//------------------------------// // Currency conundrum! // Story: I think we're lost // by Poetic Brony //------------------------------// Apple Jack looked over the farm, the apple trees were well packed with fruit and some were really close to being fully ripe. Apple Bloom was still feeding the chickens and Big Mac was busy hitching up the wagon for a trip into Ponyville to deliver apples to Filthy Rich and pick up some supplies from the hardware store. “All set big brother,” Apple Jack asked while Big Mac closed and locked the back of the wagon. “Eup,” Big Mac gave her a hearty reply. Apple Bloom galloped up to the cart, dragging a tarp in her teeth. Apple Jack casually walked over to her, “Apple Bloom how many times do I have ta tell ya ta stop galloping with things in yer mouth,” she removed the tarp and threw it over the cart. “About a thousand,” Apple Bloom, rubbed her head. “Maybe more, I don’t know it’s kinda hard to keep track.” Apple Jack groaned. “What happens if you trip and break yer leg, hmm? What are ya gonna do then?” Apple Bloom tilted her head and smirked. “I’ll let you know when it happens,” she said without missing a beat. “Now can we go, I’m gonna be late for school, and I don’t want to be yelled at by Miss Cheerilee again.” “Eyup,” Big Mac said while tying down the tarp. “Your, not gonna be late Apple Bloom,” Apple Jack helped her brother hitch up the wagon so he could pull it. “I’m sure of that...” she went silent and her ears twitched “Do ya’ll hear that,” she asked the other two ponies. Big Mac shrugged, frowned and shook his head. “Nope,” he muttered before he too heard something in the distance. “What is that,” Apple Bloom asked her two older siblings. When they didn’t answer she frowned then she jumped up onto the cart and looked in the direction the noise was coming from. “There,” she pointed a hoof at a cloud of dust in the distance. “Wait,” Apple Jack narrowed her eyes and leaned over to get a better look. “Isn’t that...” “Arron’s back,” Apple Bloom squealed with glee, while she jumped up and down on the cart. Big Mac looked behind him, “Umm we should probably get out of the way,” he said right before the white Nissan drove past, kicking up a cloud of dust making the trio of ponies cough. “Sorry Apple’s,” they heard Arron’s voice. “Can’t stop, my gas is almost gone!” “GAS,” the Apple siblings cried in alarm after the dust settled. Ponyville was quiet, the day had barely started. Cheerilee was busy opening the school and a few colts and fillies were showing up for class. The center of town was still baron of ponies, though Pinkie and the Cakes were up before dawn baking breakfast pastries. Mrs. Cake heard Pinkie Pie scream in the kitchen. “What’s wrong Pinkie Pie,” she asked the party pony who was huffing and puffing. She got right in Mrs. Cakes face and a very wide and toothy smile spread on her muzzle. “Arron’s here,” she sing songed. “And he’s brought friends!” Mrs. Cake shook her head and went back to the counter, “Well if you say so,” she said behind her. “Oh, I do say so,” she heard Pinkie Pie chirp, then Mrs. Cake’s ears flattened when she heard maniacal laughter and two hooves being rubbed together. Should I be worried, she thought. Nope she’s just Pinkie being Pinkie. Lyra Heartstrings was sitting on a bench in the park when she heard then saw a white car take a rather sharp turn around the fountain then b-line for Twilight’s castle. Her eyes went wide and a smile adorned her face. “The human is back,” she muttered to no pony in particular. “Wasn’t that Arron’s car,” Bon Bon trotted up to Lyra and handed her a muffin from the bag she was carrying. “When I heard Pinkie Pie laugh I was wondering what was going on...uh...” she waved the muffin in front of Lyra’s face. “hello?” Lyra got off the bench and bolted for the castle. “I guess breakfast will have to wait,” she sighed and put the muffin back in the bag before trotting after the human fanatic. The Nissan sputtered and died right in front of Twilight’s castle. Arron sighed and shut off the dying engine. I knew going to AK’s place was a bad idea, he thought while removing his seatbelt. AK and Midnight stretched their legs when they were back on the ground. Arron was retrieving his back pack from the trunk when a light blue unicorn was about to slam into him, but Midnight caught her with her magic before that happened. Arron placed his hand on his chest and let out a sigh of relief, “Wew, thank you Midnight,” he said rubbing her head when she totted up beside him. “Now what can I do for you Miss, Hartstrings?” Lyra looked at Arron then glared at the black coated unicorn. “I was,” she slowly spoke after turning to look up at the human. “Trying to tackle you, or something?” Arron rolled his eyes and Midnight snorted before roughly putting her back on the ground. “Or something,” Midnight muttered. “What is up with you,” AK asked Midnight “You’ve been acting really weird.” “Who are you ponies,” Lyra asked rubbing her flank. “And why are you with Arron?” Arron walked away. I’m not going to get involved, he thought heading up to Twilight’s door. I know that Midnight has taken a liking to me, but I’m not sure if it’s because I rescued her or because I treat her like a normal pony. He looked back at the now arguing, or debating ponies, they weren’t yelling so it was hard to tell. First things first, he turned back to the door and knocked. Arron stepped back when Spike opened the door. “Oh, Arron,” the dragon cried. “You’re back,” he turned around. “Hold on I’ll go tell Twilight!” He rushed away. Arron rolled his eyes. No worries, he thought. I’ll wait here. He glanced behind him and winced at the scene. Or not, he moaned before heading over to the four ponies, Bon Bon had come to join her best friend Lyra and was trying to calm her. Much to Arron’s surprise AK and Midnight looked like they had joined forces and were on the verge of bullying the unicorn. “Ladies,” Arron said making all four ponies turn to him. “Is there something wrong?” “Oh,” Midnight hissed. “There’s nothing wrong Arron,” she pointed at Lyra. “We,” she gestured to herself and AK. “We’re trying to get this delusional pony to stop stalking you.” Lyra gasped. “I was not stalking Arron! Or his brother, when he was here! I was merely observing their behavior... you know from a distance.” “No,” they all turned to Bon Bon. “You actually were stalking them,” she flatly stated. “Come on Bon Bon,” Lyra let out a half hearted chuckle and wrapped a hoof around the disgruntled looking Earth pony. “You were supposed to back me up here.” “No Lyra,” Bon Bon pushed her friend way. “I am not...” Arron bent down and tapped AK and Midnight on their shoulders to get their attention. He beckoned for them to follow and the three of them slowly backed away. Twilight was making breakfast in the kitchen when a winded Spike appeared in the doorway. “Twilight,” he huffed. “Arron, come, here...” Twilight used her magic to remove her apron, she trotted over to Spike and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Calm down Spike, and please use words that make sense.” Spike frowned and took a deep breath. “What I was trying to say,” he enunciated each word. “Is that Arron is back and he’s waiting for you at the door.” Twilight shook her head and face hoofed. “And you just left him there?” Spike shrugged. “Well yeah I told him I was going to get you.” Twilight groaned. “You could have let him in,” “Oh,” Spike replied. “I...” “Never mind,” Twilight said before galloping off for the door. Spike ran after her. Twilight noticed two ponies on either side of Arron, they were slowly backing up the stairs. “Hello Arron...” The three of them quickly turned around and shushed her. Twilight balked, when she noticed a certain unicorn with an unhealthy fascination with humans holding an angry conversation with an Earth pony. “Oh,” Twilight whispered. “Sorry,” Spike ran past the four beings and slammed the door closed. The five of them breathed a sigh of relief and then started laughing. Lyra spun around when she heard the door of the castle shut. “Oh ponyfeathers!” she cried in exasperation. “I missed my chance!” “Missed your chance for what,” Bon Bon questioned making Lyra sweat a bit when she turned back to face her. “Nothing,” Lyra lowered her head and rubbed one hoof with another. “Uh, huh...” Bon Bon said unconvinced. “We’re going to have a talk when we get back home.” Lyra gulped, glanced at the closed door and begrudgingly trotted along behind Bon Bon, who was busy telling Lyra off and that her behavior was more than just a little disturbing. The four ponies, one human, and one dragon sat around the dining table. Twilight was eagerly listening to Arron who was re-telling all of the past events. He introduced Midnight to the Princess of Friendship who was really upset upon hearing the unicorn’s past, though she was more shocked to learn about Ahouizotl’s fate. Twilight dropped her fork several times and gasped even more times than that. “So, there aren’t going to be any more books,” Twilight asked the disguised pegasus. “If you don’t have to keep the jungle safe from Ahouizotl’s clutches and Caballaron gave up stealing them from you, and his hench ponies are working for Arron now...what are you going to do?” AK Yearling shrugged. “Honestly I’m not sure, I guess I’ll keep following Arron around and see what happens when he finds his demon friend.” “I don’t know if I like that idea,” Twilight used her magic to push away her empty plate. “If Arron’s deity doesn’t want us getting involved...” “Twilight,” Arron interjected. “I know I’ve said this a few times to Midnight and AK already, but...” he chuckled at the expression on Twilight’s muzzle. “All beings, human, pony, or otherwise,” he gave a wink to Spike who only rolled his eyes while he took all of the dishes away. “Have the ability to chose, so if Midnight and AK or Daring, want to come with me,” he eyed Twilight. “Or you for that matter,” he comment made Twilight smirk and the other two chuckle. “I won’t stop you... frak,” he folded his arms and backed away from the table. “I don’t have the ability to stop you even if I wanted to.” “What do you mean by that,” Twilight and AK asked, perplexed. Arron gapped at them. “Do I look like Satan to you?” The three ponies gave each other confused glances, as if to see if one of them knew what he was talking about. “Oh, for the love of,” Arron got to his feet. “I don’t have the ability to tell you what to do, what to think, or what to even feel,” he glanced over at Midnight who got a bit flushed in the cheeks. “You are free ponies, you can follow me, if you want to, I wouldn’t,” he shook his head. “No I can’t stop you, I can try and dissuade you...cough, cough, AK.” He eyed the pegusus who glanced over at one of the tapestries on the other wall. “Cough, cough, Midnight...” The black coated unicorn only smirked and wiggled her eyebrows at him in reply. “Or even you... Twilight.” He gave her a stern glare, but managed to get a very goofy, yet somewhat conniving grin in return. “So you wouldn’t mind if I tagged along with you then,” Twilight mischievously asked. “Would you ponies mind if I decided to go?” AK Yearling stopped staring at the tapestries’, Midnight turned to Twilight with a look of you’ve got to be kidding, right, on her muzzle. Twilight surprised both ponies by breaking out into laughter. “Oh, you should see the looks on your muzzles,” she joked. “Sorry Arron, but I’m far too busy here to go with you, but.” She became much more serious; she gazed at AK then at Midnight. “I can see that you’re already in capable hooves.” Twilight got up off her cushion and trotted over to Arron. “So what are your plans?” Arron closed one eye and shrugged. “First thing, I need gas, my tank is completely empty...” he half closed his one open eye. “Which means I need to take a...” Twilight gasped and clapped her hooves in excitement. “Which means, you have to take a trip to the human world!” Arron gave her a hearty nod, “though I’ll need money to buy it with.” He pulled one of his silver coins from his pocket. Twilight burst into a ball of excitement making her eerily similar to Pinkie Pie. “I have the perfect idea,” she eyed his coin. “In the world where my human friends are, bits are actually worth quite a bit...” she giggled at her own impromptu pun. “And I think that your silver is worth more in our world, because...” “Because,” AK Yearling readjusted her glasses, before picking up for Twilight. “There aren’t any coins like that in all of Eqestria...probably even all of Equis!” “Mmmm, hmm,” Twilight nodded in agreement. “And I know the perfect pony who would be more than happy to buy a few of your coins from you.” “Really,” Arron flicked his coin in the air while the ponies watched in awe before he caught it again. “Really,” Twilight replied. “Come on,” she headed for the door beckoning for the three of them. “We don’t have any time to lose!” Arron, AK and Midnight glanced at each other before getting up and following her back to the castle entrance. The City of Townsville... nope... I meant… Ponyville, sorry wrong story! It was a really nice day and many ponies were out and about. Bulk Biceps was hauling his cart of nut’s and loudly advertising their taste and quality. The flower ponies were dealing with a frantic pony in need of a bouquet stat. And Big Mac was in negotiations with Filthy Rich for the price of the apples in his applecart. Several ponies stopped to stare at the four traveling companions. Twilight was leading a human a black coated unicorn and a strangely dressed pegasus through the town square. Lyra emerged from the street she lived on and gapped. Alright, she thought. Now’s my chance! She was about to gallop over to Arron, but Bon Bon came up behind her and bit her tail. “What did I tell you,” Bon Bon warned, shaking her head disapprovingly. “Oh, but,” Lyra protested, though Bon Bon groaned and frowned at her. “Fine,” Lyra huffed, sitting down and folding her forehooves in defiance. Arron caught a glimpse of Lyra and Bon Bon, he gave the Earth Pony a sharp nod and a wink in thanks for stopping the human obsessed unicorn. Bon Bon nodded her head, informing him that she noticed. Big Mac glanced over Filthy Rich’s shoulder when he saw Arron and Twilight heading towards him. “Uhh,” he shuttered a bit. “Deal,” he abruptly shook Filthy Rich’s hoof, bit down on the case full of bits and high tailed it out of there so fast Filthy was left rubbing his head. That was rather abrupt, even for him, Filthy thought. He eyed the apple cart that Big Mac had left behind. Now I’ll have to get one of my employees to come and take the cart back to our store, unload the barrels and have it hauled back to the Apple Farm. “Filthy Rich,” Twilight made the pony jump. “Twilight,” Filthy Rich started to turn around. “Are you trying to give this old colt a heart attack…” His eyes went wide when he looked up into the face of the human that was right behind Twilight. “What in Equestria…” Twilight cut him off before he could say anything else. “I was wondering if you’d be interested in purchasing some human coins?” She grinned and blinked a few times. Oh..oh, Filthy Rich thought. “If it’s a transaction then by all means follow me back to the shop.” Filthy Rich’s shop was more like a general store they had a bit of everything, from food stock to appliances, the only things they didn’t carry were hardware type items though they did have a small horse shoe department. I guess he doesn’t want to compete with the actual hardware store, Arron thought. The ponies who were shopping stopped to stare at the strange entourage. Filthy lead them behind the counter and through the door to the back room that was more like a small warehouse, where ponies were busy unloading carts full of items from all over Equestria. They didn’t stare like the patrons did and a few of them actually smiled and wave at the human and Equestrians. Filthy Rich sat down in his chair behind his paper covered desk. A secretary pony closed the door to Filthy Rich’s office behind them drowning out the noise from the warehouse. Filthy Rich shoved a large stack of papers to the side so he could see the ponies and person in front of him. Filthy placed his fore hooves on his desk, leaned forward and stared at Twilight. “Now princess what can I do you for?” Twilight shook her head. “Not for me,” she pointed her hoof behind her. “For him.” “Alright then,” Filthy looked up at Arron. “What can I do for you Mr. Bighoof?” Arron smirked and shook his head. “I’m not a bighoof, and I would like to exchange one or more of my coins for bits.” Filthy tilted his head. “Coins?” “Yes,” Arron reached into his pocket making Filthy’s left eye twitch. He pulled out one of his Pledge coins and flicked it to Filthy who snatched it out of the air with his hoof. “How many bits can I get for one of those?” Filthy eyed the coin then turned it over a few times. Then he read the Pledge of Allegiance on the back before turning it over a few more times. “The inscription is unlike anything I’ve read before,” he read it again. “The artwork is immaculate and the design is definitely not Eqestrian. I have no idea how this was minted nor could I put a price on it.” He got out of his chair and gave the coin back to Arron. “I’m sorry but I deal with wares, I’m not a money changer, nor am I an expert on currency.” He sat back into his chair and sighed. “I suggest you either take the coins to a banker in Canterlot or a Coin Coinsure in Manehatten.” “So you’re not interested in purchasing one or maybe two?” Arron asked disheartened. Filthy vigorously shook his head. “No I am interested, it’s just that with my knowledge I wouldn’t know what a fair price would be…” he paused to think a moment. “And what kind of metal are your coins made of?” Twilight and the others all looked at Arron. Who moaned, making them all balk a bit. “Seriously,” he muttered turning the coin over and showing it to Twilight and the two other mares in close proximity. “It states right here that it’s ninety nine, point nine, nine, nine percent pure silver.” He pointed at the small inscription on the bottom of the coin. “Pure silver,” Twilight and Filthy both shouted and even Midnight and AK’s mouth’s hung agape. Wait what, Arron thought. “Is silver rarer than gold here,” he wondered aloud. “Arron,” Twilight recovered the quickest. “Didn’t you know that silver is a lot rarer than gold. Even the wealthiest families in Canterlot don’t have much, if any!” “Are you trolling me Twilight,” Arron gave her an incredulous stare. “Where I’m from silver is a lot more common than gold and only slightly more rare than copper.” “Copper!” Filthy shot up from his seat nearly falling over in the process. “You have copper,” he was more excited about that than even about the silver. “Uh,” Arron shrugged and rubbed his head. “I have some, though I have a lot more silver than copper. I didn’t really think that copper would be that great of an investment.” “I’ll give you my store for all the copper you have,” Filthy trotted over to Arron and placed his forehooves on his chest to get closer to him. “I can’t do that,” Arron protested. “You’re right,” Filthy lamented. “My shop wouldn’t nearly be enough to cover the cost of the copper.” Twilight closed her eyes and nodded in agreement. Arron slapped his face with his hand. You must be joking, copper is even more precious than silver or gold… how messed up did you make this world Louren? “Arron,” Midnight tugged on his pants to get his attention. When he looked down at her she had fear in her eyes. “Are you a king or something where you’re from?” Every pony turned to him expectantly. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! What if he’s royalty? Twilight thought of the many possibilities and her ever changing expression showed it. Arron rolled his eyes and knelt down so he could look Midnight in the eyes. “No, I’m not,” he flatly stated. Though I am related to Richard the Lionheart, and Joan ofArc, he thought. All of the ponies breathed easier, except for Twilight who was still day dreaming. “In that case,” AK trotted around Midnight and stood next to Twilight. “You must be one of the weathiest ponies in all of Equestria.” “You mean people,” Arron deadpanned. “My mistake,” AK chuckled. “Wealthiest person,” she gestured for him to come closer. Glancing around making sure no pony else could hear her she whispered, “You know, that I know a few antique dealers who have some very lucrative friends in Canterlot.” “Really,” Arron was rather excited. “Really,” AK emphatically replied. “and if we hurry we can catch the next train before it leaves.” “Great,” Arron got back up to full height. “What are we waiting for?” Twilight calmed down enough to lead the party back to her castle. When they neared the ponyville center a very bouncy pink pony stopped them. “High, Twilight and Arron and Daring Do and uhh…pony I’ve never seen before,” Pinkie said in a single breath. “Wait,” she somehow teleported over to Midnight and got right in her muzzle. “You’re new here aren’t you,” Pinkie literally eyed her suspiciously. No I’m being serious, here her eyes were actually touching Midnight who wanted nothing more than to escape. Midnight, unable to get out of Pinkie’s vice like grip, slowly nodded. Pinkie backed away and with an explosion of confetti yelled. “I knew it!” “Pinkie,” Twilight screamed to get Pinkie’s attention. “What,” her head turned around behind her making Arron and the other two mares wince. “Arron and the other’s don’t have time for a party,” Twilight glared through the party pony’s stunned expression. “No party,” Pinkie ground her teeth. “There’s no party!” Twilight nodded at Midnight, Arron and AK to get out of there quick while she stalled her. Arron picked up AK and Midnight by their barrels and cautiously hoofed it out of there. “So how much silver and copper do you have,” AK watched Arron, who was picking up a camo covered back pack out of the trunk of his Nissan. “Exactly?” Arron shouldered the back pack and shrugged while closing the trunk. “Enough,” he re-shouldered his AR slinging it in front of him and readjusted his Sig inside of its concealment holster. He left his two 1911’s in the trunk to cut down on the weight he had to carry. This is whole a lot heavier than my camping stuff, he though, adjusting the straps on his camo backpack. “And how much is enough,” AK dared to question. Arron glanced up at the sky for a moment. “Let’s see I know I have over two hundred ounces of silver and at least one hundred ounces of copper.” AK gasped, and Midnight went wide eyed. He’s absolutely bucking rich, they both thought. Arron reached around and pulled a metal bar out of the side pocket of his backpack. He handed it to Midnight who took it in her magic so that she and AK could look at it while they trotted along beside him. “That’s a two ounce copper bar”— “Copper,” AK eyed it in disbelief. “This looks like a silver bar to me.” Arron chuckled. “Read the fine print on the bottom.” Midnight brought the bar closer. She admired the design though it had a nice tarnish spot on it, the bar still reflected brilliantly in the sunlight. “It says,” she read the fine print. “Made from two ounces of ninety, nine point nine, nine, nine percent pure copper, plated with one seventh ounces of ninety nine, point, nine, nine, nine percent pure silver.” “Wow,” AK glanced up at Arron then at the bar. “That’s gotta be worth a small fortune, I don’t even know if my royalties from my books could compare?” “Why is silver and copper worth so much anyway,” Aronn asked pulling out one of his coins from his pocket and flipping it with his thumb making a nice ringing sound whenever he did. Both ponies laughed, but AK answered. “Copper and Silver are really good magic enhancers and conductors”— Arron about tripped over himself. “Are you telling me that copper and silver can enhance a pony’s powers?” “Of course,” AK said and Midnight nodded while she kept rotating the copper plated bar over with her magic. “Every pony knows that much.” “Alright, so miss Do what would you do if I were to,” Arron glanced around before continuing. “Give you some?” It was AK’s turn to nearly trip over herself and even Midnight dropped his bar, though she did catch it before it hit the ground. AK trotted to catch back up to them. “Are you out of your mind,” she bumped his leg. “Do you know what the ponies would do to me if they ever found out I had any amount of copper or silver!” Arron shook his head and shrugged. “So,” he pulled off his backpack and placed it on the ground. A speeding rainbow trail passed them before halting, turning around and screaming back toward them. “Arron you’re back,” Rainbow Dash hovered in front of him. “And,” she glanced at midnight, then at AK. “And you’ve brought friends?” She did a double take. “Wait AK? Is that you?” AK rolled her eyes while she and Midnight gathered around Arron’s backpack. “Yes, Rainbow it’s me.” “That is so awesome,” she shouted, before eyeing her quizzically. “Why are you with Arron, aren’t you working on your next book?” “Ugh,” AK groaned. I really don’t have time for this, I know that she’s a good pegusus, but I can’t get into it with her right now... Arron interrupted her thoughts by opening the flap of his backpack showing the trio of ponies the contents. “See,” he said. “I have plenty.” AK Yearling, Midnight and Rainbow Dash all gapped at the bag full of copper and silver coins. There were several large square tubes containing twenty coins each then there were the individually coins in cases. “Awww,” Rainbow Dash gapped. “Arron you’re totally rich, why didn’t you tell me?” She glared at the human who merely shrugged. “I didn’t know that silver and copper where such a rare commodity,” He pulled out one of the individually wrapped silver coins, removed it from its plastic container and flicked it to Rainbow Dash. “Back in my world both metals, are really common the rarest ones are gold and platinum.” Rainbow Dash gapped at the coin, “This is so cool,” she glanced at Arron “Wait are you giving this to me?” Arron shrugged again, “If you want it.” Rainbow Dash started zooming around leaving rainbow trails in her wake. While the cyan pegasus was busy he pulled two more coins out of his backpack and gave one to Midnight, rubbing the top of her head while he was at it, and then he gave one to AK who looked at the coin then at him. “What’s this for,” she asked. “Do I need a reason,” Arron smirked at AK. “To give a gift to a friend?” “No,” AK meekly stated, “But”— “But nothing,” Arron cut her off sharply. “That’s yours if you don’t want it, tough; I’m not taking it back.” AK sighed before pocketing the coin, what am I going to do with it? She thought. I don’t need bits and if any pony finds out well, she looked over at Midnight who was staring at her coin. AK smiled. That’s probably the first time she had any currency of her own. Rainbow Dash burst through the door of her house. She raced upstairs to her room, rummaged through her closet pulled out an old case that held one of her many first place medals, took off the clear cover, threw her old medal across the room and placed her new coin inside. After replacing the lid she winged over to her dresser and placed the case on top. I have one of the coolest coins in all of Equestria, she giddily thought. I wonder what mom and dad would do if they ever found out? She shook her head then raced downstairs and out the door. Arron watched Midnight with a sense of amusement and wonder. Glad she really likes it, he thought. AK was happy to pay for the train tickets. Arron held onto the grip of his rifle when he noticed several ponies eyeing Midnight’s new coin. She was waving it, and spinning it around without a care in the world. Though it made both the human and pegasus companion rather nervous. “The Train for Canterlot will be departing in five minutes,” a conductor pony yelled. Several dozen ponies got off the train and only about a dozen were waiting to get on, including AK Yearling and her group. AK gave Arron and Midnight their tickets. The ponies on the platform kept their distance though some of them really wanted to get a better look at Midnight’s coin. AK trotted up to Midnight and tapped her shoulder. “Midnight,” she whispered after Midnight turned her head. “I think you should put that away, I know you’re excited about getting a pure silver coin of your own, but the ponies keep looking at you some of them I’m sure have the desire to take it from you.” “No,” Midnight growled. “This is my coin, Arron gave it to me,” she grabbed onto Arron’s leg. “It’s my precious no pony else can take it from me.” Is it me, Arron thought. Or did Midnight just go full Gollum? He patted the perturbed pony’s head. Her head spun around so fast Arron almost got a handful of horn. “You should put that away while other ponies are around,” he suggested. Midnight calmed, nodded and then the coin vanished into thin air. Wow, Arron thought, so ponies are like Transformers, they do have dimensional pockets! Then again both franchises are owned by Hasbro, so I guess it makes sense, this is a cartoon after all...a rather real cartoon, but a cartoon none the less. “All aboard,” the conductor pony yelled. Arron, Midnight and AK climbed into the train. Several ponies vacated the train car they were occupying though a few lingered knowing that Arron wasn’t a threat. One Earth pony in particular kept glancing at Midnight from a few rows up. Don’t even think about it, Arron mouthed a warning to the pony who immediately retreated to the next car when the human noticed him gawking. After one of the conductors checked all of the passengers tickets the whistle blew and the train started moving. “Next stop,” the conductor yelled. “Canterlot center!”