//------------------------------//
// I'm bored...Discord! 
// Story: I think we're lost 
// by Poetic Brony 
//------------------------------//

Twilight paced around the crystal table. All of her friends where there looking at the brooding princess with nervous expressions adorning their muzzles, Pinkie Pie, being the exception. The pink party pony was busy taking balloons out of her mane, blew them up with just one long puff of air and promptly tied their ends off with string and let them go. There were already more than a dozen balloons adorning the ceiling. 

"Pinkie, darling," Rarity said having enough of Pinkie's distractions. "Would you kindly stop doing that, we're in the middle of a very important meeting." 

"Really?" Pinkie Pie said tying off another balloon. "I thought we were here because Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are coming to Ponyville, so I was preparing for the party, when they arrive."

Rarity's mouth hung agape, letting out a gah she quickly turned to Twilight. 

"How could you possibly know that, Pinke?" Twilight said coming to a halt. 

Pinkie shrugged. "Pinkie sense?" 

"Is that true," Rarity asked turning back to Twilight.

Twilight sighed. "Yes, it's true." 

"I thought we were going to Canterlot ta' meet the princesses," Apple Jack asked as she readjusted her Stetson. "Why in tarnation are they comin here?" 

Twilight frowned and turned to look over at the two men leaning against the wall. All ponies heads turned where Twilight was looking. 

"Ah," Apple Jack said in realization. 

"I still don't understand what all the fuss is about," Rarity said. "I mean what's so special about Arron and Dave." 

Twilight's frown deepened as she glared at Rarity. "I take it no pony told you about their trip to the old building on the outskirts of Ponyville?" 

Rarity shook her head. 

Twilight tuned to Rainbow Dash with an expectant look on her muzzle. 

"Oh, no," Rainbow Dash exclaimed setting both forehooves on the table. "I'm not going to go over that again!"

"Why not," Pinkie Pie chirped. "Are you too embarrassed about telling everypony here that you ran away with your tail between your legs while Arron was in danger?"

Rainbow Dash went wide eyed, turned to Pinkie Pie and yelled. "Pinkie! You just don't know when to keep your mouth shut do you!"

Pinkie looked confused. "Was that a question or a statement, because I couldn't tell!"

Rainbow Dash covered her face with her hooves and groaned. 

Dave stifled a laugh. I wonder if Pinkie Pie did that on purpose, Dave thought, glancing at his chuckling brother.  

Rarity's ears perked up at what Pinkie Pie said, thought Twilight rolled her eyes and moaned. 

"Rainbow," Rarity said turning to the pouting pegasus who was busy burying her blushed face in her hooves. "Did you really run away from danger? Because that doesn't sound like you." 

Arron seeing Rainbow Dash's plight decided to step in. "Rainbow Dash did what she thought was right," he said walking over to the table to pat the demure pony. "I don't blame her for running away," he paused to look around at all of the other ponies. "And you shouldn't either," he exclaimed eying Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash lifted her head and gave the man a grateful nod. He smiled and gave her a nod in reply. 

"Aww, isn't that sweet," Apple Jack sarcastically said. "Arron came to Rainbow's rescue." 

Rainbow Dash glared at the farm pony. "That's not funny Apple Jack," she cried slamming a forehoof down on the table. 

"Girls! Stop!" Twilight yelled, clearly getting fed up with the current conversation. "I asked you to here to help me prepare for the Princess's arrival not pick on Rainbow Dash for something she's already embarrassed about!" 

Rainbow Dash looked perplexed. "Thank you, Twilight," she said confused. "I think?"

Rainbow Dash finally gave in and told Rarity what had happened in the old church. When she was finished telling the tale Twilight organized the group, Pinkie Pie would provide the deserts, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy would help Rarity  decorate, Apple Jack would help Twilight, Spike and Dave clean the place and help prepare the main course, which left Arron, who asked what he was supposed to do while everyone else was busy. 

Twilight only looked at him. He was still clutching his side. She told him that he didn't need to do anything as he was still healing.  

When the group disbanded Arron decided to follow Pinkie Pie back to her place. She was happily humming to herself until they arrived at the palace entrance. 

"You know you don't have to follow me Arron," the pink party pony said pushing the door open with a hoof. 

Arron shrugged. "Never said I was." 

"Still, I wouldn't mind the company," she said. "If you're up for it you could help me and Gummy in the kitchen."

Arron nodded. "I haven't baked anything in a while," he said with a smile. "So I might be a bit rusty." 

Pinkie Pie laughed despite what he said wasn't that funny.

"I didn't know baking skills could rust," Pinkie Pie said with a grin. "Who knew!" She glanced back at the castle. "And Twilight says I never learn anything." 

Pinkie Pie started trotting back to Sugar Cube Corner but Arron coughed into his fist to catch her attention.

"You know Pinkie there are faster ways of traveling," Arron said opening the front passenger seat door for her to enter.  

"Oooh," she squealed with glee as she galloped over to the car and bounced up into the car. 

She seems more like an eager dog going for a drive than a pony, Arron thought, closing the door.

After he buckled his seatbelt he turned the key to start the car. When the engine came to life Pinkie squealed again. "Oooh! Vibraty!" Arron rolled his eyes, but smiled and chuckled as he rolled down her window and watched her stick her head out with a wide smile on her muzzle. "Oooh! Windy!" she cheered as her cheeks puffed out as the wind blew her main and muzzle wildly about as the car sped along. 

It wasn't long before they reached their destination. Arron parked his Nissan in front of the shop but out of the way enough that it wouldn't block ponies from entering. 

"Awww," Pinkie lamented as Arron opened the door for her to disembark. "We're here already."

The little bell chimed as Pinkie Pie and Arron entered the store. Pinkie Pie greeted Mrs. Cake who was attending the register. She was a bit shocked to see Arron walk into the kitchen with their prized baker. 

Is he going to be alright, she thought. Pinkie Pie has a... unique way of baking, does he even know how to bake? A few more quiet questions ran through her head, but they disappeared when a pony patron was trying to pay for a dozen cupcakes.

Pinkie Pie turned to her newest assistant. Her mouth hung open when she saw that Arron was getting all of the tools they'd need out of their cupboards and drawers.  She watched in awe as the center island was set up in an organized fashion with two mixing bowls, wire whisks, measuring cups, measuring spoons and a bag of flour. 

"What's the matter Pinkie," Arron asked the gaping pony. "Did I miss something?" He glanced over the items then he felt something at his feet. He looked down and there was Gummy gumming the hems of his pants. "Oh," he said picking up the small gator, placing him down on an unoccupied portion of the island. 

Pinkie Pie vigorously shook head. "Wow Arron," she commented. "You're good. Have you ever done this before?" 

Arron nodded. "Yep, I used to get up at the butt crack of dawn to bake muffins, sticky buns, doughnuts, and set out the coffee." That wasn't very fun, he thought. That's why I really appreciate the work Pinkie Pie and the Cakes put into their shop. 

Pinkie wiped away a tear. "Thank you Arron, it is really hard sometimes, but it's also really rewarding. Seeing all the smiles on ponies faces makes you feel so good inside, and the bits aren't bad either." 

Did she just read my mind? Arron thought going wide eyed. That's not possible... is it? Then again she is Pinkie Pie.

It wasn't long before the mismatched duo had batter ready and cakes to bake. They made a game out of it, Arron cracked eggs and tossed the slimy things into Pinkie's awaiting bowl. Pinkie Pie would measure something and Arron would inquire if she was sure that was the right amount, which of course Pinkie Pie would giggle roll her eyes, telling him that he was being silly. 

"I wish I had memorized all of the recipes from my time at the Cafe," Arron lamented as they wiped the frosting for the cakes and cupcakes that were well on their way to being done. The room was filled with the scent of sweet pastries. 

"Do you miss baking," Pinkie Pie asked the man who had put down the bowl of whisked frosting and was now working on washing the dishes. 

I don't know, he thought. "I don't miss waking up at four in the morning and I really don't miss my boss's harassment."  He sighed. "I never really saw the customers because I'd always be stuck in the back either doing dishes." Like I am right now. "Or slicing and prepping the meat."

Pinkie Pie gasped and nearly dropped her bowl. "You eat meat!" 

Arron didn't see Pinkie's shocked face. "Well yes, I mean, we can't live on bread alone." 

Pinkie Pie began huffing, her mind was in hysterics.  "You don't eat ponies do you?" 

Arron laughed at the absurd question, "Absolutely not!" 

Pinkie Pie calmed down a bit when he said that. "So you won't eat me right?" 

Arron dropped the bowl he was scrubbing, he watched it sink back into the depths of the sudsy basin. A lump formed in his throat. I keep forgetting I'm not in my world anymore. He wiped his hands on his pants, walked over to Pinkie Pie, knelt down, placed his hands on each of her shoulders and looked right into her troubled eyes. 

"Pinkie I would never eat any pony," Arron emphatically said. "Not you, not Twilight, not any pony." I don't know how I can explain it in words. 

Not knowing what else to do he pulled the bowl out of her hooves and hugged her. "I promise I will never harm you or any of your friends." 

Pinkie Pie's fears were swept away. "Do you promise," she pleaded when Arron had released her. 

"I promise," Arron said, patting her on the head. He was about to say something but when he pulled a rubber chicken out of her mane he didn't know what to do. "Uhhh?"

"So that's where that went," Pinkie Pie cheered. "I've been looking all over for that! Thanks Arron." She put the rubber chicken down next to Gummy who immediately started chomping on it making it squeak every time his gums clamped down on the rubber toy.

Pinkie Pie went back to mixing up the frosting and Arron went back to doing the dishes. The rest of the time was spent frosting the cakes, and putting the clean dishes back. Arron and Pinkie Pie loaded the fresh baked goods into the back seat of his car. 

Rarity and the rest of the gang had the palace completely ready for Celestia and Luna's arrival. Arron and Pinkie carried the deserts into the dining room where a clear table awaited them. Twilight looked up from her checklist and frowned. 

"Arron," Twilight exclaimed pointing an accusing hoof in his direction. "Where in Equestria have you been?"  

"Uh," he began, then he looked down at the cake he was holding. "Baking," he said with a grin showing Twilight his cake.

Twilight looked confused, so Arron explained everything to her, with Pinkie Pie's help of course. 




With the rest of the cakes set the palace and the ponies were prepared for the princess's arrival the only thing that needed to be done was Arron really needed to wash up, he and his clothes were covered with flower and batter.  

Spike showed him to the bathroom where he could wash up. Does he have to be in here with me, Arron thought while Spike continued to stand there and watch him remove his shirt. I know he's a dragon, but it's still disconcerting.

"Wow," Spike exclaimed. "You really are a bighoof!" 

Arron rolled his eyes. "Ya, ya, I know I'm harry and every time there's a full moon I have this urge to run outside and howl at it." 

"Really," Spike asked wide eyed. 

"No," Arron flatly replied.

Spike made some rather strange noises. "Well of course not, I mean who does that?" 

I actually do, sometimes, Arron thought. But only if my uncle and cousin are around it totally drives them nuts. He smiled down at the gawking dragon while he pulled the holster and gun off his belt, took his knife and wallet out of his pants pocket and laid everything on a small stand next to the sink, then he carefully pulled the gauze padding off his wound. He heard Spike gasp at the sight. Can't say I blame him, damn this thing still hurts, I just pray the shower won't reopen it, though the Doc did say it's OK for me to finally take one, even I can't stand my own stench I don't even want to think about how the ponies can stand being around me with their heightened sense of smell and all. Perhaps they're being polite? Arron thought as he put the bandage down next to his other stuff in such a way that he'd be able to put it back on after he was finished showering. 

"You sure do carry a lot of stuff Arron," Spike said quizzically eying all of the man's belongings. "Usually Twilight just carries a pouch of bits, a quill, and some scrolls, just in case she wants me to write something."

"Being Twilight's personal secretary must be hard," Arron said removing his belt. "Huh, Spike?"

Spike sighed. "Sometimes it is, but at least it gives me something to do," he said folding his arms. "Unlike those other dragons who are nothing but big bullies." 

"Are you referring to Garble and his friends," Arron asked while pulling off his pants.

"Yah," Spike started but was rather shocked. "Wait, how do you know about them?" 

Arron was about to answer but the door flew open and Rarity walked in. "Spike I'm here to help take Arron's clothes to clean theeeee... Oh my!" She cried staring wide eyed at the now naked human. 

"What's the hold up," Rainbow Dash ask when she too entered the bathroom. Her mouth hung agape at what she was seeing. "AHAH!" She screamed in satisfaction pointing a forehoof at Arron. "I just knew you were a bighoof!" 

Arron didn't like the unicorn and pegasus's abrupt entrance. Don't these ponies know the meaning of privacy, he thought. Are they staring at my wound or my... No I'm not going to even think about it. He shook his head, closed his eyes and tried to ignore them. He rolled his pants and boxers into a ball, then turned his shirt inside out and rolled that up as well. He placed his clothes in Spike's awaiting arms before getting in the tub and closed the curtain. At least now my lower half is concealed, he thought, turning on the shower. Soon Arron was in the midst of a warm mist which concealed the rest of him from view. 

Spike cringed when he noticed the rose colored blush on Rarity's gaping face. She never looks at me like that, he thought. 

Rarity shook her head to snap out of it. She immediately took Arron's garments from Spike, using her magic she levitated them in front of her and trotted out of the bathroom. Rainbow Dash was on her heels telling her that Arron definitely was a bighoof. She pointed out just how hairy he was. Spike sighed as he closed the door and followed after the two ponies. 

Arron was having a rather hard time using the shower which was rather small for one of his size. At least I smell better, he thought, wiping as much of the water off of himself he could before grabbing the towel Spike had left out for him, though it too was rather small, but was just large enough that he could wrap it around his waist. He wiped the steam that covered the mirror with his free hand. He had to crouch in order to look at his reflexion. 

"I never thought I'd wind up in Equestria, and how do we get back home," he thought aloud. He wiped off his glasses and put them back on his face just when there was a knock at the door. 

Dave didn't even let his brother answer before he opened it. "You should really shave that scruff off your face Arron," he said throwing the black LL Bean backpack he was carrying at his older brother.  

Arron nearly dropped his towel when he caught the bag. Dave grunted when he turned to leave he stopped and held onto the doorknob. "Did you know this was going to happen," he asked not facing his brother so Arron wouldn't see how angry he was. 

Arron put down his back pack, shook his head and said. "No, Dave, I didn't know we'd wind up here, nor was I planning on it either. I mean how could I?"

"Are you sure," Dave said letting some of the anger out. "For some reason I don't believe you." 

Arron sighed. "Believe what you want to David, but what I told you is the truth." In all honesty, even I don't want to be here, he thought. There's so much to do back home. 

"So God didn't tell you we'd be visiting another world," Dave said aggravated and his grip on the doorknob tightened. 

"I told you God has stopped talking to me a long time ago," Arron said exasperated. Though it was more like I told Him to stop. He didn't have the courage to say that to his brother. 

"Fine," Dave reluctantly said. "I'll believe you... this time," he muttered before he closed the door. 	

After shaving, getting dressed and putting his various items back on his person Arron walked to the dining room where the ponies, dragon, and person were mingling. He noticed Rarity whisper something to Twilight, both ponies blushed and they gawked at him when he entered. He shook his head. 

I wonder what that was about, he thought.  I probably don't want to know. He took off his back pack and placed it down on the floor by the entrance. Rarity trotted up behind him and coughed to get his attention. 

"Arron darling," Rarity said. "Your clothes should be clean by now, and are all of the ones you own so, eh hem... harsh?" 

Arron scratched his head, puzzled he looked down at what he was wearing. A black T-shirt with a silver Gadsden snake adorned the left breast, on the back was a representation of the tree of liberty that was silver and red, along with the symbol there was a silver American flag accompanied by one of the more famous Jefferson quotes: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." For the pants he was wearing another pair of cargo khakis but the ones he was wearing where all gray. After looking himself over he shrugged. I have no idea what she means by harsh, he thought. At the very least they're clean. 

Twilight trotted over to them when she noticed Arron's apparent plight with the fashonista. 

"Is there something wrong, Rarity," she asked.

Rarity looked about and waved her off with a hoof. "No, well there is something wrong with Arron's fashion sense but other than that—"

Is that all, Twilight thought. I thought there might be something really wrong the way she was looking at him... her mind did a double take when she caught a glimpse of the picture on the back of Arron's shirt.  "Arron, could you please kneel for a minute?" 

Arron immediately did so. Twilight groaned. "I mean could you turn around and kneel?" 

"Ah, you want to see what's on the back," he said pointing at his shirt. Twilight nodded. Arron turned around and nodded. When he took a knee Twilight used her magic to straighten out the wrinkles to get a better look at both the picture and what was written.

Rarity gasped. "Good heavens Arron, are all of your garments so... grotesque?" 


Twilight turned to her friend and frowned. "Rarity," she harshly said. "Just because you find it disgusting doesn't mean everypony does!" 

Twilight's yelling caught everyone's attention so they all came over to see what all the fuss was about. 

"What's going on Twi," Apple Jack asked. 

"Oh, my goodness," Fluttershy whispered, while she covered her mouth with a hoof when she saw what was pictured on Arron's back. 

"That's so awesome!" Rainbow Dash cried while she hovered over the other pony's heads.

"I don' know if I like that depiction of trees ya'll are wearin," Apple Jack said, rubbing her chin as she studied the shirt. "But, I kinda do like that there say'n."

"I do too," Twilight agreed with Apple Jack. "So Arron who said this," she asked, poking the back of Arron's shirt with a hoof.

"Thomas Jefferson said that back when America was still fighting for its freedom," Dave answered the question for his brother. 

"A-mer-ica?" Apple Jack said taking off her Stetson and rubbing the top of her head in confusion. "Where the blazes is A-mer-ica?" 

That reminds me, Arron thought. He rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a tube. When he pulled off the cap he shook it enough so that a coin fell into his awaiting palm. He stood up, startling Twilight who still had her hoof against his back. He flicked the coin to the princess who caught it using her magic. "I don't know if that's enough to pay you back for all that you've done." 

Twilight brought the coin to her face to inspect it. One side had a flag with and eagle and when she turned it over her eyes widened as she read the inscription out loud. 

"I Pledge allegiance," —she said, tuning and trotting toward the table. She trotted back to where Arron and the other's were. Dave and Arron placed their hands over their hearts and then all three said the rest together.  —"to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!" 

The room fell silent as Twilight and the two men finished they noticed that Apple Jack had removed her Stetson from her head and held it over her own heart. 

"Why'd you do that," Dave asked the farm pony. 

Apple Jack shrugged and placed her Stetson back on her head. "Just seemed like the proper thing to do." 

"And I agree with her assessment." All eyes turned to the new voice. They were all shocked to see Princess Celestia and her sister Luna sitting at their places at the table. 

"Princess Celestia," Twilight cried in alarm. "How long have you been here." 

"About the time when Arron was showing you the picture on his shirt," Celestia said. 

"We, didn't want to disturb you because we were also interested in what you were talking about," Luna said. "So we decided to take our seats while we waited for you to finish your conversation." 

"I was the one who showed them in," Spike said thumping his chest with his fist. "Because you were all too busy," he muttered under his breath. 

A quiet came over the room, then Celestia finally broke the awkwardness. "Well, Twilight aren't you going to introduce your guests?"

Twilight shook her head. "Oh, yes, right," she said pointing to Arron. "This is Arron," then she pointed at Dave. "And this is his younger brother Dave. They're from a place called New Hampshire, it's a territory in a nation called America." 

Close enough, Arron and Dave thought. 



	

The dinner with the three princesses and the elements of harmony went smoothly, except when the topic of the old church came up. Rainbow Dash was grateful that she didn't have to tell it, leaving that honor to  Arron. She still hid her face in shame when Arron told them how she ran away when the suit of armor came to life after she touched it. When he finished his story Celestia and Luna were both interested in seeing his battle scar so he reluctantly got up pulled his shirt up and carefully removed the dressing. The ponies gasped or seethed when they saw the healing wound that was in the process of scaring over. 

The group went outside to watch Celestia lower the sun and Luna raise the moon. After that Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash all headed back to their homes leaving the three princesses, two humans and one dragon, who was already fast asleep, alone. 

Arron decided to turn in, Dave and Twilight went to the library to read. Which left the pair of sibling princesses alone. Luna was laying down on one of the mats in the top turret, she was happily staring up into her night sky, her horn was aglow, she was busy arranging some of the stars to change the current constellations to their fall counterparts.  

"What are your thoughts about our two visitors," Celestia asked as trotted up next to Luna. 

Luna frowned, she was still doing some minor adjustments on one of the constellations. When she was done she rolled her eyes. Celestia had laid down on the mat next to hers and was eating some of the leftover cake. I thought you were trying to watch your calorie intake sister, Luna thought, though Celestia kept eating. "I think they are earnest individuals, who are looking for a way home," she said. "Though I doubt we can help them." 

"The problem isn't how to get them back home," Celestia said after finishing another bite. "It's how they came to be here." 

Luna raised an eyebrow at this. "You don't think Discord is behind their arrival," she asked. 

Celestia shook her head making her wavy mane flutter a bit as she did. "No, I don't think Discord would do something like this. Nor do I think he has the power to bring people from other dimensions into our own." 

"Really," Luna asked, her ears flattening against her head. "We are talking about the lord of Chaos." 

"Did somepony mention my name?" A voice asked as a lion's arm unzipped a hole for said being to step through. "Well if it isn't my two favorite ponies to torment... I mean..."

"Discord!" Celestia cried. 

"How did you know we were talking about you," Luna asked, making the lord of Chaos point to himself. 

"Mu ah?," Discord said sheepishly. "I would think that you, of all ponies should know that I have ears everywhere," he exclaimed as hundreds of ears appeared on the floor, walls and even a few were on Celestia's cake. They all vanished when both princesses glared at him. He snapped his fingers and all of the ears vanished in a flash. 

Celestia calmed and took another bite of the now ear free cake. Emm, she thought going wide eyed. I don't know why but those magic ears made this cake even yummier than it already was. 

"Alright, fine," Discord said folding his arms with a huff. "If you must know I was bored, so I came here to see these two people Fluttershy kept going on about during our Tuesday tea." He looked around a bit. "But I must have lost track of the time," he said checking the sundial that appeared on his wrist. He tapped it a few times and then shook it. "This thing never seems to work after sunset," he said, before it vanished. 

Luna sighed in aggravation and Celestia chuckled. 

"Well," Discord said. "I'm here now so can I please meet these humans Fluttershy kept going on about?" 

He clasped his hands and got to his knees and gave the princesses a puppydog pout. 

"Fine," Luna said getting to her hooves. "I know that Dave is still up." 

Celestia swallowed what was left of her cake and got to her hooves. "I might as well go with you, my former pupil is in the library and I'm fairly sure that is where Dave is too."