My Little Pony: Friendship is a Miracle

After his coughing fit had ended, Graham’s eyes opened slowly; the light blinding him, and everything being nothing more than a mess of blurs and colors. His eyes blinked several times as everything came into focus. To say he was astonished would have been an understatement.

He stared at the scene in front of him. Aramis, and what he knew to definitely be Rainbow Dash, were holding each other, their tear stained faces staring at him with a blank, unreadable expression. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity were crying before also staring at him with a mixture of near unreadable emotions.

Graham suddenly felt lightheaded all of a sudden; not from the pain his body felt, nor the soreness deep in his bones, but from the fact that the voices he had presumed to be human before waking up were not human at all, but in reality from ponies...talking ponies.

“Mother of fuck...My head...”  Graham spoke, his voice barely above a whisper, the hysteria beginning to sink into his voice.

“You’re alive...” Was all Aramis could muster, his eyes fixated on his friend.

“Oh my Celestia! Your alive!” Twilight shouted in shock, her purple orbs instantly brimming up with tears. She leaned down to hug him, only for her face to meet the bed. Graham sat back against the furthest corner of the bed, his face showing he was in a state of thought, as if...

“Aramis, how in the heck did you get the money to buy giant Pony toys? I never knew they made My Little Pony Life-sized models!”

Aramis looked at the ponies. Each of them were lost in confusion.

“Um...toys?” Aramis asked rather shakily. Understandable, he was in a whole other world complete with talking horses, but he was expecting a reaction like his earlier. It was like he didn't quite catch on yet.

“Graham, they’re not toys,” He added on. “I don't think you really know where you are right now, do you?”

The man looked at his surroundings. It was true, he was in a setting unlike where he was not too long ago. For one thing, it was clean, unlike the apartment was. This room had all kinds of things, from a table that wasn't missing a leg, and a bed that actually felt comfortable.

“Aramis, where are we...?” He asked nervously, as if he was slowly coming to terms with where he was now. He looked the ponies one by one; their gigantic eyes staring at him as if he was some sort of animal at a zoo.

“Before I tell you, you need to relax and just sit still. Then I’ll tell you. I don't need you running around after just waking up from staring death in the face.” Aramis ordered. Graham’s face slowly twisted to show his realization that he wasn't at home at all. He slowly started to back up against the wall, obviously scared out of his wits at the sudden change in scenery.

“W-whats wrong?”  Her head tilting off to the side in confusion as he began to hyperventilate in his corner.

“Was meinen sie, was ist falsch!? Ich bin aufgewacht in einem Zimmer mitten in der, wer weiß, wo, umgeben von talking ponys. Das ist, was falsch!” The hysteria he felt ever so slightly increased.

“Graham, I know you’re confused, and upset, but please speak English and breathe! You were dead for a good few minutes!” Aramis pleaded to the man. Graham couldn't stop staring at every one of the ponies staring at him as if he was going to attack them.

“Ya’ll need ta’ simmer down like yer friend said and calm yer’self there buddy.” AppleJack calmly advised. He got off the bed and approached her, a fire kindling behind his green eyes.

"Sie sagten mir zu beruhigen!? Ich muss ruhiger werden, weil da bin ich noch gesprochen habe, durch eine verdammtes pferd!? Sind sie von ihrer—" He slumped to the ground from a swift chop to the neck, courtesy of Aramis.

“For fuck’s sakes, Graham...” He sighed in annoyance.

“That was such a cool taked—” Rainbow Dash stopped as she saw the glares she was getting from her friends at the misplaced appraisal. She rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment, “I mean, why did you do that?”

“Not to sound like an ass, but the guy’s a little loose in the head. He’s easy to freak the fuck out of, and being in a room full of ponies isn't exactly an everyday thing for anybody.” He answered.

“Don't you mean, everypony, Aramis?” Rarity asked.

“Uh, no? Why would I say everypony? I’m not a horse—”

“Why do you keep saying that?” Rainbow Dash interrupted.

“We’re ponies, silly!” Pinkie pie chirped, bouncing in place.

“Uh...right, Whatever.” Aramis trailed off.

Twilight trotted up to the once-again-unconscious Graham and poked him with a hoof. The man twitched a bit, so she was relieved he was still alive. She looked back at Aramis with another question.

“How is he able to speak Germane so fluently, if he’s never been to Equestria before?”

Aramis raised an eyebrow. “Uh, I believe you mean ‘German’.” He corrected. She shook her head.

“No I don't. Over here,  It’s called ‘Germane’, which was what he was speaking. I’m surprised, actually.  Are you telling me there is a language just like Germane on your world?” She asked. Aramis shrugged at her.

“Guess so. Beats the fuck outta me otherwise.”

After that little conversation ended, a few moments or so must have passed before Aramis blurted out the obvious incoming question.

“Is anyone going to pick him up? I can’t exactly lift him up myself with how bad a shape I’m in.”

“I’ve got him.” offered Twilight, as she levitated his unconscious body onto the bed. Twilight looked over to the rest of her friends and guest, a pensive look on her face.

“Now that he’s in bed again, this brings us to our next problem—what are we going to do when he wakes up again? He clearly wasn’t too comfortable with Fluttershy’s house. No offense to you at all, ‘Shy.” Fluttershy had a look of understanding on her face but a little disappointment in between.

“That’s okay. He isn’t used to Equestrian society. The best way to determine who he should stay with should be based on what he likes or what he’s comfortable with.” Fluttershy suggested. Everypony looked in Aramis’ direction, awaiting his input.

Aramis thought for a moment. “Well, he likes to read and--”

“Twilight!” Everypony shouted in unison.

The purple mare nodded, “So it’s settled then. Applejack, can you help me move him?”

Applejack agreed to help, then positioned herself so that she was next to Graham’s body. Twilight then used her magic to gently cradle him onto Applejack’s back. They soon trotted out the door, and towards the place that would hopefully fit him best, with Aramis and Gypsy close behind...

“Sugarcube, are ya sure this’ll work? Putin’ him in the library?” she asked in concern as the three stopped in front of the tree house Twilight was so keen on staying in. Twilight opened the door as the others walked inside.

“It’s the only place that fits his likings, Applejack. Anywhere else would only worsen the situation. If I can calm him down when he wakes up, we might even find out how he and the other one got here.” Twilight explained.

“You know what’s funny? I remember stating my name a while back.” Aramis remarked with a sarcastic tone in his voice. Applejack only chuckled and plopped him in the bed that was perched near a window upstairs, walking out of the tree house and giving the unicorn her space. The purple pony ignored him and sat down close to the unconscious man, waiting for him to awaken once more.

A few hours had passed before he began to stir again. He looked around, and noticed the change in scenery once more. He knew it wasn't familiar to him, but he felt a little more at ease about his surroundings as he noticed a whole library covered his field of view as he sat up on yet another bed.

Twilight looked up to see him rub his eyes, “Ah, you’re awake again. Can I trust you not to violently freak out this time?” She almost tempted to use her magic to plug her ears in case he would have another tantrum. Surprisingly though, he just sat there with a neutral expression on his face. Before he could reply though, a black blur had passed by her and sent him back onto the bed.

“It’s nice to see you too Gypsy!” He chuckled as he pet the happy canine’s head, he soon pushed her off and sat back up again, “I think I’m ok...um...sorry about earlier...” He said as he rubbed his neck, still feeling the powerful chop Aramis gave him.

“It’s alright, we understand, you’re not used to all of these changes, what with being in Equestria and all...”

Graham froze, “Did....did you just say—Equestria...?” He stuttered, The unicorn only nodded. Graham couldn't believe what he heard. He knew Equestria was the world that his favorite show took place in. It couldn't possibly exist...could it? And if that was the case, what else was made to be true? That giant turtles kidnapped royalty? What next? He almost lost it, when Aramis patted him on his back. He looked over to see his best friend’s calm, but serious face.

“Before you overreact again, we need to have a chat real quick. That’s if you don’t mind Twilight.” he gave her a pleading look for a moment and she stood up.

“If you two need anything, I’ll be downstairs. Okay?” was all she said, walking down the steps as they gave her nods of acknowledgement.

“Alright. I can tell you’re surprised as to why we’re here. And frankly, I have no clue why we’re in a world of horses, of all places.” Aramis started, making it clear that he was equally as confused as Graham was. The confused look on Graham’s face faded, but not before being replaced with an excited expression.

“Dude!” he whispered, “Don’t you know what this means!?” his excitement began to bubble up.

“Ummm, that we’re in a world of talking ponies?” he knew what Graham really wanted to say, but didn’t want to test the current sanity level of his rather overexcited friend.

“We’re in fucking brony paradise! It’s real! All of it! Real!” a maddening look that could make Nightmare Moon shudder in fear at the insanity contained within scared his best friend a bit.

“Graham, don’t you think you’re getting just a bit too excited?” he suggested with a nervous chuckle, fearing the impending “brony freak out” almost any brony worth their salt practiced in case they ended up in the same predicament they were in.

“Aramis this is the greatest thing that has ever happened to us! Don't you see? We’re in fucking Equestria, home of the mane six. Especially Twilight Sparkle! You know how much I like her! She’s my favorite pony!” He kept rambling on and on about their situation. His excitement was as powerful as a double explosion. Hell, he was just about to run around when he was suddenly interrupted by a hand covering his mouth.

“Why don’t you kick back, relax, and maybe try to avoid another heart attack. If anything, at least wait till Twili—” The two were interrupted as they heard a tiny gasp. Aramis looked behind  to see the very same mare Graham had been obsessively talking about, hiding near the stairs; her mouth agape in shock.

“You heard every bit of what we—well mostly Graham said, right?” he asked with a deadpanned expression that bordered on a facepalm.

“I couldn’t help but overhear...and I was very curious...” She replied as she slowly walked out from her hiding spot. She looked at Graham with disbelief.

“How do you know me, and how do you know of my friends?” her curiosity was getting the best of her despite the fear she felt at someone knowing so much about her and her friends.

“Why don’t we go for a walk outside of town, where we won’t be heard discussing this?” Aramis nervously suggested.

(V);,,;(V)

It had taken them roughly half an hour or so to put any real distance between them and Ponyville, without arousing the attention of the other ponies or her friends. The neck of woods the group slowly traversed through was the safe equivalent of the Everfree forest. Its vast fauna were full of life, all the trees they could see for miles had luscious green leaves, some of them holding many kinds of fruits.

“This is the greatest! It is GOOD day to be a-” Graham was interrupted as they kept walking.

“I get it, Graham, we’re in Equestria. You can stop the brony squeals now.” Aramis muttered under his breath with a sarcastic sneer.

“What was that?” Graham asked, his tone flat as a chalkboard; as he stopped walking altogether.

“Oh, it was nothing. Just saying that you should probably tone down the excitement, just a bit.” Aramis put on his best poker face, hoping to get past the moment. Before their banter could continue any further, a loud cough interrupted them. The two looked over to see the purple unicorn, gazing at them with a stern expression.

“Well, would you care to tell me how you know me, my friends, or even Equestria at that?” A look of contempt mixed in with the apprehension she currently felt towards them.

“That’s kind of hard to explain... not without you either diving off the deep end or going into shock. Why not have Aramis explain? He’s much better than me at explaining things.” Sweat was forming on Graham’s forehead as the nervousness of her question made him feel uneasy about telling her the truth. At least not without somehow screwing up. It did unfairly put his friend on the spotlight, however.

“You owe me big time for this...” Aramis muttered to him before turning back to the mare.

“Hmm... where to begin? What if I told you that a huge number of people of our race, including him, could watch your adventures with your friends through a magical box?” he began, hoping to god her curiosity wouldn’t edge her on to inquire further into the “magical box”.

“What is this “magical box” and what does it truly allow you to do?” She asked, clearly giving off the feeling that she knew he wasn’t being fully forthcoming with his explanation.

“I want to know more than just the “magical box”, I want to know how you know of us, because as far as I’m concerned, there’s no way you two should even know of our existence.” her eyes narrowed towards the two with a fierce glare, daring them to even think of lying to her.

“Alright, alright. I’ll start from the top...” Graham said cracking under her anger and pressure, he wanted to be honest to her.

“You see, back in our home world, a planet we call Earth, we have what is known as a “television set” which allows us to view all kinds of shows ranging from entertainment to world news. There is one particular show I have watched since it’s official release, called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. This show details the adventures of you and the other mares, along with all sorts of wacky adventures, personal struggles, and even the battle against Nightmare Moon, the God of Chaos, Discord, and the Queen of the changelings, Chrysalis!” Twilight sat on her haunches, mouth slightly agape in shock, but nodded her head in acknowledgment.

“Keep going.” she persisted.

“I’ve watched all sorts of your experiences, especially when Spike’s greed got the best of him on his birthday and turned him into a full-sized dragon. There was even that one awesome episode where Pinkie Pie became insane; talking to rocks and turnips and even forgetting her own birthday, but I digress. We’ve seen just about everything each of you have been through and know just about everything there is to know about you six, given what the show has shown us.” She sat in silence, mulling over all the information he had given her. A look of disgust began to twist onto her face, a realization that made her stomach turn in thick knots at the epiphany she just had. Since the first day she stepped into Ponyville, Twilight and her friends had never had any actual privacy. A small but powerful thought nagged at the back of her head. Just how much did these humans know about her?

“I have a few questions that I want you, and ONLY you, to answer” She began with an angry tone, her hoof pointed directly at Graham.

“Exactly when and how did I meet Spike?” She questioned and waited almost impatiently for a response.

“The way I remember it, you were a filly when you were taking the entry exam for the university for gifted unicorns, in which you had to hatch a egg using only your magic. You tried your hardest to hatch it, but couldn’t even get it to budge as you started to crack under the pressure from the scrutiny of the practitioners. You were moments away from failing until a rainbow-colored explosion startled you into unleashing all your magic in the room simultaneously upon everypony in the room. Your parents were turned into plants, the newly hatched Spike was bigger than the school, and the practitioners were being levitated together through the air. Celestia intervened and helped you control your magic. That was the day you not only became her student and acquired your cutie mark, but also gained your own foal... well sorta, but you know what I mean...” He had answered her quickly and to the point, hoping to dissuade her distrust of him. She nodded slowly at him and thought of another question.

Twilight thought harder. "What is my brother's name, and what is his special job?"

Graham chuckled. "That's even easier! His name is Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard! Married to The Princess Mi Amore Cadenza; also known as Cadence, your foal-sitter!" He wore a stupid grin as she stayed put with amazment.

"T-That's amazing! You even knew who he was married to? A-And how did you know she was my old foal-sitter...?" She felt stupid for asking those questions, and shook herself out of shock to pick up on the questionnaire.

“What outfit was I wearing during the latest Nightmare Night?” she smirked, thinking she had him in her hooves as there was no way he could know of such a celebration.

“That’s an easy one—Star Swirl the Bearded. I have to say that your costume was very original, although it’s second to Ermac from Mortal Kombat, which I saw only three times.” Her purple eyes widened in disbelief at his answer.

“How in the name of Celestia do you know that!? None of the other ponies except Princess Luna herself knew who that costume was supposed to represent!” She screamed at him in astonishment.

“Simple, my little pony, from the telly!” He exclaimed quite proudly, as he mock-saluted her and bowed.

“Graham... your British is showing again.” Aramis said with a roll of his eyes, slapping him on the shoulder quite hard. Graham wreathed in pain as he spoke in that same “Germane” talk Twilight mentioned earlier.

“Ow! Was zur Hölle war das?! Ich schlag sie ohne Ende!” Graham screamed at the top of his lungs.

Twilight tilted her head in recognition. “Was that what I thought it was?” She asked out loud. Aramis looked at the fuming man.

“Yep, that was definitely German again, and I think he just said he was going to kick my ass...” Aramis answered, inching away from his friend as he calmed down.

“I had a feeling he would still be a little sore from the procedure, but not that sore. I really should have given him some painkillers, in hindsight.” She mumbled, mostly to herself.

“I’m good now, no need to worry at all. I guess I might have overreacted a little.” he finished with a chuckle while rubbing the back of his neck.

“I guess I might have overreacted a little.” Aramis sarcastically mocked Graham in a purposely bad imitation. Twilight brought them back into focus, however.

“Alright, one last question... what is my favorite band of all time?” her eyes narrowing in total seriousness at the rather childish question. He stood there, sweat trickling down his face as he could never recall the show mentioning anything about a band, let alone listening to any kind of music except classical. A slight smirk graced her features.

“I-I...I actually don’t know.” Graham muttered in defeat, his head hanging low.

“Really? I guess you really don’t know everything about me, now do you?” She giggled at him, his head snapping onto her direction.

“You mean to tell me you were just joking with me?” he looked at her dazedly.

“Of course I was. There was no way anypony would know. Not even my friends know... since they haven’t asked, that is. Though for your information, or should I say both of you” getting Aramis’ attention. “My favorite band in all of Equestria are the Colt 5. They’re simply amazing.” Twilight sighed deeply at the thought of the band. “Especially Levine Silverwing, his voice is just ethereal!” She gushed.

“Colt 5? That sounds just like a band I know from Earth,” Aramis pondered out loud. “Is their first album called Songs About Jane by any chance?” He asked curiously.

“Not that I remember. Their first album is called Songs About Luna.” she stated as she tapped her chin with her hoof in remembrance.

“Are one of the songs named “Through With You”? he asked, hoping that some semblance of his favorite band had been kept in check.

“Yeah, that’s one of my favorite songs in the album, even if it didn’t get as popular as the other songs, like “Sunday Morning” or “This Love”.” She sighed wistfully. She quickly came back down to Equestria after a little daydream.

“It’s nice talking about the Colt 5 and all, but I think we should probably head back to Ponyville, since I’m pretty sure your friends might be waiting on you.” He had secretly been itching to see more of Ponyville than his show had let on.

“Sure, why not? Plus, I think it’s about time I gave you two a tour of our town so we can gather the other girls and show you the key points of our town.” She offered.

“Lead the way back then, Twilight.” Graham said with a mock bow, the three of them laughing a bit before heading off in the directions of Ponyville.

(V);,,;(V)

“So... where are we headed first?” Graham asked as they headed towards the middle of the town.

“I’d like you to meet Pinkie Pie first. She’s an employee of Sugarcube Corner.” Twilight replied.

“Please tell me she isn’t as insane as when we see her on the show?” Aramis nearly begged.

“She’s not that bad. She’s just... well... Pinkie!” Twilight giggled as they reached their destination. She opened the door and came up to the counter. The smell of sweets filled their noses as they wandered inside, looking all around the store to see it’s many items for purchase.

“Pinkie! Are you here?” Twilight called out, trying to get a better look in the kitchen. She heard a loud crash, and a pink pony sprang right up to the counter. She laughed loudly and bounced around.

“Hiya Twilight! How are the humans? You gotta tell me! Pretty please with cherries on top!” The unicorn only smiled.

“Why don't you ask us in person?” Graham answered as Pinkie Pie quickly turned around, running right over to them.

“Ohmygoshareyoutwoalright?” She turned to Aramis.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” he nodded as he flinched at the loudness of her voice.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” Graham also nodded, hoping to quiet her down.

She squealed loudly in excitement, hopping around the room excitedly, addressing the two while she did so. “If you two are alright, you know what this calls for?” her usual smile stretching impossibly wider.

“A heart-warming “congratulations” because of our recovery?” Aramis asked, praying to the power of any god listening in she wasn’t about to suggest what he thought she was going to suggest.

“No, you silly filly! A party! A “Welcome to Ponyville” party!” She gleefully pranced around, checking her inventory of ingredients in the bakery.

Graham thought about it. ‘That means there’s gonna be a buncha...oh no, no It’s too soon for that!’ He looked down at the bouncing mare with a pleading look. “Pinkie, really there’s no nee—” Graham tried to reassure her only to get cut off.

“Of Course there is! After all, I know EVERY pony in Ponyville and it would be so rude of me to not welcome you two here! I’ll see you two at your party!” And with that she disappeared out of sight, running off on her own to prepare for the party neither human had agreed to. Aramis looked over to see Graham put his face into his palm.

"...Fuck."