine.

Star Dancer nodded, reaching over with her foreleg and slid the one side of her blue t-shirt up. “Please make this quick,” she meekly said, looking away not wanting to see when the needle was stuck into her. Stacy leander over taking Star Dancers foreleg with her free hand and started to brush gently at her fur eventually parting enough of it to reveal her skin underneath.

“Ok sweetie, here goes.” She then stuck the needle into Star Dancers shoulder causing the young mare to wince a little squinting her eyes closed—forcing a tear out, and pushed down on the plunger sending the medicine into her shoulder. A cool feeling rushing down shortly after as the medicine made it’s way into her body. “There now, that wasn’t so bad now was it?” She smiled rubbing Star Dancer gently on the back.

“Is that all I’m gonna need Stacy?” She asked glancing back over to the doctor, rubbing her shoulder.

She nodded picking up Star Dancers saddlebag. “Yup, you're all set. Stand up and I’ll help you with your bag.”

Star Dancer smiled and hopped down off the table, relieved that she was finally gonna get out of here, and stood still as Stacy ran the straps around her tummy and secured the buckle making sure it wouldn’t fall off. “Thanks,” Star Dancer smiled coming back down onto her hooves.

“Don’t mention it sweetie. Now let’s get you on your way shall we?” She went over to the clipboard the man before had left and scribbled something on it then handed it to Star Dancer.

“What’s this?” She asked taking the paper.

“It’s proof you have received your inoculation, and are clear to enter the New York area through this gateway entry point.” She said, walking over and opening the door, beckoning Star Dancer to follow her. “Just show it to the guard and he’ll let you through alright?”

“Okay, I understand now.” Star Dancer replied, walking over to the door then back out into the hallway.

“Good luck, and be safe Star Dancer.” Stacy smiled waving goodbye then closed the door.

“Glad that’s over with.” She sighed, and headed off back down the hallway until she came to the same checkpoint and the guard stood up once again. “Please, I need to see your slip from the doctor stating that you have received the proper inoculations.” Star Dancer nodded and hoofed the man the slip. He took the document—quickly reading over it for a moment, then handed it back to her. “Okay, you’re free to enter.” He walked back into his station then pressed a button opening the gate. “The Equestrian Immigration center is through them doors,” he said pointing off to a pair of distant doors. “Welcome to Ellis Island.” He then stood out of the way to let her pass, and after she walked by he returned to his station taking a seat to fill out some paperwork.

Waving goodbye, Star Dancer headed down the hall eventually coming to the doors and pushed them open exiting out into the courtyard.  Stopping she took in a deep breath of fresh air filling her lungs and exhaled. “First day of my of my new life. Better get started!” She smiled and started off across the courtyard heading to the Immigration center, stopping along the way a few times to admire the piece and quiet of the centers courtyard before entering the building.

Once she got inside however, the quietness and serenity of the courtyard was replaced by the sounds of equestrians of all types making their ways through lines to the counters. Figuring she was in for a wait, Star Dancer stepped up to take her place in line and pulled out her tablet to pass the time while she slowly made her way forward.

****

“Next”

Star Dancer looked up from her tablet seeing a man behind the counter with a computer next to him waving his hand for her to come up and take a seat. Stuffing her tablet back into her bag as she walked up and took a seat, sitting her saddlebag along side her incase she needed to show the man anything then sat back up resting her forelegs in her lap. The man noticing she was ready to be taken care of clicked his mouse and started typing on his keyboard, then a moment later he turned to look at Star Dancer.

“Name?”

“Star Dancer, sir.”

He nodded and clicked on his mouse. “Age?”

“Twenty one, sir”

He glanced back to his monitor clicking on his mouse a few times then looked back to her again. “Sex?”

“Female, sir.”

Again a few clicks of his mouse then he returned his attention to her. “Breed?”

“Geosus, sir.”

Nodding to her once again he returned to his screen and with a few clicks of his mouse he entered the info then began typing something, and afterward he returned to her. “May I see your Equestrian Immigrant transfer forms please?”

Star Dancer nodded and leaned over opening her bag pulling out a folder containing all her important documents, and went to going through them looking for the document the man requested. “Here you go sir.” She slid the document across the counter and he glanced over to it reading it for a few minutes, and then began typing again.

“On moment Ma’am.” He then stood up and walked over to a printer grabbing a few papers and returned to the counter and slid them across to Star Dancer. “I need you to initial in the boxes with an ‘x’ by them please.” He said, and laid a specially designed pen that was attached to a cup so she could pick it up. Star Dancer reached forward and pressed her hoof into the cup then slid the document over to her signing her name in the areas specified.

“Here you go sir.” She slid the document back over to him and he picked it up and examined it then slid back on his chair opening a filing cabinet beneath the counter and placed the document into it.

“One more moment Ma’am,” he said, standing up from the counter once again and walked off into the back disappearing around a corner. Meanwhile Star Dancer sat in her chair looking around as other Equestrians were being checked in. She then glanced back and saw the man returning from around the corner with a card in his hand. “Welcome to Earth Star Dancer,” he smiled handing her a piece of paper. “This is your new identification slip. Please head around the corner there.” He pointed off to the right. “And a person will take your picture and issue you your new personal identification card. She took it and stood up from her chair grabbing her bag and slipped it onto her back.

“Thank you sir.”

He smiled waving her on and pointed out to the next equestrian in line. “Next.”

Star Dancer then made her way around the corner and stopped at booth with a lady standing beside it talking to someone behind the counter. “Excuse me?” Star Dancer spoke up tapping the lady on her waist. “I this where I get my picture taken?”

The lady spun around and smiled nodding. “Sure is sweetie.” she then held out a hand. “Please have a seat.”

Star Dancer nodded and slipped off her bag setting it down then slid into the booth taking a seat in front of a camera stationed directly opposite of her, and soon after the lady slipped in taking a seat behind the camera. “Okay just hold still for a moment honey and we’ll have you on your way in no time. Star Dancer nodded and sat still while the lady focused the camera then snapped a picture of her. “Is this good?” Star Dancer leaned forward to inspect the image.

“Yes, that will be fine Ma’am.”

“The lady nodded and clicked her mouse a few times producing a card from the machine in front of her. “Here you go.” She handed her the card. “You’re all set!”

“Thanks.” She took the card and stuck it into her bag, and waved good bye making her way out. “Okay... Now where is that apartment at that my parents got for me.” She stopped and reached back into her bag pulling out a piece of paper and a map, then laid it out on a table in front of her and began dragging her hoof over the map searching for the location of the apartment. “Now where are you at,” she said to herself, resting her head on a hoof while continuing to scan for the place. “Ah ha! There you are.” she leaned in squinting her eyes looking at the location. “Oh my Celestia! It’s on the other side of the Island...” She sighed. “It’s going to take me all day to get there... unless.” She smiled glancing back to her wings then up to the sky.

It was a bright and sunny day with a little breeze coming in off the bay. She then snatched up her bag and made sure her belongings were secured then strapped it on making sure the buckle was on snugly but not too tightly, and flared open her wings flapping them a few times to work out the kinks. “Alright, time to take the scenic route.” She concentrated for a moment,  letting mana flow through her body until her marks begin to glow and she felt herself getting lighter. Feeling that she had reached her optimum flight weight, she dashed forward—legs pumping—picking up speed and then leaped into the air letting her wings take over and shot off over the bay heading towards her new apartment; her new home.

****

Not wanting to waste any time settling in, Star Dancer shot off over the bay quickly covering the distance, rapidly approaching the city and eventually she found herself flying at about tree top level watching the pedestrians go about their business, some looking up to her taking pictures, and some for some odd reason looking at her—shouting at her—waving their hands. But the noise from the traffic and wind blowing in her face all but canceled out whatever it was they were saying. That is until she heard someone shouting over a loudspeaker.

“You up there!”

Startled, Star Dancer immediately snapped her attention down to direction the noise was coming from spotting an officer standing by his car holding a loudspeaker. “Y-yes sir?” She nervously asked, coming to a hover above him.

“Please land immediately!”

Star Dancer quickly nodded and shot down to the officer, flaring her wings just as she approached him and flopped down onto the sidewalk then folded up her wings and walked over to him. “Did I do something wrong officer? I’m not in trouble am I?”

“You’re new here I take it?”

She nodded quickly a couple times. “Mm Hmm.”

“Well I’ll let you go with a warning this time, but for future references, pegasi are prohibited from flying within city limits.”

“Why?”

“A city ordinance was enacted over a year ago, because of a series of accidents—some serious—with equestrians not paying attention to where they were going and colliding with vehicles. And there was also some trying to landing on power lines.” He leaned forward holding hand to his face. “Not very bright if you ask me.” He then stood back up and tossed his loudspeaker back into his car.  “And also there was the numerous car accidents from drivers taking their eyes off the road when a pegasus flew over top of them. And a major instance of some kind of sonic boom happening over central park scaring the living hell out of citizens, and breaking a lot of windows. So the mayor enacted the ordinance for safety measures and to cut down on incidents.”

“Is there anywhere we can still fly at?”

“Central park you are permitted to fly, but no higher than 100 feet, and you must stay within the boundaries of the park.”

Star Dancer, sighed nodding to the officer. ‘Looks like I’m walking.’ She thought relaxing her concentration letting her weight return to normal and started walking down the street. But as she came to the intersection and looked up watching the signal—waiting for it to change, the same policeman she had met only a moment ago pulled up in his car and rolled the window down.

“I never caught your name by the way.”

“It’s Star Dancer sir.”

“You here sightseeing?” She shook her head.

“No officer, I’m coming over to make a life for myself in your world.”

“That's cool, so where are you headed?”

“My apartment, but its on the other side of the city, and that’s why I was flying because it is going to take me all day to get there now that I have to walk.” She slumped her head, her ears falling back as she let out a breath.

“Hop in, I’ll give you a lift, by the way, names Elliott.” He then leaned over  opening the door for her. She looked up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Thanks Elliott.” She then hopped into the car closing the door. Soon after the two sped off into early morning traffic.

****

“So Star Dancer,” Elliott began as he turned off onto the main road. “What made you want to decide to come live on Earth? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Star Dancer looked up from her map and smiled “Oh no, I don’t mind, and to answer your question.” She shifted in her seat getting comfortable and leaned back crossing her forelegs still holding onto the map, then looked up and sighed. “Ever since our worlds have been connected to each other I have been truly fascinated with your world. The culture, the technology, the way you humans can make such huge machines fly so gracefully. It’s just so amazing!”

Elliott smiled “Seems like you’re out for adventure there.”

“Heh... you could say that,” she replied, looking back out the window as they turned off the main road and on to a side street. “Where are we going anyway? It seems like you know where you’re going.”

“I kinda do. Check your map again, I think this is your street.”

“Really? Well okay... let me take a look.” She uncrossed her forelegs opening the map and quickly began scanning over it, then back up at a sign at the intersection. “Oh you’re right.” She smiled, sticking the map back into her bag. “It’s the last house on the right.”

Elliott nodded and headed off down the street. It was a pretty nice neighborhood actually Star Dancer thought to herself.  Trees were neatly planted alongside the street on the sidewalk. The road was split with a center median with beautifully designed wrought iron lamp posts set decently apart. The row homes seemed to mostly be populated by equestrians with a few of them also containing human residents. Pulling up to her home, Elliot smiled and pointed out the window.

“Is this the place?”

Star Dancer looked at the paper given to her by her parents then back to the mailbox hanging off the fence. “Yes Elliott, this is it.” She stuck the paper back into her bag and was about to open the door, but before she could open it Elliott stopped her.

“Star Dancer, Before you go I need to tell you something.”

“What is it Elliott?” She asked, turning back to look at him

“Be careful please.”

She raised an eyebrow and looked at him questionably. “Excuse me? I... I don’t understand.”

“There have been reports of some hate groups popping up around the upper Manhattan area, spreading a lot of anti-equestrian propaganda around.” Her look of question was now replaced by one of worry.

“S-should I be concerned Elliott?”

“At the moment. No. The groups as far as we can tell are peacefully protesting, but knowing human history well enough, I can honestly say things never stay peaceful with these types of demonstrations.”

“W-what should I do?”

“Fly away if you ever feel threatened.”

“But you said flying in the city limits is illegal Elliot.”

“I know what I said Star Dancer, but in a situation like this forget about that and fly away. I know most if not all officers will look the other way if they knew you were only trying to keep yourself from getting harmed.”

Star Dancer looked at Elliott for a moment taking in everything he just said—then nodded. “Okay Elliot, I’ll remember.”

“Good.”

Star Dancer hopped out of the car and closed the door waving goodbye as Elliott drove off down the street, and turned around pushing open the gate to stroll on down the walkway towards her new home. It was actually a pretty nice place. It wasn’t like the other row homes settled along the street. The apartment was set back in a good sized yard with some trees set along the walkway and a few strew about in the yard, plus they also seemed to have been taken care of too. Walking up the steps to the porch, Star Dancer stopped at the door and reached into her bag pulling out the key with her mouth and stuck it into the lock. ‘Bleh! This tastes horrible! Why couldn’t of I gotten a place with touch pads instead of keys?’

She was at least thankful with the thought that the door had a lever instead of a knob as she turned the key and pushed down on the latch opening the door. She then trotted on into her new home kicking the door closed with a hind leg. “Hmm... this place seems pretty nice.” She said to herself looking around at the small living room. Only a couch sat in the corner with an end table next to it. So she walked over to it unbuckled her bag—tossing it by the foot of the couch, and flopped down onto it, coughing as she landed kicking up some dust. “Wonder what I should do now.” Just then her phone began to ring. “Oh! That must be mom and dad calling!” She quickly sat up on the couch and grabbed her bag then set it down beside her—digging through it for a moment till she found the phone.

“H-hello? Mom, dad, is that you?”

“Hey honey, have you made it to the apartment yet?”

“Yeah mom, I just arrived a few moments ago.”

“Well how is it? Me and your father only got to see it from the few photos that were on the website.”

“Dusty... to say the least,” she chuckled, waving a hoof in front of her face. “But it’s a pretty good size, and it has it’s own yard too!”

“Well that’s nice. Oh, heres your father.” There was a brief silence then some fumbling noise.

“Hey Star, hows my little lady doing?” For a moment Star Dancer rubbed her shoulder wondering if she should tell them about the inoculation she was required to take, or about what Elliott had told her. But, after thinking it over for another moment she felt it would be better if she left them out. No need to have her parents freaking out over it after all she reasoned. “Hey Kiddo, are you still there?”

“Yeah dad, I’m still here, and I’m fine.” She rolled her eyes. ‘Celestia, I hate it when he calls me that!’

“Lyra called us a little while ago and said that the owner of The Astro Lounge wanted to talk with you.”

“Oh really? What about?”

“I think she said they wanted you to come in and get orientated.”

“Jeez dad! The want me to start work already!? I just got here!”

“No Star Dancer, They just wanted to meet you and say hi.”

“Oh... Well that’s fine. I’ll head on down there after checking out this place a little bit more.”

“Sounds good. Anyway, we just wanted to give you a call to see if you got to the apartment yet.”

“Thanks dad, I appreciate that.”

“Well I’ll let you get back to what you were doing. Give us a call later on and let us know how it went okay?”

“Alright.”

“Take care Star Dancer, we love you, and we are so proud of you.”

“Thanks dad.” She teared up a bit. “I love you guys too.” She then hung up and stuck the phone back into her bag and got up heading into the bedroom, and to her surprise, it was actually furnished (somewhat). “I didn’t expect this,” she smiled walking over to the bed and jumped up onto it, bouncing a few times after landing—giggling to herself. “Nice and soft.” She then hopped off the bed and strode over to the closet, sliding it open. And again, dust bellowed out causing her to sneeze knocking her back onto her haunches with a *thud*. “Well at least the bed wasn’t dusty,” she remarked, wiping her nose.

Afterward she walked over to the dresser and stared into the mirror, making a few goofy faces at herself, then left the bedroom and went back out into the living room heading into  the kitchen. Inside it was a refrigerator tucked snugly into a cove under some cabinets with a stove sitting just off to the side, and a dishwasher placed under the counter just by the sink. “Just need to get a table and microwave for here. Not too shabby!” She was happy she wouldn't have to spend a lot of the money her parents gave her to buy furniture and appliances. She then went back into the living room and scooped up her bag and headed back into the bedroom to put her clothes she brought over into the dresser and sat the laptop on the nightstand next to the bed.

“Alright, I guess I’m all set here. Might as well go and say hello to the people down at The Astro Lounge, and get orientated with what I’ll eventually be doing.” She then slipped a smaller bag on and stuck her phone, tablet plus some cash (she didn’t feel comfortable carrying so much money around with her) into her bag, then grabbed her apartment keys and left closing the door behind her—locking it—then made her way out to the street to hail a cab.

****

“Taxi!” Star Dancer yelled, flailing her foreleg trying to get the attention of a cab. Eventually she succeeded as a small yellow sedan with a taxi light on top of it pulled along and stopped beside her.

“Where ya headed my little pony?” The cab driver chuckled.

“Uhh... Midtown sir.” She answered a bit confused at his remark.

“Hop in little lady, or should I say mare?”

She looked up to him raising an eyebrow while trying to getting comfortable in the back seat. “Umm... My name is Star Dancer, Sir, if you don’t mind.”

“Star Dancer eh? Thats a pretty name, mines Bobby. By the way, where are you headed?” He asked pulling out into traffic.

“A place called The Astro Lounge, Bobby.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of that place! It’s one of the few places in Manhattan that allows equestrians to work there right?” She nodded.

“That's right Bobby, My friend got me a job there. She’s friends with the owners.”

“Oh that’s cool,” he replied, turning on to a small expressway. “Who is she if you don’t mind me asking?”

Star Dancer looked up from her tablet for a moment and smiled. “Her name is Lyra, Bobby.”

“LYRA!” Bobby suddenly shouted, accidentally stepping on the brakes causing Star Dancer to lurch forward bonking her head against the back of his seat. “Oh! I’m sorry Star Dancer.”

“It’s okay Bobby,” Star Dancer said, rubbing her forehead. “I should of been wearing my seatbelt.” She then leaned back buckling her seatbelt incase of anymore ‘sudden’ braking. “Why the sudden interest in Lyra if you don’t mind me asking? I didn't think she was that famous.”

“Shes my favorite pony on the show... well favorite background pony anyway. Rainbow Dash is my favorite.”

“Who is Rainbow Dash, Bobby?”

Again Bobby suddenly applied the brakes and abruptly pulled off to the side of the road scaring Star Dancer a little bit, and then leaned around to look at her completely surprised. “You don’t know who Rainbow Dash is?”

“N-not really...” She nervously answered, fearing she had said something wrong. “Should I?”

“Well... Yeah! She’s only the Element of Loyalty and everything! Fastest flyer in all of Equestria!”

“Funny... I thought the Fastest flyer in all of Equestria title belonged to Dainty Dish.”

Bobby reared his head back raising an eyebrow. “Dainty Dish?” Who the heck is that?”

“She’s this pegasus that flies really, REALLY fast! And high.”

Bobby shook his head and rolled back in his seat mulling over what she just said. “Well have you at least heard about the Element of Loyalty?” He asked leaning back over to look at her.

Star Dancer nodded. “Yes Bobby, but only from stuff Lyra has told me about them.”

“And she never told you their names?”

“No she did, but that was years ago and I was only a filly. I do however remember a couple of their names. Like Twilight Sparkle and Applejack, but that’s only because they were the first two Element holders that came over to Earth to set up the gateway.”

“Well Rainbow Dash was the element of loyalty Star Dancer.” He smiled. “Just a heads up for you.”

“Thanks Bobby, I’ll try and remember that.”

Bobby nodded and rolled back into his seat then sped off back into traffic.

****

 “Here you go Star Dancer, The Astro Lounge.”

“How much do I owe you Bobby?” She asked unbuckling her seat belt. Bobby glanced over to his meter.

“Nine dollars even Star Dancer.” She nodded and reached into her pack pulling out her money and began flipping through it, but she wasn’t really accustomed to earth currency and Bobby immediately took notice of it. “Just give me nine of those bills that have a ‘one’ printed on the corners of them Star Dancer.” She looked up and nodded then pulled out the bills and hoofed them to him.

“Sorry about that Bobby, I am still not use to everything here on earth yet.”

Bobby returned the smile while waving his hand. “Perfectly alright Star Dancer, we all have to start somewhere ya know. But I would strongly recommend you getting someone to teach you about how our currency works before you get ripped off alright?”

She nodded and opened the door “I will, and thanks for the lift Bobby.”

“Anytime Star Dancer.” He then waved goodbye and pulled back out into traffic. Afterwards Star Dancer spun around and headed on into the restaurant.

“Good afternoon is the manager here?” She asked, standing up on her hind legs to lean on the counter. The attended nodded and pointed upstairs.

“Sandy is upstairs in the sports bar honey. You can go ahead and head on up.”

Star Dancer nodded and trotted on past the counter, making her way through the tables and chairs wondering why the place was so quiet. After all, it was a little after noon time and figured places like this would've been packed by now. But, she simply shrugged it off and continued on up stairs eventually coming to another counter, but this time the place was rather packed. Human’s and equestrians sitting at the bar chatting with one another, some off in the distance playing pool, and some sitting in booths just relaxing while listening to the music.

“You must be the geosus Lyra was talking about,” a lady said walking up to her. “You’re Star Dancer right?”

Star Dancer nodded. “Yes ma’am, and you must be Sandy?” The lady nodded with a big smile and knelt down in front of Star Dancer.

“You heard right! Sandy is my name, and drinking is my game.” She leaned forward holding a hand up to her face. “Only when my husband lets me though,” she whispered. Star Dancer couldn’t resist a chuckle hearing that.

“So what did you guys want? Lyra called my day and told him you wanted to talk to me about something? Orientation I think it was.”

“Well that, and we wanted to know if you would feel like working for a little bit today.”

“I just arrived on Earth today Sandy, you do know that right? I kinda wanted to venture around a bit.”

“I know Star Dancer, but it’s just we had something come up and we are kinda short staffed, but I tell you what. If you work for me today, I’ll pay you double overtime. How does that sound?”

“What will I be doing Sandy?”

“Mainly clearing tables and bringing customers their drinks. It’s only for a few hours. So what do you say?”

Star Dancer looked down holding a hoof to her chin thinking over it for a moment. On one hoof, she really wanted to look around the city, and maybe do a little shopping to buy some things for her apartment. But on the other hoof, she really couldn’t turn down such a good offer like double over time. And doing this would also show Sandy she was willing to work when they needed her. So she looked back up and smiled. “Alright Sandy, I’ll do it.”

Sandy stood up and smiled. “Great! Come with me Star, we got some things in the back that will make it easier for equestrians—like you—to work here.”

Star Dancer nodded and followed Sandy behind the counter—through some hallways then back into a employees lounge where a few employees were chatting with one another. Sandy then walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a sizable box and sat it on the table.

“Come over here please Star Dancer, I have something I want to show you.” Star Dancer nodded and trotted over to the table then pulled up a chair and flopped into it.

“What are these things Sandy?” Star Dancer asked, eyeing over a bunch of rings that were double packed and set neatly into the box.

“Mana Tech bracelets, Star Dancer. Straight from your home land of Equestria.”

“What do they do?” Star Dancer asked.

“Why don’t I just show you?” She said, “But before I do, What color would you like?”

Star dancer took a moment to scan over the bracelet then finally settled on the set she liked the most, “Those there,” she said, pointing to a set that matched her coat color. She wanted them to somewhat blend in after all. Sandy nodded and took the package out and opened it up.

“Let me see your hoof please.” Star Dancer compiled holding a hood out for her and Sandy took the bracelet and slipped it on.

“Okay...” She looked down at it. “Is something supposed to happen?” Star Dancer impatiently asked, looking back up to Sandy.

“Hang on a moment. You didn’t give me chance to configure it.” Sandy then pressed a small button on the bracelet and a second later it came to life constricting down onto her hoof, but not too tightly of course. “Okay give it a moment now to boot up and configure itself to your body.” She said sitting back in her chair. “Oh, and you’re going to want to stand up for this also.”

“Stand up? What for?”

“Well when the bracelet begins to configure itself to you it ‘pings’ you for lack of a better word.” Star Dancer looked at her somewhat confused.

“Pings me?”

“It sends a small bio electrical current through your body stimulating your nerve endings and synapses,” a stallion sitting at the table added. “And you may inadvertently tense up, so standing up is strongly advised.”

“Does it hurt?” The Stallion shook his head.

“No Star Dancer, well... You will feel a prick at first. This is the bracelet sticking you with a few needles–”

“NEEDLES!?” She quickly spoke up cutting him off. She was now feeling very nervous about all this. “I don’t like needles!”

“Relax Star Dancer,” the stallion said, and stood up to walk over to her. “Hold out your hoof please.”

“What for?” She asked, He sighed and sat down next to her.

“Because I am going to show you what it feels like when the bracelet pricks you,” he said, picking up a plastic fork up off the table. “Your hoof please.”  She gave him a perplexed look not really seeing where he was going with this, but relented and held up her hoof. He then took it and started to prick at it with the fork. “Okay you feel that?” He said continuing to gently poke at her hoof with the fork.

“Yes,” She said watching him. “Is this what it feels like?” He nodded and let go of her hoof.

“Pretty much yeah, then it will sent the pulse through you, and this is where it feels pretty weird. It kinda makes you feel tingly all over your body. But don’t worry, once it pings you and maps out your nerves and synapses, plus how you channel it throughout your body, it doesn’t have to do it again.”

“Oh, well alright.” She hopped up off the chair and stood in the center of the room. “I’m ready.”

Sandy nodded and walked up to her then kneeled down beside her and pressed a button on the bracelet to start the process. A moment later, Star Dancer felt the prick as the probes touched her skin, then it sent it’s pulse causing Star Dancer to tense up, her muscles going taut; her fur standing on end as the pulse of electricity quickly shot through her body—flaring her wings—then finally running down her hind legs. She stood there for a moment with her head hung low panting a little bit trying to get her heart to calm down.

“Pretty weird feeling isn’t it?” The stallion said,  laying a  hoof on her shoulder. Star Dancer raised her head up to look at him and nodded, then wiped a bead of sweat from her brow.

“You’re telling me,” She said, panting in between breaths. “Glad I don’t have to do that again. That felt really weird.”

“Well now that you’re all set there Star Dancer, go ahead and charge it up! It should be ready now.” Sandy said, Star Dancer then nodded.

“Alright, here goes.” Star Dancer said. She then held her hoof up to her face and looked at the screen on the bracelet, afterward she closed her eyes for a moment and focused, allowing mana to build up around her and flow threw her body causing her marks to glow slightly, and then concentrated, sending the force towards her hoof. *BEEP* The bracelet sounded, and Star Dancer opened her eyes looking at it as a meter was being displayed slowly filling up. “Thats pretty cool,” she said, continuing to watch as the meter was filling up until it reached max and beeped again signaling that it was fully charged. “Guess I’m all set?”

Sandy nodded. “Yup, give it a try. Oh and take the other one too.” She handed Star Dancer the other bracelet. “So you can use both hooves if you need to.”

Star Dancer smiled taking the other bracelet and slipped it on then walked over to the table and reached over for a fork and picked it up. “Wow! This is really cool!” She said, marveling at how it actually felt like she was somehow grasping the fork with her hoof. “How long will these bracelets hold a charge for?” The stallion held a hoof up to his chin in thought.

“About five to six hours,” he reckoned. “After that it will beep letting you know you need to charge it up again.”

“Alright that sounds good. Is there anything else I should know about these things?”

“Well the bracelet will also keep track of your vital signs, and warn you if you are too close to dangerously pulling from your lifeforce.”

Star Dancer looked at the stallion rather quizzically. “Pulling from my lifeforce? I’ve never heard of that before.”

The stallion’s expression took on a dark tone as he stared her down. “Be glad you haven’t. It’s not something you want to experience.”

“Umm... Okay.” Star Dancer nervously replied, shivering involuntarily from the way he was staring at her. “So, Sandy...” she began, looking over to the restaurant owner “What else do I need?”

Sandy pushed down on her knee and stood up then walked over to a locker and pulled out a funny looking harness. “This is a cup holder we’ve designed in house for our pony employees. It will strap around you just like your little pouch you have there,” she said, pointing to Star Dancers little side bag she was wearing around her waist. “But the nifty thing is that it can swivel on a pivot while you’re walking around, but when you stand up it will slide on this track here.”  She pointed to a small track on the harness. “And rotate to allow you to serve customers their beverages.”

“But won’t the drinks spill as I am walking around though?” Star Dancer asked. Sandy shook her head.

“Nope. We’ve also had a custom set of cups with seal tight lids so nothing spills out.”

“Well thats pretty cool.”

“Indeed it is.” Sandy smiled. “Please sit down and lift your forelegs up and I'll show you how it goes on alright?”

Star Dancer returned the smile and sat down on the floor then raised her forelegs up. “All set. Just please be careful not to tighten it too tight around  my wings please.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.” She then kneeled down behind Star Dancer and set the harness on her back then ran the belt with the track around her belly. “Honey, what hoof are more dominant with?”

“My left hoof Sandy.”

Sandy nodded and slid the cup carriage to Star Dancers right side. “Honey please raise your right wing for me. I need to get this strap properly connected so it doesn’t slide around.” Star Dancer nodded, extending her wing and Sandy ran the strap around then clipped it together. “There we go all finished.” She leaned back from her. “Go ahead and walk around with it a little bit Star Dancer, to see how it feels.”

Star Dancer nodded and stood up then trotted around for a bit getting a feel for the harness, and the added weight of the carriage on her right side. “Well it feels alright Sandy. A little uncomfortable for my wing, but I’ll manage.”

“Sorry sweetie, we are still working out the kinks. You’re one of two pegasus we have working here, so we really haven’t had a chance to adapt them to you guys yet. But we should have a better harness in a few weeks.”

“Guess I am gonna be the test subject,” Star Dancer chuckled.

“Well if you don’t...”

Star Dancer held up a hoof. “No Sandy. It’s perfectly fine honestly,” she smiled. “We all have to do our part to bridge the gap am I right?”

“Very true,” Sandy said returning the kind gesture and stood up making her way for the door, “Come on,” she beckoned with her hand. “Let’s get you out on the floor and orientated with what you’ll be doing.”

“Sounds good!” Star Dancer happily replied following Sandy out the door and back into the bar.

****

‘Sandy was right! These bracelets and this harness really make this job a cake walk!’ Star Dancer thought, trotting around the various tables serving customers drinks, and taking the empty glass away to be washed. She went through this little task for the next few hours easily dashing through the tables sometimes heading down to the section where the pool tables were to snatch empty glasses, sometimes receiving tips and praise from happy customers.

“You doing such a great job Star Dancer!” Sandy happily chimed in patting her on the back as she trotted up. “Lyra was right when she said you were a hard worker.”

Star Dancer smiled wiping some sweat from her brow. “Well I try my best Sandy.” She then glanced back over to the pool tables and spotted a few empty glasses by some guys playing pool. “Be right back Sandy.” Star Dancer said, trotting back off to collect the glasses.

“Alright Derrick, watch as I break this rack, I bet I can sink the nine ball on the break” The one young man said taking aim at the cue ball.

“Oh yeah? How much you willing to bet on that Alex?” Derrick said reaching into his pocket.

“How much ya got?” Alex smugly shot back, not taking his eyes off the cue ball.

“Twenty bucks says you miss the whole lot and scratch.” Derrick laughed slapping a twenty on the pool table.

“You're on!” He then resumed sliding the pool stick back and forth carefully sizing up his shot, never breaking his concentration that he never even noticed the amber pegasus slipping in behind him and stand up on her hind legs to reach the cups on the table just behind him. “Alright here goes!”

“I’m waiting,” Derrick replied, watching.

Alex then took a few more moments lining up his shot and was about to take a practice stroke to, but he felt the stick press up against something soft when he slid it back. ‘What the heck?’

‘Did someone just bump into me?’ Star Dancer wondered, looking from left to right mistaking the brief contact as someone just passing by. “Must be my imagination,” she said to herself, shrugging as she grabbed the last cup still sitting on the table and hopped off coming back down onto her hooves to head back to the kitchen to drop off the glasses. But, just as she was about to turn and leave, a really weird feeling surged through her body causing her to shudder involuntarily.

 It felt like something was gently caressing her causing her to blush embarrassingly. She then looked down between her forelegs—completely ignoring the sudden *poomf*— and peered back to her hind ones, and to her utter shock and surprise, there was a pool stick sliding in between her hind legs, sometimes rubbing up against her inner thigh. ‘What the hell?’ She quickly spun around knocking Alex off balance just as he was taking his shot—sending the cue ball promptly into the corner pocket missing the entire rack completely, and slapped him.

“Fuck!” Alex cried out as Star Dancer’s hoof collided with his cheek ‘Goddamn them hooves hurt!’ He thought rubbing the side of his face. “What the hell did you do that for?” He snapped.

“I could ask you the same mister!” Star Dancer quickly retorted, glaring at him. Alex looked at her confused scratching his head.

“What did I do to deserve a slap? And for the record, those fucking hooves hurt!”

“Well first you poked me in my butt with your pool stick, and you didn’t even turn around to  apologize! But, I’ll let that go since I didn’t realize it. That was until after you though it would be cute to stick that thing between my legs and rub it up against my thigh.”

“Is that what I did?” He asked looking at her dumbfounded, and she nodded still feeling pretty upset over it. “Well I’m sorry... wait...” He leaned forward squinting his eyes and scanned over the pony standing in front of him. “Star Dancer? Is... is that you?” She reared her head back from the sudden question pretty much forgetting about what just happend.

“How do you know my...” She trailed off, stopping herself as the gears in her head began turning. “A-Alex?”

“Long time no see, and I am really sorry for what happened a moment ago.”

Star Dancer smiled and waved a hoof. “Ahh don’t worry about it Alex, it was an accident after all. You meant no harm.”

“Star Dancer are you alright?” He asked, causing her to stare at him cocking an eyebrow in confusion from the question that seemingly came out of nowhere.

“Yeah, I’m okay, you said you’re sorry.”

“No I mean are you alright?”

“Uhh... Didn’t I just say I was okay?”

“Then why are your wings standing up like that? And why are they trembling slightly?”

“What!?” She immediately snapped her head around and saw her wings standing promptly at full mast trembling ever so slightly. In her haste and anger she must have completely blocked out the sudden feeling of her wings shooting up. “Oh my!” She blushed deeply taking a few steps back, then quickly spun around and shot off to the bathroom. “I’llberightback!”

Alex stood up from the table scratching his head. “I wonder why she looked so embarrassed?”

****

Later on after calming herself down, Star Dancer return to the employees lounge to drop off her harness, then said her goodbyes to Sandy and her new co-workers and left heading out to the street. She never did return to talk to Alex again. She just felt so embarrassed over what had happened that she just wanted to get out of there and go someplace quiet to blow off some steam. “I can’t believe I did that! What is wrong with me?” She said, berating herself as she stopped and flopped down onto a bench at a bus stop, then leaned over to the person sitting next to her. “Did the bus come yet?”

“Yes it did pony,” he rudely replied, standing up from the bench. “Looks like you're walking.”

“You don’t have to be rude about it sir, I was only asking.”

“Pfft.. Whatever,” he said walking up to the curb, and whistled hailing a nearby cab. “Why don’t you just flap them freakish looking wings and fly away now?”

Star Dancer blinked, watching the man hop into the cab then take off into traffic. “I wonder what that guy's problem was?” She said scratching her head. She then hopped up herself and trotted out to the curb to hail a cab, but just as she did, a rather large blue colored pickup pulled up in front of her and stopped.

“Hey Star Dancer.” Alex said, rolling down the passenger window. “I never got to say goodbye after you left.”

She looked away from him, her ears falling back as she did. “Yeah...” She sighed. “Sorry about that.”

“Was it something I said?”

“No...” she whispered.

“Was it your wings? Was there a problem with them?”

“Ahh... Umm... Errr... Kinda. I don’t really want to talk about it alright?”

“Alright, I won’t pry. Where are you headed by the way?”

She looked back up to him. “Central Park, Alex. I want to go someplace quiet for a little bit.”

“Would you like a lift?” He asked.

“You’re not going to try and stick a pool stick up my butt again are you?” She sarcastically remarked, giggling a little bit. He just looked up rolling his eyes.

“I said I was sorry! Jeeze... I can’t catch a break for a second can I?”

“Relax Alex, I was only kidding,” she smiled. “And yes, I would appreciate a ride there please.”

Alex returned the smile and opened the door for her. She hopped in getting comfortable and soon after the two sped off into the early evening traffic. The ride was pretty short however as the park was only a few blocks away. And once the got there she hopped out and turned around to thank him for the lift. “Thanks for the lift Alex. Would you mind coming to pick me up and later to give me a ride home?”

“Sure Star Dancer, do you want my phone number so you can call me? Or shall I just meet you at a certain time?”

“Give me your number please Alex. I don't know how long I’ll be here.” He nodded and told Star Dancer his number. “Thanks, and I’ll see you later.” She turned and walked off into the park as Alex pulled back out into traffic.

Walking along the path Star Dancer pulled out a camera she had picked up earlier and started taking pictures of the park. Stopping a few times to look at the various statues and works of art people had put on display, especially one that looked like a wolf standing on a rock. She then decided she wanted to stretch out her wings and do a little flying. This was better to she thought, since she could also take some aerial photographs while keeping her wings in shape. So, she snapped them open, then took a moment to draw some mana to lighten herself enough for flight and took off running, gaining some speed then leaped into the sky keeping herself just above treetop level so she could take some nice photos to send back to her parents.

But as she flew from treetop to treetop, she stopped suddenly, coming to a hover when she heard what she thought was crying coming from the pond just below her. She then quietly floated down coming to land behind some bushes and pushed the branches aside to look out over to the pond, and she saw an earth pony slumped over sitting by the pond wearing a red miniskirt with black lining and a black shirt. Her coat could easily match the color of a rose, her mane and tail as best as Star Dancer could figure was jet black in color. Her Mana mark seen easily on the side of her miniskirt was of a rose. A white rose as a matter of fact.

‘I wonder why she is crying?’Star Dancer thought, quietly stepping out from the bushes to make her way over to her. Now as she got closer, she was starting to hear her talking to herself, saying things like she was all alone and nobody loves me. This of course made Star Dancer feel really bad, she hated to see a pony down on their luck berating themselves. Pretty ironic she thought, since just a little ago she was doing the very same thing to herself. ‘She really sounds upset.’ Star Dancer again thought slowly trotting over to her. She then heard what sound like something plinking into the pond, probably just a rock she figured.

Taking one last quiet step, Star Dancer reached forward and gently laid her hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “Hey-” She was cut off instantly when the mare quickly spun around falling back onto her rump and began trying to scramble away, flailing her forelegs out in front of her.

“Don’t hurt me please! T-t-take whatever you want!” She pulled off her small pouch and threw it at Star Dancer’s hooves and stood up trying to run away, but only managed to stumble over her hooves and fall back down again letting out a painful cry when she hit the ground.

“Whoa! Whoa! Calm down Ma’am.” Star Dancer pleaded walking up to the stricken mare slowly. She was now really worried why she was acting like this. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just heard you crying while I was flying around overhead, so I came down to see if you were alright.”

The mare rolled over onto her haunches and sat up looking at Star Dancer, with part of her jet black mane hanging over her face covering up one of her light silver colored eyes. She sniffed a couple times rubbing some tears out of her eyes while looking away timidly. “Y-you're not going to hurt me?” Star Dancer smiled softly and shook her head. “Wha... What’s your name?” She meekly asked.

“Star Dancer.” She then trotted back and picked up the mares bag then walked back over to her. “I believe this belongs to you?” She smiled holding the bag out to her. She looked up nervously and shakily reached out to take her bag back then looked at Star Dancer smiling weakly.

“T-thank you.” She clipped it back on around her waist, then sat there for a moment pawing at the ground.

“Never caught your name by the way.” Star Dancer said.

“It’s Rose, Black Rose.”

“That’s pretty unique.”

‘That sounds like me alright.’ She then stood back up standing a bit shaky on her hooves. “Well... Guess I should be going. I don’t want to keep you from whatever it was that you were doing.” She turned to walk away, but fell back down again.

“Are you alright Rose?” Star Dancer asked, trotting up to her. She seemed really weak.

“Just a little hungry thats all. It’s been awhile since I last ate something.”

“Awhile? How long is a while? You don’t get that weak that you are unable to walk unless you haven’t eaten for days.”

“You’re right Star, I haven’t eaten for a couple days now,” she admitted turning to look away.

“WHAT!?” Star Dancer said in a quick outburst causing Black Rose to flinch. “Well why not?”

“I...” She stopped, and tried to hold back her tears, but couldn't and started to cry again. “I... I don’t have any money Star. I don’t have nothing! I am all alone!” She collapsed on the ground and began sobbing. The whole scene was really tugging on Star Dancers heart. She felt really bad for Black Rose and felt compelled to help her in anyway that she could. She then smiled and leaned down to place a hoof on her shoulder.

“Let’s go Rose, you’re coming with me tonight.”

Black rose looked up to Star Dancer wiping a tear from her eye. “W-where are you taking me?”

Star Dancer stood back up and reached into her bag for her phone. “Back to my apartment. You look like you could use nice hot bath and more importantly, something to eat.”

‘Food sounds good, and I really would enjoy a nice warm bath,’ she thought sitting up. “O-okay.”

“Great! Then its settled.” She put the phone up to her ear. “Alex? You there.”

“Hey Star Dancer, what’s up? Ready to have me come pick you up?”

“Yes please Alex, me and my friend need a lift back to my apartment.”

‘Friend...’ Black Rose thought to herself. It had been a long time since she heard that word. It made her feel good inside hearing someone call her that.

“Alright Star Dancer, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Okay see you in a bit.” She ended the call and stuck the phone back into her bag, then turned around to look at Black Rose, only she noticed Rose was looking at her too. Well not at her, but at her hooves as she held the phone and stuck it back into her bag.

“How are you doing that Star Dancer?”

“Doing what?” She asked.

“Holding that phone in your hoof. It’s amazing! How do you manage to channel mana into your hooves to hold onto objects like that? And can you hold anything else?”

Star Dancer was taken back for moment at how Rose’s demeanour had suddenly changed from one of depression to now one of curiosity. Not wanting to see her fall back into self-doubt again, Star Dancer indulged her by showing Rose the bracelet. “This is how I am able to grasp things Rose.” She said raising her hoof to display the bracelet. Rose’s eyes sparkled and she almost cracked a smile as she stumbled over to Star Dancer and carefully took Star Dancer’s hoof to examine the bracelet.

“Are these Mana Tech?”

“Yes they are. Directly from Equestria.”

“Really? Thats interesting.” She let go of it and sat down thinking to herself for a moment. “C-can I try one of these on?”

“Well sure, but I have to tell you before hoof that the first time you put it on it feels really weird.”

“Weird?”

“Yes. See, the in order for the bracelet to work properly it has to map out your body. Specifically your nerve endings and synapses.”

“And to do this it will have to send a small bio-electrical pulse through my body to—in effect— ‘ping’ me to stimulate my nerves and such correct?”

Star Dancer blinked again taken back by Black Rose’s intelligence. “Y-yeah... That’s right. How did you know that?”

“I read a lot about Mana Tech after the gateway had opened up. It was some pretty interesting stuff.”

“Well if you’re comfortable with the shock to your system you’re about to get, then I guess it’s alright.” She slipped off the bracelet and hoofed it to Black Rose.

“I think I should be alright,” she said taking the bracelet and sliding it onto her right hoof. “So I just push this button here right?” She said pointing to a small button on the bracelet.

“Yeah, that’s the one. Then I would stand up if I were you as the sensation is pretty weird.”

“Alright.” She pressed the button then stood up taking a deep breath as the bracelet constricted around her hoof, and pressed its probes into her skin making her feel a little nervous. But, the time for second guessing had passed as the pulse from the bracelet shot through her body causing her to tense up as it felt like every nerve and synapse in her body fired all at once forcing her muscles taut, her head shooting up clenching her teeth as she squeezed her eyes shut groaning in pain. Since in her weakened state this effect caused more pain than tingly feeling as most if not all her muscles were already tired and worn out from malnutrition. “Tha... that was interesting, if not painful.” She weakly chuckled as her legs gave out under her—sending her promptly to the ground, knocking the wind out of her as she landed on her belly, leaving her legs sprawled out to her sides.

“Are you alright Rose?” Star Dancer asked, a little worried about her.

Black Rose for a moment didn’t answer only remained still as she tried to catch her breath, the bracelets alarms going off warning its wearer that her heart rate was dangerously high and that any attempt to draw mana would result in a dangerous pull on her lifeforce. “Well...hah... Well that’s pretty cool,” She weakly said, taking in long even breaths to calm herself down. “I didn’t think it also acted as an instrument to monitor my vital signs.”

Star Dancer had to laugh now. Even though this mare had nearly knocked herself unconscious, she still was fascinated by the device now attached to her wrist. She then went over and helped the tired mare to her hooves. “Boy that looked like that hit you pretty hard Rose.”

Rose looked up at Star Dancer and laughed, waving a hoof.  “I’ve had worse.” Just then Alex pulled up and hopped out of his truck.

“Hey Star Dancer, is this your friend here?” He asked, walking over to them.

“Yes Alex, her name is Black Rose.”

“Interesting name.” He kneeled down to her. “Hello Black Rose, My name is Alex and its nice to meet you.”

But she didn’t respond. Gone was the confidence Star Dancer has seen from her a few moments ago, replaced with the shyness and timid demeanor she had first come to notice out of her. “Oh... Umm... H-hello,” she timidly whispered, turning her head to hide behind her mane.

“She’s a quiet one now isn’t she?” Alex commented leaning up to Star Dancer while holding hand up to his mouth. Star Dancer looked at him shaking her head.

“No I don’t think that’s it Alex.” She glanced over to Rose who looked over  to her smiling unconvincingly trying to put on a brave face. “She’s just a little shy that’s all.”

“Fair enough.” He looked down bringing his arm up to look at his watch. “Let’s head on out girls, It’s not a good idea to hang around in central park after dark.”

“I agree with him Star Dancer. I’ve heard some scary things going on in this place after dark.”

“Okay.” She walked back over to Rose and helped her to her hooves and soon the three hopped into Alex’s truck and sped off heading to Star Dancers home.

****

Pulling into Star Dancers driveway about a half hour later Star Dancer and Black Rose hopped out of the truck then made their way to the front door just as the lights on the street came on. “Welcome to my humble abode.” Star Dancer giggled opening the door and standing aside to let Rose in then went back out to talk with Alex for a moment. “Hey, thanks for the life Alex.” she said stand up on her hind legs to lean on the trucks windowsill.

“No problem Star.”

“You think you could help me tomorrow?”

“Sure no problem. I still owe you anyway for embarrassing you back there in the restaurant.”

Star Dancer rolled her eyes shaking her head. “Please don’t remind me.”

“Anyway...” He coughed clearing his throat. “What did you need?”

“Well I wanted to do a little shopping tomorrow to buy some furniture and stuff for my apartment, and seeing how you got this nice big truck...” she trailed off, looking at him smiling.

“Seem like I am obligated now,” he smiled. “I mean how can I say no to such a pretty face like that?” He said holding a hand up to her cheek. She blushed and hopped of the side of the truck.

“J-just be here around ten o'clock okay?”

“Ten o'clock, I gotcha.” He then sat back in his seat waving goodbye as he pulled out of the driveway and back into traffic. But just when he made it to the corner it hit him.

‘You realize you just flirted with a pony don’t you?’

He shook his head at the realization of what just happened. “Holy crap! Did I actually just do that?”

‘Oh you sure did! What the hell were you thinking!? We can’t do this man! She’s not even our species! Think of what your family or your friends will think! Think of what otherpeoplewill think if they found out you may have a thing for ponies.’

“No!” He yelled to himself slamming his fist down onto the dash. “Shut up brain! It’s not what you think! It was just a simple mistake.”

‘Sure dude... You keep thinking that.’

Shaking his head to clean his thoughts, Alex rolled all the windows down and opened his sunroof to let some air in and sped off into traffic.

“See you tomorrow Alex!” Star Dancer yelled, then turned around and made her way back into her apartment only to stop at the door when Rose stepped into the doorway.

“I didn’t know you liked humans Star Dancer.”

“What do you mean like humans?” she asked. “I only asked him for some help tomorrow and then waved good bye.”

“And the part where he held a hand up to your cheek making you blush?”

Star Dancer stopped in her tracks, her eyes going wide. “T-that was just a reaction that’s all. Nothing more nothing less. We’re just friends Rose.” Star Dancer snipped back, a little aggravated.

“I... I’m sorry... I wasn’t trying to imply nothing,” she weakly replied, slowly backing away from the door.

“Don’t worry about it Rose, and I am sorry for snapping on you like that. It’s been a long day.”

“Yes it has.” Just then her stomach started to growl and she looked away blushing. “Sorry... I... I couldn’t help it.”

Star Dancer laughed closing the door behind her and locking it. “Come on, lets get you cleaned up and then how about we order out?”

“Sounds good.”

“Bathroom is in the back,” she said pointing down the hallway. “First door on the left.”

Rose nodded and stumbled on back to the room closing the door behind her, and flicking on the switch. She then hobbled over to the tub and ran some water while holding her hoof under the stream until it got nice and warm then slipped out of her clothes and set them on the counter then returned to the tub and waited for it to fill up. She then turned her head around to face the door when she heard knocking. “Y-yes?”

“Hey, Give me your clothes and I’ll wash them for you.” Came Star Dancers voice from the other side of the door. Rose stood back up from the tub and went over to the counter to collected her clothing then went to the door and opened it just a smidge to pass them to Star Dancer.

“Here you go.” Star Dancer smiled and took them then trotted back off down the hall. Rose returned to the tub afterwards shutting off the water then slowly slipped into the tub sighing in relief as the warm water soaked into her fur and skin soothing her aching muscles. She stretched out her hind legs letting the hooves poke out from the surface of the water, and rested her head back against a soft headrest. “Mmmm... Feels so good.” It had be a very long time since Black Rose was able to take comfort and relax in a warm bath. The water felt amazing, like it was slowly melting away weeks of aches and pains brought upon by living out on the street; out on her own—alone.

But now at least she had a friend. And it felt good for a change to know that she wasn’t alone anymore. So she pushed aside the negative thoughts and rested in the tub quietly. Eventually drifting off to sleep.

“Are you alright in there Rose? It’s been almost an hour.”

“Y-yeah...” She sleepily replied, rubbing her eyes then climbed out of the tub feeling so much better albeit a little tired. “I’ll be right out.”  She said pulling the cork and reaching for a towel to dry herself off.

“Do you have anything else to wear Rose? It’s going to be a little while before your stuff is washed and dried.

“No Star Dancer, That’s all I have.”

“Well when you’re done come on out and to my bedroom. I may have something you can wear until your stuff is dry.”

“Okay... Just give me a moment her,” she said, as she was finishing drying herself off. she then slowly opened the door and slinked down the hallway to Star Dancers room keeping her tail pressed closely up against her backside, with a towel draped over her rump. When she finally got to Stars bedroom she saw Star Dancer had pulled out a bunch of clothes and set them on the bed.

“Oh hey Rose,” Star Dancer smiled beckoning her over with a hoof. “Stand still for a moment now.” Star Dancer then walked up beside Rose and looked her up and down making Rose feel really uncomfortable, and then she trotted back to her bed. “I’ve got these pajamas here Rose, they will probably fit you fine.” she said grabbing the top and bottoms to hoof over to Black Rose. “My dad got them for me last year, but he forgot to take into account that I am a pegasus. So there is no holes in the top for my wings, but that isn’t a problem for you.” She then hopped up onto the bed. “Try them on.”

“In... in front of you?”

“Well yeah silly. We are both mares ya know.” She then stopped herself when she saw Rose looking down pawing at the floor. “Oh... I’m sorry, I should respect your privacy.” She then hopped off the bed and left the room closing the door.

Rose sighed feeling better now and went to slipping into the pajamas then sliding her tail out through the small hole in the back. “These actually fit pretty well,” she remarked, looking at herself in the mirror. She also liked the way they looked. Dark blue with a bunch of stars scattered around on them, and one big one set right over her chest. “Alright Star Dancer, you can come in. I’m dressed now.” And a second later the door swung open and Star Dancer trotted up to look at her.

“Wow... they fit you pretty well.”

“That they do,” she smiled. “So... What’s for dinner? I’m starved.”

“Well that’s up to you. What do you want? Would you like something with meat in it? Or do you not like meat?”

“Well actually I would like to try something with meat in it.”

Star Dancer smiled. “Alright, how about I order out for some pizza?”

“Oh that sounds really good! Maybe you could order a few with pepperoni? I always like the smell of that stuff when I walked past a pizza place.”

“Sounds good to me!” She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone then called down to the local pizza place putting in an order for a few pepperoni pizzas. “Alright lets head back out the the living room and wait for the food to arrive.” Rose nodded and followed her back out into the living room then flopped on the couch getting comfy, and after about twenty minutes there was a knock at their door.

“Boy them guys are fast,” Star Dancer remarked trotting up to the door opening it, and standing there was a brown pegasus with a tan mane holding up a bag containing their food. “They let you fly outside of Central park?”

“Only when I am working Ma’am. Otherwise I am restricted like you to Central Park. Anyway, the total comes out to $33.68.”

Star Dancer nodded reaching into her bag and pulled out a couple twenties and hoofed them to the stallion. “Keep the change,” she smiled taking the food and setting it down on a stand next to the door.

“Thanks Ma’am!” He happily replied then took off down the walkway and soon after leaped into the air disappearing into the night sky.

“Foods here Rose! Come into the kitchen.”

“Be right there.” Rose said from the living room and soon trotted into the kitchen then hopped into a seat at the table taking in a long sniff of the food in front of her “MMmmm! It smells so good!”

“Well here you go!” Star Dancer passed Rose a paper plate and a glass with some soda to wash down the food.

Black Rose wasted no time flipping open the first box grabbing herself a slice of tasty pizza and taking a bite of the cheesy goodness. She loved it! And wasted no time wolfing it down then grabbing another slice.

‘Boy she really was hungry...’ Star Dancer thought taking a slice of pizza herself eating it at a much slower pace though.

Eventually after almost an hour had passed the pizza boxes were empty, and Rose was leaning back in her chair rubbing her now pudgy belly. “Ahh... That hit the spot.” She sighed, then burped unexpectedly. “Oh my! I’m sorry!” She squeaked, covering her mouth afterward. But it was too late, Star Dancer was already giggling while waving a hoof at Rose.

“Don’t worry about it Rose. It’s just your tummy telling you it’s happy now.” But that didn’t stop Rose from turning her head to hide behind her mane bashfully. “Anyway, You don’t mind if I ask you some questions do you Rose?”

“Not really. What did you want to know?”

“Well my main concern is are you over here on Earth legally or illegally? And have you had your inoculations yet?”

Black Rose hesitated for a moment looking down to her hooves tapping together, but she could at least be truthful about this. “No Star Dancer, I am not here legally, and I never had an inoculation before I came over.” She looked away again. “I kinda snuck over,” she said softly.

“Okay... Well then its settled.”

Black Rose looked up to Star Dancer nervously. “Y-you’re not going to turn me in are you.”

“No. Black Rose, but we need to get your immigration stuff taken care of so you’re over her legally. It would make me sad to see you get deported. After all, us friends have to look out for one another.”

‘Friend... There was that word again. And again that lonely feeling in her heart seemed to fade away a little more.’

“So what are we...” She stopped and a thought suddenly popped into her head. ‘We... I can’t believe I am finally able to say that! It feels so wierd.’  She was then cut off from her thoughts by Star Dancer waving her hoof in front of her.

“Hey, Rose, you stopped in the middle of what you were saying there.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. What I meant to say is what are we going to do?”

“Well tomorrow I’ll give my dad a call. He helped me get my immigration stuff take care of, I’m sure he will have no problem helping you too.”

“And after that?”

“Well... we need to get you an appointment to go see a doctor to get your inoculations taken care of.”

Black Rose leaned back and yawned. “Okay. Well I think I am gonna turn in for the night.”

“Oh, wait upa second.” Star Dancer quickly hopped up from the table and shot off to her room. She then returned a moment later with some blankets and a few pillows. “Here take these,” She hoofed them to Rose as she was heading out to the living room.

“Thanks Star Dancer. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

“It’s no problem Rose. I always like to try and live by the golden rule.”

“Do onto others as you would have done unto yourself.” Rose smiled. “I like that Star Dancer.”

Star Dancer turned to head back to her room yawning herself. “Go and get some rest Rose, I’ll see you in the morning.” She then disappeared down the hallway. Black Rose then headed over to the couch and spread a few blankets down on it then set the pillows at the top—fluffing them up a bit—and then eased herself onto the couch pulling the blankets over her and snuggled up under the covers. Her last thoughts before she drifted off to sleep was of that one word that kept replaying in her head.

‘Friend.’