Rise Of The Dragon Lord

Chapter 2:

A Mildly Warm Welcome

The slight vibration in my pocket was just enough to wake me up from a dreamless sleep. Its familiarity just seemed to annoy me.

As I pulled out my phone, I couldn't help but wonder why my phone had been in my pocket rather than on my floor or a table in the first place. Looking at the lit screen, I was surprised to see my morning alarm going off. At first, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me like always. Every weekday morning, my alarm would sound at five, easily early enough for a quick shower, if I wanted one that is.

Sitting up, I moved my thumb over the screen to dismiss the alarm. But no matter how many times I tried, it wouldn't work. I looked to see what was wrong but my eyes were still adjusting to the difference in light. Quickly getting fed up, I decided to just open my phone and removed the battery.

As I began to put it back together, I got out of bed and headed towards the light switch. But I quickly hit a wall.

“Ow,” I yelped as I began feeling around for a light switch. "This wall shouldn't be here," I said to myself.

All I could do was follow the wall with my hands. If there was a window, there was no light coming from it and the room I was in was almost pitch black. After a second, I found the light switch and flipped them on. After a moment, I flipped them back off, then back on.

I was in a unfamiliar room that looked like it were part of some kids cartoon. I continued to flip the light on and off, thinking it would help, but it didn't.

"I'm still asleep," I mumbled as I looked around the small room. I tried to figure out what was going on, but the more I looked at the room, the more confused I got.

As I scanned the room, memories began to return from the prior day. Once I remembered everything, I felt my heart sink deep into my chest.“Damn,” I said as I slowly looked down at my hand. As I expected, it was a white claw.

Taking a seat on the bed I continued to look at my hand. My mind was, in a sense, shutting down and I knew that I was beginning to losing it. The idea of this being some twisted form of reality began to feel more and more believable. All I could do, was sit there and try to make sense of everything.

I don’t know how long I sat there. It could've been hours, yet I didn't care. I could feel the world caving in around me. My mind couldn't handle this for much longer.

"But what if this all real," I asked myself. But my mind quickly pushed that thought away.

A knock on the door snapped me to attention.

“Are you awake,” Derpy asked as she pushed to door open just enough to fit her head in. She was smiling and looked very well rested.

“Yeah, I'm up,” I replied as I stood up and walked over to the door. I just glad that I was still fully clothed. Hell, I hadn't even taken off my shoes.

“Good, because you're welcome to join me and Dinky for breakfast,” Derpy said as she opened the door all the way.

“Really? Thanks,” I said actually getting a little happier. I was just starting to realize how hungry I was. With that, Derpy lead the way to a small kitchen where Dinky already sat eating. But as I looked at the table, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. There were several plates, each filled with different types of muffins.

“Help yourself,” Derpy said as she took a banana nut muffin and began eating it. “Thank you,” I said as I took a muffin I believed to be blueberry.

Before even taking a bite, I sat down between Derpy and Dinky.

As I began to eat, I noticed Dinky looking at me with amazement. “What is it,” I asked as I finished my first bite.

“Nothing,” she quickly replied as she looked back at what was in front of her. She, unlike me and Derpy, had a bowl of plain looking cereal rather than a muffin. “You want some,” Dinky then asked as she noticed my stare.

“No. . . I'm good,” I said as I continued eating the muffin I had. It was actually really good. But before I could tell Derpy that, there was a loud knock from a door.

“Who could that be,” Derpy questioned as she scrunched her face. “Not used to early morning visitors,” I asked as I finished the muffin. “Not on Saturdays,” she said as she got up and left the room.

“Reminds me of the days my grandmother used to visit,” I said to Dinky as a grabbed another muffin at random. The muffin made it as far as the tip of my snout before I dropped it in realization.

“SATURDAY?!”

My sudden outburst startled Dinky and she almost spilled what ever remained of her cereal. “Sorry,” I said, trying my best to recollect myself. But I could've sworn that the day prior had been Monday, not Friday. "Maybe there's a time difference," I quietly muttered to myself, picking back up the muffin I had dropped. Just then, Derpy walked back in, closely followed by Applejack.

“So, you are here,” Applejack said blatantly when she noticed me. She seemed to be trying her best at preventing eye contact, while, at the same time, keeping an eye on me. I knew she didn't trust me, and with everything that was going on, I wasn't even sure if I should be trusted myself.

“So, like I was sayin', The party's in a few hours,” Applejack said to Derpy.

“Pinkie's having another party already,” Derpy questioned as she returned to her seat.. “You know Pinkie,” Applejack said with a soft chuckle. “Has to throw a welcoming party for everypony. Even if they aren't go'in to be around for long.” “Or aren't even a pony,” I said hoping to get a laugh.

“Yeah well,” Applejack said without even a chuckle.  “Anyways, just be sure to be a Sugar Cube Corner by ten.”

With that, Applejack began to leave, but quickly stopped just short of the kitchen door and looked back at me. “And I’d appreciate it if you explained yourself afterwards.”

“O. . .ok,” I stuttered, watching Applejack leave. I continued to stand in place motionless until I heard a door open and then close. “Never thought a pony would strike fear into me," I whispered to myself.

“Do I get to go,” Dinky asked with a hopeful smile. She seemed really excited about it, and to be honest, I couldn't blame her. Not to disrespect her party's, but by what I knew, Pinkie Pies parties definitely favored children rather than a adult.

"I don't see why not," I told Dinky as Derpy began to clear the table.

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“So,” Derpy asked as we walked down the semi busy street. Every now and then, one of the colorful ponies would look at me. Some in amazement, while others with confusion. But they would immediately look away when ever I looked back. “Do you have and answer yet,” Derpy continued, mostly watching the bouncing young unicorn at her side.

“Hopefully,” I sighed, fully knowing what Derpy was talking about. I had spent the last hour trying to come up with an answer that would make sense. "To be honest Derpy," I said as a knot began to reform in my chest. "I don't think it'll be enough."

“Well, I'm sure you’ll do your best,” Derpy replied just as we made it to the door of a large building. I recognized it immediately as Sugar Cube Corner. Already, I could already hear voices from inside.

Derpy and Dinky proceeded to enter while I stayed outside. Thoughts began to form in my head. I knew that if i walked into the shop, I would have to accept all of this as reality. I also knew that if I didn't, I would probably never make it home.

“Wheres the main guest,” Pinkie Pie asked Derpy as she entered the building. "He's right behind us," Derpy said, believing that I was still behind her. Tuning to look, Derpy was surprised to see that i had, in fact, disappeared. "But he was just right here," Derpy said as she became confused.

“He’s still outside,” Dinky chirped as she rushed passed her sister and Pinkie, strait for a group of ponies talking with one another. “Wait for me,” Derpy replied as she followed the young filly, leaving Pinkie Pie alone.

“He must be shy,” Pinkie Pie said to herself with a smile. “I know exactly what to do.

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Pinkie stood, hidden just behind the far corner of the shop. She knew exactly that she would do. If she launched herself just right, she could make me retreat into the building, forcing me to be part of the party. But her plan was crushed into shambles when she took a peak around the corner.

I was nowhere to be seen. "Did he run away," Pinkie pie asked herself as she walked around the corner. At first she looked around, hoping to see me nearby, But when she couldn't see me, she began to stand completely still. i knew that she was trying to find me with her 'Pinkie sense.'

I thought it looked funny, even though it just meant she'd find me easily. All I had done was walk around the building and wait nearby the back door. I had just happened to walk there as I tried to decide what I would do. Then once Pinkie had left to set up her plan, she ended up walking around the other side of the building.

After she stood there completely motionless for several moments, she turned and began to hop around the building again. Just as she was turning the corner, I calmly walked back up front and in through the front door.

“There you are,” Derpy said with a smile as I walked in. “Pinkie Pie was looking for you,” Derpy continued. Ten minutes later Pinkie Pie walked in looking even more confused. She quickly trotted over to Derpy.

“Are you sure he's not here,” She asked. Derpy just stared at her, also becoming confused.

“What do you mean,” she responded. “He’s right over there,” Derpy continued pointing a hoof in my direction.

I merely smiled and waved back from the spot I was standing at. “H. . .how,” Pinkie Pie stammered as she trotted over to me. It was obvious that she was just plain out shocked.

“Sorry Pinkie,” I said as I began scratching the back of my head.

“What's there to be sorry about,” Pinkie quickly responded with a smile. “Not many ponies know how to get past me like that.”

I was about to respond when a cry caused everyone to look towards the front door. There, a white furred pony with a styled purple mane and tail stood motionless, her gaze fixed on me.

“Hi Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said as she greeted her friend. Shortly after, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash walked in.

“You ok Rarity,” Rainbow Dash asked waving a hoof in front of her face.

“Is she going to be ok,” Fluttershy quietly asked out of concern for her friend. Applejack simple sighed and made her way over to a nearby table.

Gripping the tablecloth in her mouth, she pulled it off without disputing anything that it held. “Cool,” I said as she made her way over to me, tablecloth still in her mouth. Then, without a word, she through the cloth over me. Completely covering me from sight.

‘What . . . was that . . . that . . . thing,” Rarity stuttered as she began to regain herself.

“That, is Chris,” Applejack flatly replied. “You know, the dragon I was tell'en y'all about.”

“That crime against fashion,” Rarity questioned in a huff.

“I heard that,” I said angrily as I pulled off the table cloth. Again, Rarity stared right at me, but this time she kept herself from completely zoning out.

“I'm sorry, how rude of me,” She replied as she broke her gaze. “But those bland colors do nothing to compliment your white scales and yellow hair,” Rarity said trying her best to keep her calm.

“Plus, all these rips,” she continued as she moved behind me. “I'm just amazed that these things,” she snapped as she indicated my cloths. “ Haven't just fallen off.” I said nothing as Rarity walked back into my line of sight. “But please, take no offence from that,” she continued.

"And I wont," I said sarcastically. Although, Rarity didn't seemed to notice.

“Its just hard for me to see such dark colors where something far brighter should. Maybe a nice sky blue, to help bring definition to your,” “I think he gets it sugarcube,” Applejack said cutting into Rarity’s sentence.

“Yeah, we're here for a welcoming party, not a fashion show,” Rainbow Dash said as she walked up to me. “So, are you a good flyer,” She asked as she pointed to my wings. “Because I'm the best flyer in all of Ponyville.”

“All of Ponyville!? You mean all of Equestria,” Pinkie Pie snapped happily.

“Yeah, well,” Rainbow Dash said getting a little embarrassed. “I was just trying to say that if you wanted, I could show you the best places to fly.”

“Thanks, but,” I began before Pinkie Pie cut in. “But, we have a party to throw.” With that Pinkie through up some streamers and put her party into full swing.

To be honest, the party wasn't that bad. Aside from the fact that it was meant for a preteen. There were some games, but they were definitely meant for kids, yet Pinkie Pie participated in each one. There was also plenty of food, but they were mostly sweets, as well as what I believed to be sandwiches made from grass and flowers.

The only real thing I enjoyed was that even though it was a party meant to welcome me to Ponyville, I wasn't the center of everyone's attention. As the party progressed, several other ponies showed up, all were ones I had never seen before.

Yes, I got some stares but for the most part I was just there. Although I did feel very uneasy. I mean, I was surrounded by ponies, what was I supposed to feel? Sad, worried, homicidal, happy, accepting, aroused?

“Wait, why did I think that last one,” I asked myself.

“That last what,” Fluttershy asked from a nearby seat. “Nothing,” I quickly said, turning a little red. “Ok,” Fluttershy said, accepting my quick reply.

“Why aren't you hanging out with everyone else,” I asked Fluttershy, even though I knew the answer before hand. “I just don't want to interrupt everypony's fun,” she said caringly. But, as if to respond, Pinkie Pie trotted over to Fluttershy wearing her pair of big green sunglasses.

“Come on Fluttershy, I need your help with pin the tail on the pony.” From there, Pinkie Pie continued to literally drag Fluttershy towards the group of young ponies.

“I gotta see this,” I chimed as I walked over to the game.

Sweetie Belle was first up, she tried using her magic but missed the picture of the tailless pony by a few feet. Scootaloo was next. She did a little bit better but that was because she decided to just charge forward. Apple Bloom did the best as she used the tip of her nose to find the edges of the paper and place the tail where she believed it should be. Although, she did put it on the wrong side of the paper.

As the game continued, even the older ponies played. After awhile, I saw why Pinkie Pie needed Fluttershy’s help. Several ponies ended up pricking each other with the tails and Fluttershy was the one tasked with putting on the bandages.

“Your turn,” Pinkie Pie's voice echoed from behind me as everything went black. Next thing I knew, I felt myself being spun around and something soft being put in my hand.

Before I could even catch my balance, a multitude of voices began giving me directions, all of witch gave different ones, so I decided to just reach forward and pin.

After making sure the pin was in deep enough, I took off the blindfold. I had done the worst out of everyone, I had actually pinned the wrong wall entirely. “Sorry,” I chuckled as I removed the pin from the wall.

Soon after, the party began to die down and ponies began to leave. After an hour, the only remaining ponies were Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, the Crusaders, Derpy, and Dinky.

“Its been fun, but I really must be going,” I joked as Applejack closed the door behind the last pony.

“No your not,” Applejack said sternly. “Now  then,” She continued as she walked up to the Crusaders and Dinky. “Why don’t y'all go upstairs and,” “Oh, gummy could use some company,” Pinkie Pie interrupted with a smile.

“Ok,” Apple Bloom said with a smile as she proceeded to lead the others up a set of nearby stairs.

Once they were out of sight, Applejack turned her attention back towards me. “So,” she said looking back at me. “You think you can answer our questions now.” I simply nodded in agreement as I pushed away a knot that had been forming in my chest.

“I'm sorry dear, but whatever do you mean,” Rarity asked Applejack. From there, Applejack explained how I seemed to easily recognize the young crusaders when I had never met them before. This just caused more confused stares, but this time they were directed at me.

“So you knew their names before ever meeting them,” Rainbow Dash asked as she referenced the Crusaders. She seemed to not understand what the problem was with the situation. “He also knew mine and Dinky’s name and I never even told him,” Derpy said adding in her part.

“So does that mean you knew our names before meeting us,” Fluttershy asked. All I did was nod, which caused Fluttershy to pull back a bit in worry.

“So,” Applejack said taking a breath. “How is it you know our names when we've never even met you?”

“Well,” I said as I took a seat on the ground. The others did the same. “For you to understand how I knew your names,” I said mostly directing the statement towards Derpy. “I should probably tell you where I'm from.”

“I thought you were from the Everfree Forest,” Derpy asked remembering where we first met.

“No,” I replied a little annoyed with her answer. “I'm from earth.”

“Yeah, not to burst your bubble or anything,” Applejack said interjecting. “But this is earth.”

“It is,” I said agreeing with Applejack. “But this is the land of Equestria and on my earth, there is no land of Equestria.” This just caused more confusion from the group. Derpy looked so confused that if it were possible, smoke would be coming out of her ears.

“Ok, how about I explain it like this,” I said drawing all of their attentions. “I’m from a different dimension.” This caused all of them to understand a bit but not by much.

“What does that have to do with where you're from,” Rainbow Dash asked, obviously getting annoyed.

“Because one theory behind the thought of different dimensions is that there are in fact, a infinite amount of possibility's," I began to explain. Although, it was obvious that they didn't really understand.

“So,” Fluttershy said as she tried making since of what I had just said. “Your from a earth . . . where things are different?”

“yes,” I said, quickly accepting Fluttershy’s simple answer.

It was at this point that I wished Twilight was around though. She would've been able to explain it to them better. “That still doesn't answer my question,” Applejack snapped as she cut into my thoughts.

“I'm getting to there,” I said in a huff. “Well,” I continued as I quickly cleared my throat. “On my Earth, there's this TV show. . ."

================================================================================

It took an hour, but I was able to explain enough about the show and my world for them to understand that I didn't mean any harm. Only that I knew who they were and just some general things about their world. But, even as I finished, everyone remained silent for several moments.

“Ok, that’s kind of creepy,” Rainbow Dash said, breaking the odd silence. I had left a lot out of what I told them. I did my best to just tell them enough to understand. But even then, I could tell that they were still a bit unsure about me.

“Well,” Applejack then said putting on a forced smile. "You at least answered my question." But it was obvious that something else was still on her mind. "But there is one other question I have,” she said, but I already knew what she was going to ask before she said it. “Why are you here in our world then?”

“That, I don’t know,” I said as I stood up. “I had some thoughts, but the way things are going, I can't help but just accept this all as real. But, this can't be real.” With that I walked to a nearby window and looked out onto the streets.

“Are you ok,” Fluttershy asked caringly. I couldn't help but smile as she asked this.

“Yeah, just a little homesick,” I replied turning back to face the ponies. “My old job usually called for me to move around every now and then, so I haven't been home in a long time. But this is a whole other story right here.”

“Well, don't you worry,” Applejack said walking up to me. For the first time since I met her, she looked as if she truly trusted me. “Now that we know this situation, we can help.”

“I was hoping you would," I said thankfully. “But to be honest, I think we'll need Twilight Sparkles help.”

“I think he's right,” Rarity said as she walked over. “Without Twilight's vast knowledge of magic, there's not much we can do to help.”

“But Twilight won't be back for a week,” Pinkie Pie said overreacting a bit. Applejack was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. As Pinkie Pie went to answer it I looked over at Derpy and Rainbow Dash, who were still very confused.

“Hi Spike,” Pinkie Pie said as she opened the top portion of the door. Walking over, I saw the little dragon on the other side with a roll of parchment in his hands.

“Hi Pinkie, hi Chris,” Spike said once he saw me. “I came to tell you that Twilight sent a reply.”

“Really,” I said instantly, almost pushing Pinkie Pie over.

“She said that she hasn't heard of spell that does what you asked," Spike said, holding the letter up. "But not to worry because she'll be back tomorrow.”

“She’s coming back early,” I asked as I opened the door all the way for Spike.

“Yeah, her brother Shining Armor was suddenly called back to the castle for some reason. So they cut the family thing short,” Spike said as he handed me the parchment. It basically said everything Spike had just told me. As well as a short to do list for the library.

“I wonder why Twilight's brother had to go back to the castle,” Fluttershy said becoming concerned.

“You don't think it has anything to do with you,” Applejack asked me as she watched Spike move over to a table and begin eating sweets.

“Spike, manners please,” Rarity said as she noticed how messy Spike was eating. “Sorry,” he said getting a little embarrassed. “I just finished everything I needed to get done at the library. So, what I miss?”

"Not much," Applejack said as she began re-explaining what I had just told them.

“Ok,” Spike said not really understanding anything that was said. “So, what's wrong with them,” Spike asked as he pointed at Derpy and Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, they'll be fine,” Applejack said as she headed for the stairs. “I’m going to go get the youngins.”

“Oh, can you also tell the Cakes that they can come down now,” Pinkie asked Applejack with a goofy smile.

"They've been here this whole time," I questioned. Pinkie just nodded her head in reply. "This place is weird," I silently mumbled to myself.

“So," Rainbow Dash said as she finally regained her senses. "You can't fly?”

“No," I moaned, a little disappointed myself. At the same time Derpy began looking around as if she had given up trying to make sense of the situation.

A few moments later the Crusaders and Dinky came running down the stares closely followed by Applejack. Ignoring everyone else the ran straight towards me, asking me questions about my earth.

“Now wait a gosh darn minute,” Applejack said, noticing the topic of their questions. “Y'all were listening in on our conversation? Weren't you?”

“We’re sorry,” Apple Bloom said apologetically as she kept her gaze on me.

“We didn't mean to, but we thought that he might know something that can help us find our cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle said quickly as she looked up with gleaming eyes.

“I'm sure they would've found out at one point anyway,” I said in their defense. I couldn't help but want to as I looked down at them.

“I know that," Applejack said with a sigh. "But they know its wrong to listen in on conversations that aren't meant for them,” Applejack replied.

“We're sorry,” the young fillies quickly replied as they lowered their heads in shame.

Applejack accepted their apology and sent them outside to play. Dinky, who asked permission from Derpy first, followed close behind.

“Well,” Rarity said as she attempted to change the subject. “ Since Twilight won't be back until tomorrow," she continued as she turned her attention to me. "You wouldn't mind if I worked on your outfit now, would you?”

I began to think about it and at first didn't see much harm in it. But I quickly decided against it when I remembered the kinds of things Rarity normally made. “I’m sorry but I'm good with what I got,” I replied trying my best to hide the fear in my voice.

“Oh poo,” Rarity replied rather dramatically. “Well, at least come to my shop so I can fix those rips.”

“I guess that’s ok,” I said as I felt the rips in my clothing. They were definitely getting bigger, and if not taken care of soon, would destroy them. "But I don't have any money for repairs," I continued, not wanting to have Rarity work on my clothing for nothing.

"Oh, don't worry darling," Rarity said gracefully. "We'll figure something out after all is said and done."

“Well then, lets go,” Applejack said as she headed for the door. In reply, everyone else began to follow Applejack towards the door.

“Wait, your all coming,” I asked as I watched them leave.

“Why not,” Rainbow Dash replied. It was obvious to me that they saw nothing wrong with this. “Not like we have anything better to do.”

"Don't they have jobs," I quietly asked myself as I followed them out.

“So tell me Chris,” Rarity asked as we walked. “does everypony wear clothes like that where you're from or is there something else to it.”

“Well, there's different styles, but everyone wears clothing where I'm from,” I replied. as we continued to walk, Rarity continued to ask me about the clothes and dresses of my world. I told her what I could, but by no means was I a fashion expert. After awhile though, her questions stopped and her shop came into view.

As we all walked in I couldn't help but notice the mannequins that were placed around the main store. I wondered if they were made of a soft fabric or plastic like ones I had seen at stores back home. I was about to check, before Rarity drew my attention and directed me towards a nearby work table.

“If you please remove your clothing so I can get some measurements,” She said as she levitated a tape measure into the air.

“Fat chance,” I said as I looked around at all the ponies. I could feel my face getting red. "Can't you get it while I'm still wearing them?"

Rarity merely sighed as she pointed a hoof to a nearby changing room. “Look," She began with a huff. "I completely understand where you're coming from, but if you're really that embarrassed, you can go back there. There's a sheet to cover yourself if need be, as well.”

It took a bit more convincing, but I finally agreed and entered the small room. All that was inside was a small bench and a vanity mirror. "Oh, look, horns," I said noticing a pair of horns on my head. They were on both sides of my head and located just above where my ears had been. From there, I began removing my clothes, although I was a little hesitant when it came to the pants.

But a few more things did surprise me as I undressed. One, was that my boots were useless now, purely cosmetic. Even though I thought I had been walking in them, my feet were now three toed hind legs. Only the lower portion of my feet were in the boots.

Also, somewhere along the way, I had gotten a tattoo on the left side of my chest. It was a tribal dragon wrapping itself around a tribal sword. I couldn't help but stare at it in confusion as I felt around the area. I've never had a tattoo, but if I did, this one would of been it.

Other than that, my socks and underwear were as good as trashed. Besides, I wouldn't want Rarity working on my underwear anyways.

“What's wrong with you,” Rainbow Dash asked as I walked out wrapped in the sheet, carrying my cloths in one hand. “Its gone,” I softly moaned. When I had gone to the bathroom the night before, It was there. But for some reason now, it was nowhere to be seen. “Whatever,” Rainbow Dash said as she walked away.

Suddenly, I felt my clothes lift out of my hand and watched as they floated over to the workbench Rarity stood at. I was sure to follow close behind.

“Now, if you would at least move the sheet to your waist,” Rarity asked, again levitating the tape measure as she moved behind me. I complied and proceeded to tie the sheet around my waist. Although, as I looked down at myself, I couldn't help but feel that the sheet was useless for what I was using it for. But I kept it on anyways.

“What's that,” Fluttershy asked, pointing at my tattoo. Quickly, I explained to her what a tattoo was while Rarity took some measurements of my wings. “Did it hurt,” Fluttershy asked after I finished my short explanation.

“I don't even remember getting it,” I sighed in reply.

“I need to get the base of your tail,” Rarity interrupted from behind me.

“Can't you just guess,” I said trying to figure out how to position the sheet.

“Really now,” Rarity said as she began measuring as much of my tail as she could. “what could you be embarrassed about?”

“I am not embarrassed,” I yelled as I turned to look at Rarity, releasing the sheet in the process. “Thank you,” Rarity simply said as she walked back behind me to measure the base of my tail. I merely dropped my head and looked at the nothingness. “Its gone,” I whimpered.

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“So, how are they,” Rarity asked as I finished putting back on my cloths.

She hadn't done much, but what she had done made putting them on a whole lot easier. She cleaned up the rips and then run them all the way down both the jacket and shirt. Then, she placed several button snaps along the bottom portion of the lines just under the lower portion of my wings for both the shirt and jacket. The pants were done in the same fashion, only, there was a single snap just above the top portion of the base of my tail.

“Well, they were easier to put them back on,” I said thankfully. From there, I did some stretches to test just how well they were done. It was actually easier to move around in them now then when I had first bought them.

“Well, I’d like to do more, but if you really don’t want me to,” Rarity just about pleaded, looking at me hopefully.

“I'm good,” I quickly replied, not wanting to be part of some crazed fashion experiment.

Just then, the stores door opened to four young fillies, completely covered in mud. Before they could even take one step, several towels went flying toward them. “You all know the drill,” Rarity said sternly. Without a word, the four young fillies began to clean off as much mud as possible.

“Better,” Rarity said once the young fillies had cleaned themselves off as best as possible. It was obvious that she wasn't fully satisfied, but decided to worry about it later.

“So, what did you guys do,” I asked, although I was quick to regret it. Without a seconds rest, the four quickly began explaining something about pigs and truffles. I tried my best to understand, but their words seemed to jumble and mix with one another without making much sense.

“Wait,” Applejack said, somehow understanding the fillies jumbled rant. “You let Old Bessy just run off,” Applejack questioned the fillies.

“Well,” Apple Bloom mumbled looking down.

“When we fell in the mud she kind of . . .,” Sweetie Belle said trying to tell Applejack what happened only to become a little intimidated.

“She ran off,” Scootaloo said, finishing their sentence.

“I'm sorry,” Dinky quickly cut in, looking like she was close to tears. “I was supposed to be watching her but when everypony fell in the mud. . .  I tried to help and fell in.”

“By the time we all got out, she was gone,” Apple Bloom finished, putting a reassuring hoof around Dinky.

“Is that all,” Applejack said with a chuckle. She seemed less worried than I thought she'd be in this kind of situation. “Well, shoot Apple Bloom, you know Old Bessy. She’s probably already back at the farm. Come on y'all, let's go check.” With that, Applejack made her way to the front door to leave.

“I hope you don’t mind if I stay behind Applejack,” Rarity said as she began pulling out some papers from her desk. “I have this . . . project I would like to start on right away.” As she said this I could feel her haunting glare directed right at me.

“Wait for me,” I quickly said trying to make it out the door with everyone else.

“I only need some basic measurements,” Rarity said as she zipped in front of me, tape measure floating nearby. I was hesitant at first, but agreed since she had been so kind as to fix my clothes without asking for anything in return.

“Fine,” I sighed as I turned and walked back into the store.

It didn't take long, but once Rarity was finished, she zipped off somewhere into her house saying that I was free to go. So, with the ok, I left the shop. But as I expected, everyone else was gone. I was about to walk back inside and ask for directions when I decided against it.

“It’s a apple farm,” I said to myself as I began to walk down a nearby road. ‘It can't be that hard to find.”

================================================================================

“Where the hell is that damn farm,” I complained to no one. It hadn't been long, but I knew I was horribly lost. Somehow, I had left Ponyville as I followed a path I believed would lead to the farm. But after awhile, I found myself at the edge of a small pond rather than a apple orchard.

Immediately, my attention was directed towards a single tree to the side the pond that hung just over its edge. A tire had been hung off of one of its branches and was gently rocking in the wind. Looking at it, I began to pull off my jacket.

Then, in one swift motion, I hopped onto the tire swing and began swinging just past the edge of the lake. I had no intention of jumping in, but I had stripped off my jacket just in case the rope broke.

Slowly, I began to close my eyes. As I swung, I started blocking everything around me out. I was in a happy place that had no confusion. It was just a blank canvas that had me as its painter. But just as I began to paint an image in my head, a strange feeling swept over me.

This strange presence slowly began wrapping itself around me, choking me in fear. As soon as I could, I opened my eyes and checked my surroundings. I was still alone, swinging on the tire. But that dark feeling was still making its way into me.

Jumping back on shore, I began looking around. The feeling only seemed to intensify as I continued my search. After searching for several moments, I began to notice that the feeling was coming from a certain direction. I had to find out what it was and make it stop.

"Before I . . ."

“There you are,” Rainbow Dash said as she and Derpy dropped in front of me, cutting off my train of thought. Rainbow Dash looked happy while Derpy’s face was scrunched up with worry. “You weren't with us when we got to the farm, so me and Derpy came looking for you.”

“. . . Sorry,” I replied as I tried to look past the two. The moment they had landed, the strange feeling disappeared. Almost as if it had never existed. When I didn't see anything behind them, I decided to brush the feeling off.

“Sorry nothing,” Derpy said, looking even more worried. “What if you got hurt or something and no pony could. . .” “Calm down Derpy,” Rainbow Dash said cutting into Derpy's worried rant. It actually surprised me how worried Derpy seemed.

“I'm sorry I worried you,” I said to Derpy, trying my best to calm her. This softened her mood a little, but was quickly replaced with a stern glare.

“Just don’t let it happen again,” She said. I was about to say something but the look on Derpy's face just caused me to smile and chuckle.

“Good to see you care Derpy,” Rainbow Dash said putting a hoof around her. This just caused Derpy to blush and divert her gaze. To be honest, I thought it looked cute.

After putting back on my jacket, I followed Rainbow Dash and Derpy back into town and to the Apple family farm. This time I was sure to recognize some basic landmarks so I knew my way if I ever need to come back alone.

“Sorry about leaven ya like that,” Applejack said as she noticed the three of us. “Kinda forgot that you don’t know your way around yet.”

“Its alright,” I said. “I should've asked someone for directions, but I thought I would be able to find the farm. That, and I hate asking for directions.”

“Well, I'm just glad that you're ok,” Applejack replied. Just then, the Cutie Mark Crusaders ran by as a pig carrying Dinky on its back, chased them. I was about to chase after them when I noticed that no one else was worried. In fact, everyone else was watching with a smile on their face.

“Wait a minute,” I snapped suddenly. Besides Rarity, who had stayed back at her shop, one other pony was missing. “Where's Pinkie Pie?”

“Here I am,” Pinkie chirped as she stuck her head out from a nearby tree. The fact that she was in a tree seemed to annoy Applejack.

“Pinkie, how many time do I gotta tell ya? Stay out of the trees, you’ll cause some of the apples to fall prematurely.”

“Oh, I'm sorry Applejack,” Pinkie Pie replied as she hopped out of the tree with a smile. “Its just, I thought I saw something.” As she said this Pinkie looked back into the sky with a smile. “But I guess it was just my imagination.”

“That’s Pinkie Pie for ya,” Rainbow Dash chuckled, obviously amused by the whole thing. “Yeah, well,” Applejack sighed.

“What do y'all say bout stayin' for dinner,” Applejack said with a smile, mostly directing the statement towards me and Derpy. I accepted the offer with a smile, while Derpy seemed thrilled.

“Derpy, what's gotten into you” Rainbow Dash asked as she tried to calm Derpy, who had begone doing backflips.

“You act like this is the first time you've ever been invited to someone's house for dinner,” I joked just as Derpy began to take to the sky.

.

“It is,” she replied with a smile almost landing on her head in the process. This just cause everyone else to get confused. Each tried to correct her, saying that they've invited her over before. Then, each realized that they never really got to it.

Whenever Applejack was going to offer, Derpy would cause a problem by accident which resulted in her forgetting to. Whenever Rainbow Dash planned on it, she would end up getting distracted with a flying move or just sleeping though it. Pinkie, on the other hand, hosted plenty of party's but wasn't much for just a formal dinner. Fluttershy, who looked the most ashamed, realized that she hadn't ever thought of asking in the first place.

“Its ok,” Derpy said after everyone gave an apology.

“But aren't you always hanging out with  . . . Carrot Top and  . . .,” I began asking Derpy.

“We've had lunch together, but I don’t go to many other ponies houses,” Derpy said looking a little sad. “I tend to get really clumsy when I'm excited.”

Just then, the four young fillies walked over with smiles on their faces. “Is it ok if they all stay for dinner,” Apple Bloom asked Applejack as she indicated the other fillies.

“Only if they want to,” Applejack replied with a chuckle. At this, all four fillies seemed to jump for joy.

“ Hey, maybe we can have a sleepover to,” Scootaloo said aloud, intending for everyone else to hear. This was quickly accepted by the other two crusaders who quickly turned their attention to Applejack with pleading eyes. Applejack merely responded with a nod, which the three crusaders happily took as their answer.

“Can I stay too,” Dinky asked as she ran up to Derpy. Her eyes shined in the light and were full of hope. Derpy on the other hand began to look worried. “I . . . don’t know,” she began stuttering, trying to make a decision.

“I'm sure she’ll be fine,” I said to Derpy. I had noticed that Dinky’s hopeful eyes had faded the moment Derpy began to stutter.

“Don’t worry Derpy, I promise to keep an eye on her,” Applejack said as well as she walked over and stood next to Dinky.

“Well,”Derpy said, scrunching her face. She stood thinking for a moment. At first it seemed like she wasn't going to allow it, but as she looked down at the hopeful Dinky, she could't help but give in.

“I guess its ok,” she said as she put on a forced smile. After Derpy said this, Dinky began jumping for joy as she made her way back over to the Crusaders, joining in on their conversation on what they were going to do.

“Well,” Applejack said happily. “Now that that’s settled, lets grab some grub.”

With that, we all made our way towards Applejack’s and Apple Bloom’s house.

It was actually very quaint. The entire house seemed to favor a old county type theme. It reminded me of my grandmothers house and how she always liked things to be simple.

The dinner wasn't anything special though. But I did get to meet Big Mac and Granny Smith, who were both very nice and didn't bother me with any frivolous questions. Except Granny Smith’s did seem to mistake me for Spike at first. Other than that, the only problem I really had was with the food.

There were plenty of apples, which I ate. But everything that didn't involve apples seemed to involve hay, grass, or flowers. I was actually beginning to crave a burger. Although, I knew not to say anything since that conversation couldn't end well.

After awhile, the dinner ended and everyone began going their own ways. Derpy was one of the last to leave as she said her goodbye to Dinky with a hug. After that she began walking down the path, waiting only to see if I would follow.

Which I did, after giving a quick goodbye and thank you to the Apple family.