I sat in the library wing in Twilight’s castle prepared to be bombarded by another set of questions. These were supposedly related to the test I would soon be taking. Celestia and Twilight’s friendship had been my saving grace when it came to how much time I’d had to study for the citizenship test while living here. I’m sure my circumstances on arriving here in the first place played a role in this as well.
Twilight was convinced I had a grasp on their language enough to pass the language section. She had done a pretty decent job teaching me, it was civics and history that would make or break me. I knew Twilight couldn’t tell me what was on the test and she could only do so much with the questions she was reading off.
“Capital of Equestria?” Twilight asked.
“Canterlot.” I replied quickly.
“Name three cities.” Applejack said.
“Ponyville, Fillydelphia, and Manehattan.” I answered.
“Forty two times twelve go!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“Uh…” I was caught off guard by the question and tried my best to quickly come up with the answer to no avail
“Pinkie Pie, that’s not going to be one of the questions.” Rarity said.
“Betcha it will be.” Pinkie Pie retorted in a sing song voice.
“How is the weather maintained?” Rainbow Dash asked getting back on topic.
“Cloudsdale’s weather factories and weather team.” I replied receiving a nod.
“Well he’s definitely getting faster. I think he’ll be ready soon.” Twilight said.
“Um…can you name a holiday?” Fluttershy asked.
I opened my mouth to reply but didn’t have an answer. I knew all of my holidays; Halloween, Thanks Giving, Christmas. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know a single Equestrian holiday. I had just come to assume that with all the similarities they were the same thing and not bothered to think about the subject anymore.
“I think you broke him Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie said.
“You’re kidding me, you can’t think of a single one?” Twilight asked astounded.
“None.” I replied.
“There’s no need to fret dear, Nightmare Night will be upon us soon enough, you can actually partake in it.” Rarity said.
“I’m going to assume that’s the same thing as Halloween.” I said looking to Twilight who nodded.
“I don’t know about this Halloween, but Nightmare Night is a holiday revolving around the story of Nightmare Moon.” Rarity explained.
“Nightmare Moon, who’s that?” I asked.
“Nightmare Moon was the dark side of Princess Luna that took control after she became so jealous of her sister she tried to over throw her. We managed to return Princess Luna back to her former self though with the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight replied.
I thought back to what Luna had told me, to not dwell on insecurities. That’s why it must have hurt her so much when I told her she didn’t understand how I felt. I found myself wishing I could meet her again so I could apologize.
“So what do you do on Nightmare Night?” I asked fairly certain one of the activities was to collect candy.
“Well fillies and colts will go door to door to collect candy. There are games too. It’s the one day of the year you want to be scary.” Twilight said
“Awesome so I just go as myself and I’m good.” I said.
“Absolutely not, if you’re going to participate you’re going to get into the spirit one hundred percent.” Rarity said.
“I’m the scariest thing in Ponyville why not just go as myself?” I asked.
“Because you’re trying to change that image right?” Twilight asked nudging me in the shoulder.
“Fine, what do I go as?” I asked.
“What’s scary from your world?” Pinkie Pie asked.
I thought for a moment, it couldn’t be too scary but I didn’t want to be lame either. I probably didn’t have to worry about whatever I picked being too scary since Twilight and Spike were the only ones who had been to my world.
“Blood free mister.” Twilight said authoritatively making her friends cringe upon hearing the word blood.
“I’m not a fan of it anyways, it’s too much work.” I said.
“You mean you’ve put blood on yourself before?” Fluttershy asked horrified.
“It was colored corn syrup mixed with a bunch of other stuff. It was fake Fluttershy I promise.” I said putting the timid pegasus at ease.
“Why not go as a hero instead of a villain?” Rarity offered.
“Most of the heroes from my world are bipedal and the others probably wouldn’t get it.” I replied.
“Why not go as a ghost? Then nopony would know who you are.” Pinkie Pie said.
“I’m pretty sure they’d be able to tell it’s me, I’m taller than you guys and don’t walk on all fours.” I said.
“Maybe go as something cute for a change and not scary?” Fluttershy asked.
“No offense Fluttershy but I don’t think going as something cute would be good either.” I replied.
Every part of my being rejected the idea of having some sort of bow tied on by Fluttershy as she tried to make me look like a rabbit or a squirrel. I shivered and tried to shake the image from my mind.
“Ya could be somethin’ simple, it ain’t gotta be complex.” Applejack said.
“I’d say a zombie then, but no blood or nasty stuff, Twilight’s orders.” I said rolling my eyes.
“There has to be something awesome you can go as. Your world can’t be that boring Nightmare Night’s in two days.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Don’t worry I’ll have something figured out by then I promise. I still think I could go as myself and be good.” I said.
“That’s what you did in your world isn’t it?” Twilight asked with narrowed eyes.
“Every year.” I replied with a grin.
“We’re breaking that habit, if you don’t have anything by tomorrow you’re going as a fluffy bunny. Fluttershy will be in charge of making it happen.” Twilight said.
Fluttershy was clearly pleased with this option over the others that had been proposed. The thought of being in a fluffy bunny suit returned to my mind and stayed despite my best efforts to block out the image. As adorable as the yellow pegasus’ smile was I couldn’t endure that.
I left Twilight’s castle with Applejack brain storming as I walked. The other ponies in town didn’t seem as scared of me now. Some of them still were and I understood why Twilight had insisted on my selection not including blood, fake or otherwise.
Rainbow Dash beating me may have been a blessing in disguise. A few of the ponies in town waved which was a vast improvement. I assumed it had to do with a sense of relief knowing the “big bad human” wasn’t really as bad as they thought.
Not everypony in town was as trusting yet. There were a lot who still stared at me despite all that had transpired. I couldn’t blame them though, Rainbow Dash hadn’t trusted me at first either.
“Are ya sure you can think of somethin’ by tomorrow?” Applejack asked as we approached the road that led to her family farm.
“I’m sure; I don’t think I could be seen out in public again after being a fluffy bunny.” I said.
“Alrighty then, let me know if ya think of somethin’.” Applejack said as we parted ways.
I sighed as I continued towards Fluttershy’s. I wanted my own place and I couldn’t wait until this stupid test was done and over with. I wanted to be independent and not feel like I was intruding, though I knew realistically that goal was a long ways off.
I hadn’t met Crafty Crate yet, perhaps I’d be able to find out who he, or on the off chance she, was. I frowned when I considered the possibility that this pony might have been watching me and Rainbow Dash. If that was the case then it probably made me out to be an idiot.
“A box…I could always go as a box…the Metal Gear box!” I exclaimed, the word crate having stirred my memory of one of my favorite video games.
“A box? Surely you can do better than that.” said a mysterious voice.
“Who’s there?” I asked looking around unable to locate the source of whomever or whatever had spoken to me.
“Perhaps it’d help if you broadened your search, beyond the ground.” the voice said prompting me to look up.
There was a cloud with a face on it. It was slightly disfigured, the eyes looked poorly made and there seemed to be a small sinister tooth hanging out from the mouth. It was as if a young colt or filly had drawn on the cloud putting almost no effort into it.
“Okay Rainbow Dash enough fooling around.” I said convinced the pegasus had some sort of control over the cloud I was unaware of.
“I assure you, I am by no means Rainbow Dash.” the cloud said, disappearing and a strangely shaped creature took its place, “I am Discord, lord of chaos, and you my unusual fellow must be Daniel.” Discord said.
The strange being stood eye level with me which was odd given how short every other creature I had met so far had been. Discord certainly looked like his namesake being made up of what looked like a bunch of different animal parts.
“How do you know my name?” I asked.
“Fluttershy and I keep in touch. She’s mentioned you a few times in her letters.” Discord replied.
“Oh…well, uh cool meeting you.” I said starting to back away.
“What’s the rush? We’ve only just met.” Discord’s voice said from behind me.
I spun around to see an exact copy of Discord who waved at me innocently. He said he was friends with Fluttershy but I had a bad feeling about this creature. Not because of his looks but because of his insistence on me staying.
“I’m trying to avoid being put in a bunny suit.” I said.
“A bunny suit? Oh that’s right Nightmare Night is coming up, so is that what your box is for?” Discord asked.
“Yeah, it’s from a game. The others had some good ideas but I’m not from this world so even if I was something awesome from back home no one would get it.” I replied.
“Hmm…why not think outside of the box instead of in it and go as yourself?” Discord asked.
“I already tried that. Twilight wouldn’t have any of it.” I replied rolling my eyes.
“Right Fluttershy mentioned you trying to blend in and adapt, but perhaps you could try bending the rules a bit?” Discord asked as he bent backwards until he disappeared and reappeared to my right sitting on a rock.
“Bending the rules? How so?” I asked, approaching the rock cautiously.
“Twilight wanted you to be something else right? I can help you still be yourself while accomplishing this goal. Like you said, who would understand whatever you chose?” Discord asked.
I thought back on the Metal Gear box and how nopony would understand it. I thought it was funny and clever. It would also irritate Twilight a little in good fun since she told me to come up with something, she never did specify what. Still it was from a game that didn’t exist here and felt like a lost cause.
“What are you driving at?” I asked.
Discord smiled an unnerving smile. It was the kind of smile that a mischievous plan often hides behind. Being the lord of chaos I could only imagine what his idea might be. I liked chaos in Warhammer, but I never thought I would actually see it embodied which made me re-think my stance on the subject.
“How about this? For three days I can give you a new outlook on life, you’ll be accepted by all and feared by none. The question is will you want to go back to the original you when all is said and done?” Discord asked holding out his lion paw like hand.
It was a strange offer to say the least, one that had come with an odd warning. Would whatever Discord was offering me really be that altering? I liked myself as I was, but the thought of being able to carry on a conversation with others without being awkward was too good to pass up.
“What does it do?” I asked cautiously.
“Like I said, it’ll give you a new outlook on life. I’m doing you a favor if you want me to be honest, since we’re both such close friends with Fluttershy.” Discord replied.
I raised my hand up to take his but hesitated. Something didn’t feel right about this, it felt off somehow. I tried to write it off as paranoia and convince myself Discord didn’t mean any ill will, but a part of me was still resisting.
“Tick-tock goes the clock, I haven’t got all day. It’s not going to hurt you.” Discord said his two mismatched horns morphing into a small clock.
With that I wrapped my hand around his paw and felt a tingling sensation travel throughout my body. I wanted to jerk back out of shock but found myself unable to do so. Discord smiled knowingly and with his bird claw pushed a finger against my forehead making my vision swim with a myriad of blue, yellow and purple hues.
I was unable to focus on anything and felt my mouth fall open. My muscles felt weak, as if I’d just spent an entire day exercising none stop. I felt myself sway from side to side as my balance became nonexistent. “For three days, you’ll be wearing your heart’s reflection as your sleeves.” I heard Discord’s voice say before everything went black.
---
“Wakey wakey.” said Discord as I felt a slight jabbing sensation in my side. He must have been poking me.
“What happened?” I asked groggily.
“You decided to take a nap while the magic took effect.” Discord replied standing over me.
I tried to stand up only to receive painful protest from my muscles. It felt like I had been hit by a freight train and lived somehow. I wished now he would have left me to sleep off whatever it was he did.
“I thought you said this wouldn’t hurt.” I complained.
“I never said anything about making you tired as an adverse side effect now did I? Oh and I'd take it slow trying to stand up.” Discord responded.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked before noticing how close to the ground my view was.
“Three…two…one…” Discord counted.
I screamed in panic until I heard the sound of fingers snapping and something like tape covered my mouth turning my cries of terror into muffled grunts. In place of arms that I thought I had propped myself up on I had forelegs and hooves. Looking behind me showed similar changes as I noticed a blue coat of fur and a green mane.
On my flank was a traditional cutie mark, albeit one I might have trouble explaining. It looked similar to the mark of Tzeentch from the game Warhammer I used to play. Tzeentch was the changer of ways in the game. I personally hated Tzeentch which made me a little disappointed on top of the panicked realization that I was no longer human.
“Let me know when you’ve calmed down.” Discord said as a chair appeared underneath him while a newspaper appeared in his hands.
I glared at the strange creature angrily. I tried to walk towards him only to fall flat on my face. It was then I noticed a group of feathers as they fell into my vision upon tripping, I had wings. I focused on them and they moved. I picked myself up off the ground and looked at my back folding and unfolding the wings I had been given.
“You probably won’t be flying any time soon if that’s what you’re wondering.” Discord said never looking up from the paper he was looking at.
As much as I hated to admit it, he was right I couldn’t even walk. I would have to change the way my mind worked if I wanted to get anywhere. I was still processing movement as if I had my human body, I had to picture it on all fours. Hands and knees would have to do.
I closed my eyes and I visualized myself still in human form. I put my theory to the test and was surprised at how well it worked. In my mind I was putting my arm and hand forward, but in reality it was my right foreleg, I did the same with each leg picturing myself crawling instead of walking up right. I looked back at Discord who was still ignoring me. With mobility under my nonexistent belt I approached his chair stumbling a bit.
“Mrpph.” I said trying my best to get his attention.
“Hmm? Say something?” Discord asked looking down at me with a grin.
I growled through whatever was covering my mouth, the sound muffled a bit.
“Okay hold your horses killer.” Discord said snapping his fingers which removed whatever was obstructing my mouth
“What the hell did you do?” I asked as calmly as I could.
“I told you exactly what it would do. It would give you a new outlook on life, and your heart apparently reflects that of a pegasus. I would have thought earth pony.” Discord replied as the chair and paper vanished.
“I didn’t think you meant it would actually change me like…this. Undo it.” I said.
“No can do, you’re stuck like that for three days.” Discord said.
“The others aren’t going to recognize me, what am I supposed to tell them?” I asked stomping the ground with a hoof in frustration.
I thought back to how I had only recently earned Rainbow Dash’s trust and while she would probably be a bit more tolerable of another pony, I didn’t want to have to go through all of that again. I regretted not sticking with the box idea. Even if it was a bit corny and lame it would have been better than being a flightless pegasus.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something, I don’t think you’re putting enough faith in your friends.” Discord said.
I scoffed and started to leave the odd dragon like creature behind. I was on my way to Fluttershy’s anyways, I might as well resume my original path. I stumbled a bit still not entirely used to relying on four legs as opposed to two.
“Oh don’t be a spoiled sport, you agreed to this remember?” Discord said as he shrank in size and appeared on my snout.
“Don’t you have someone else’s life to screw with?” I asked my wings involuntarily flaring out from anger.
“I haven’t screwed with anything. I’m keeping an eye on you since we’re headed in the same direction anyways. I could leave you high and dry if you like though.” Discord said perching himself on top of my head.
“Fine.” I said as I picked up the pace deeply regretting ever trusting this creature.
“Hi Ho Silver! Away!” Discord shouted making me sigh.
---
Fluttershy’s cottage finally came into view. It didn’t feel like I had walked as far as I normally had with two legs. I suppose four legs weren’t such a bad thing some times, still the change in height bugged me. I had been experimentally flexing my wings, which was cool and depressing at the same time.
I had always wanted to fly back home, I had never even been on an airplane before. After all of the mishaps that I had seen on television I just didn’t trust them. The closest thing that came to flying for me were video games which I was better off without anyways. I had more energy now than I did back home so it was a fair trade off.
The weight that had been present on my head vanished as Discord reappeared beside me and knocked on the door to Fluttershy’s cottage. I could hear the light clip clop of hooves from within as the pegasus approached the door.
The door cracked open just enough for Fluttershy to see us. The door suddenly burst open as a yellow blur collided with Discord almost knocking him down. From the way Fluttershy reacted to seeing the dragon like creature it appeared he was telling the truth about being friends, I let a bit of my hard feelings towards him go but still resented the fact that he danced around the little details of what I had agreed to.
“How have you been?” Fluttershy asked relinquishing Discord from her hug.
“I’ve been well. I just had the chance opportunity of meeting this stallion who was on his way to see you. I think we’re going to be best buddies.” Discord said grinning at me.
I’d rather have a hole drilled in my head. I thought to myself.
“Oh really? Well what’s your name?” she asked.
“It’s me Fluttershy, Daniel.” I replied.
“Oh your name’s Daniel too? Mister Daniel would be excited to meet you.” Fluttershy said.
“No Fluttershy it’s me, I’m Mister Daniel. They guy you patched up after I got clawed by a timber wolf.” I said.
Fluttershy tilted her head to the side with a confused look on her face. Discord was silent, observing the scene as it unfolded. I was silently praying she would believe me, she had to.
“Mister Daniel? Oh my goodness what happened to you!?” Fluttershy asked stunned at my new appearance.
“Your friend here had a hand, hoof, paw…something in it.” I replied.
“Discord I thought you weren’t going to use your power for mischief anymore!” Fluttershy scolded.
“I assure you I had the best of intentions, he wanted help to avoid being a bunny for Nightmare Night. So we worked out a little deal to make him look like one of you. Believe me this is much better than his box idea.” Discord replied.
“Well that doesn’t sound so scary. I think the box would have been a good idea.” Fluttershy said happily.
“You do?” Discord and I asked at the same time.
“Yes, it would have been nice. Now change him back.” Fluttershy said.
Discord suddenly became nervous at Fluttershy’s request. “Well that’s the thing, the spell is in effect for…three days. I was only trying to help, honest.” Discord said looking down.
“It’s true Fluttershy, I agreed to this.” I said.
As much as I wanted Discord to catch some flak for this I couldn’t let him get painted as a bad guy. I could have walked away but didn’t. I would just have to make the best of things.
“Well you do look cute either way. I think the bunny costume would only add to it.” Fluttershy said.
“No thanks Fluttershy. Now that I’m…normal, I may just stick to Pinkie Pie’s suggestion.” I said blushing a bit.
“Oh okay.” Fluttershy said sounding a bit disappointed.
“See? You were worried over nothing.” Discord said looking down at me.
“You’re certain there’s nothing you can do to make the spell end quicker?” Fluttershy asked.
“It’s composed of my chaotic magic, since rules are in place they must be abided by. As much as I love breaking them, there are some things even I can’t do.” Discord replied.
“It’s cool Fluttershy, I think I can manage three days. Besides I don’t think I’ll get as many stares as I have been for a while which will be nice.” I said.
“You shouldn’t need magic or tricks for that, you should want ponies to like you for you...I can’t say I’m happy with either of you.” Fluttershy said with a sigh.
“Please don’t be upset Fluttershy; I’m sorry I put the idea in his head. You said he was having a hard time fitting in so I thought I would try and help out.” Discord said.
“I know you meant well. That’s why we make mistakes, so we can learn from them.” Fluttershy said patting Discord with her hoof.
Twilight was right when she said Fluttershy was one of the sweetest ponies around. She didn’t need to go into a detailed lecture to make others apologize or straighten up, she killed them with kindness so to speak.
“So now that you’re a pegasus for three days what are you going to do?” Fluttershy asked breaking my train of thought.
“I don’t know, I haven’t really been to town for extended periods of time. I might try socializing.” I replied.
“Everyone’s going to laugh at you if you tell them your name. Fluttershy believed you but I don’t think the rest of the town will be so willing to jump on the bandwagon.” Discord said.
Discord raised a good point, my name didn’t exactly match my new body. I sat and attempted to think of something. I couldn’t seem to think of anything good, another problem was coming up with something nopony else had. I looked at my cutie mark which still had me baffled as to why that one had branded itself upon me. Despite my distaste for it the odd mark gave me an idea.
“Comet Guard.” I said taking inspiration from the game I was so fond of.
“Comet Guard? Well it’s certainly…unique.” Fluttershy said with a nervous smile.
“That’s the idea; now that the name’s out of the way I should be good to go.” I said.
“Go get’em tiger.” Discord said as I walked away.
---
I hesitantly entered Ponyville, I wasn't sure why I felt so uncomfortable. Perhaps I had grown accustomed to every head turning towards me in anticipation. Now I found myself being ignored, treated like any normal pony would be. Everypony seemed to be getting ready for nightmare night.
I grew a bit more confident as I ventured deeper into town with no real destination in mind. Walking on all fours wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and once I couldn't see anypony around I tried trotting instead of just walking.
I was impressed by how fast a simple action could move me. Hands down, or hooves in this case, this was starting to turn into the coolest experience ever. That is until I collided with something gray.
“Ow.” a voice said.
I looked down to find myself staring at the pegasus I had seen at Fluttershy's a few days ago. It wasn't until she looked up at me with her golden eyes that I realized I was on top of her, literally.
“Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!” I exclaimed getting off of her.
I tried to offer her a hand only to be reminded at the sight of a hoof being raised instead that the normal good will gesture might not work the same here. Much to my surprise the mare was able to take my hoof as easily as a human would anothers out stretched hand which baffled me a bit.
“Don't be, I run into things all the time.” the pegasus said.
“I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going though so it's kind of my fault.” I said.
“Hey...have I seen you before?” she asked inquisitively.
I couldn't help but notice she her eyes seemed to be a bit off, but other than that she seemed nice. She had what appeared to be a mail bag and matching hat to go with it indicating her profession. I felt bad knowing I had interrupted her route.
“Probably not I'm not exactly from here.” I replied.
“Oh, so is this your first time in Ponyville? It's full of nice ponies. My name's Ditzy Doo, but some ponies call me Derpy.” Ditzy explained.
“I'm Comet Guard...so which do you prefer to be called?” I asked almost forgetting my fake name.
“Ditzy is fine, well I should get back to work. A mail mare must see her route through to the end!” Ditzy said giving a small salute before waving goodbye.
She seemed like a nice pegasus and she had carried on a conversation with me without shivering or cowering in fear. The happy feeling was shattered when I reminded myself that this would come to an end in three days. Three days that I would have to make count.
That could wait though, Rarity had told me to get into the spirit of this holiday one hundred percent. On Halloween back home pranks and jokes were a big part of it. Looking myself over once more a wicked grin crossed my face.
I slowly pushed open the door to Rarity's house which doubled as her place of business. A bell announced my presence and I cursed at the sound, my plan had been foiled. Rarity appeared shortly after the bell had sounded and I decided that pranks could wait for now, I'd just see what she thought of the temporary me.
“Hey Rarity.” I said.
“Oh, you know who I am? Well then I guess my reputation really is spreading, sadly I can't say I've ever seen you before.” Rarity said.
“Sure you have, I'm usually not this short.” I said.
“Short? I'd hardly call you short.” Rarity responded.
“It's Daniel, Rarity.” I said.
Rarity didn't respond for a while looking at me as if I was a ghost. I was a bit stunned that she didn't call me a liar or crazy right off the bat. The awkward silence that filled the room was becoming uncomfortable and I started to wonder if she was trying to decide how to throw me out of her shop.
“How cute, he set you up to this didn't he?” Rarity asked.
I thought for a second before answering her. “No Rarity I didn't set anyone up to anything.” I said purposefully replacing anypony with anyone .
“Sweet Celestia it is you! What happened dear!?” Rarity asked in a panic.
“I don’t suppose you know Fluttershy’s friend Discord do you?” I asked in return.
“He did this to you? What in Equestria for?” Rarity asked her face twisting into a hateful expression.
I quickly explained that it wasn’t all Discord’s fault, although most of it was. I had agreed to this and I had to see things through to the end. Rarity seemed to understand my reasoning but she was still just as disappointed in me as Fluttershy had been. It almost made me want to turn tail and go back as I started to assume the others would react in a similar fashion.
“So do you know how to fly?” Rarity asked pointing at my wings.
“No and since I’m only going to look like this for three days I don’t think I’d learn how to before time was up.” I replied dejectedly.
“I’m sorry you won’t get to experience everything, but look on the bright side you can say you’ve at least had the chance to see if the grass was greener from our point of view. You just need to learn to be happy with who you are first though.” Rarity said.
“You’re right, I just wanted to fit in and be normal. It seemed like a good idea at the time, I didn’t know it’d make my friends hate me.” I said.
“I don’t hate you for wanting to fit in darling, everypony wants to fit in and be loved. I dislike the fact that you’re using magic instead of letting things happen naturally. Although I must say you do look rather dashing as a stallion. Since you’re here would you mind helping me with something?” Rarity asked with a smile which produced a noise that sounded like a squeak.
“Uh sure I guess if it’ll help make up for me being stupid.” I replied.
“Excellent now you just stay right here and I’ll be right back.” Rarity said leading me over to what looked like a stage with mirrors behind it.
The unicorn disappeared leaving me to wonder just what I had volunteered for. Given her occupation I could only assume it had to do with clothing or some other fashion related question. I turned around to look in the mirrors and saw my new reflection. I unfurled my wings with a smile a part of me wishing this wouldn’t end so I could actually learn how to fly.
“Seems somepony’s grown attached.” Rarity said watching me.
“Yeah, ever since I was a little kid I wanted to fly. So what was this favor I’m supposed to do?” I asked as my wings flattened against my sides.
A suite that looked like it belonged on a large dog from Earth levitated in front of me. I noticed there were several others on hangers.
“You see dear I hardly ever have a stallion to use as a model. Ponyikins are nice and all, but it really helps to see it on a living pony.” Rarity said as I took the hooked section of the hanger in my mouth.
Putting on clothes as a pony was an awkward experience. I was quickly regretting agreeing to this, but Rarity had helped me out so it was only fair to return the favor, though I never knew it would be for an hour.
“Hi Rarity, hi new pony. Wait a new pony!?” Pinkie Pie asked with a gasp as she entered the shop.
“No Pinkie Pie I’m afraid this isn’t a new pony, this is Daniel.” Rarity replied tightening something that pulled my stomach in painfully.
“Too tight.” I said causing the strap to relinquish its vice like grip on my body.
“It’s formal wear dear, it’s supposed to alter your posture and form, not be comfortable so as to take a stroll around town.” Rarity said.
“That doesn’t look like Daniel. He’s supposed to be tall and not a pony.” Pinkie Pie said.
“It’s me Pinkie, it’s not permanent though so I’ll be back to my old self in three days.” I said.
Pinkie didn’t seem nearly as concerned as Fluttershy and Rarity were. Until Rarity mentioned why I looked the way I did which resulted in the same situation as before. I had to explain myself all over again and hear the same lecture.
“So now that you’re a pegasus what are you going to be?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“A ghost I suppose, it’s simple quick and keeps me from being a bunny.” I said as I removed the last suit in Rarity’s line up.
I swiftly dismissed myself before Rarity could find more clothes she might have forgotten about. I still hated trying on clothes, even in this world. It was time consuming and the thrill women of any species found in it was lost on me.
I unfurled my wings and looked at them deep in thought. So what if I had a time limit, I at least wanted to try to fly. I couldn’t do it here though, I would need to find some place more isolated. Not many ponies made regular stops by Applejack’s. It was my best bet as far as avoiding an audience.
I would have to explain myself again though which made me question if it was really worth it. A light breeze passed over my feathers and it sent an oddly satisfying chill down my spine. As quick as the sensation had passed I was left yearning for it again. Explanation be damned I was going to do this.
---
Applejack was busy loading up a cart of apples, presumably getting ready like the rest of the town. It was probably a good business opportunity for her since apples could easily become candy apples with a little creativity.
“Hey Applejack.” I said taking the mare by surprise.
“Howdy there uh…” Applejack started to say trying to place a name to my face.
“Daniel.” I said rolling my eyes.
“Oh Danie-wait one second there, there’s only one pony with that name and he ain’t a pony. Now who are you?” Applejack asked her tone scaring me a bit.
“Applejack chill it’s me, honest. You found me out in your apple orchard and I didn’t know ponies could talk or anything remember?” I asked nervously.
Applejack studied me in silence and I could feel my heart racing. Running now would only make matters worse but it was tempting the way she was staring at me.
“How’d ya get like this, if yer who ya say you are?” Applejack asked.
“I ran into a dragon thingy named Discord and he said he’d give me a new outlook on life for three days. My idea for a costume was going to be a box, but now I’m just going to be a ghost. You told me to come by and tell you if I got any ideas remember?” I asked.
Applejack’s facial expression changed upon hearing my explanation. “I reckon I did tell ya to swing by.” she said finally believing me.
I sighed in relief now that the risk of my skull being kicked clean out of my head was over. Discord was right I needed to put a bit more trust in my friends. While Fluttershy Rarity and Pinkie Pie had seemed to accept the news well enough, convincing Applejack had been a slightly scary experience.
“So you’re a pegasus?” Applejack asked relaxing a bit.
“Yeah for three days.” I replied.
“So why did ya really come all the way out here?” Applejack asked suspiciously.
“I wanted to try these out.” I said stretching out my wings
“I think ya would’ve had better luck findin’ Rainbow Dash for that sugar cube.” Applejack said with a light giggle.
“I just wanted to try some place where nopony could see me, and I don’t think Rainbow Dash would’ve been the best pony to go to.” I said following Applejack as she continued to load apple baskets onto the cart.
“If yer mind’s made up then ya can try out there.” Applejack said pointing towards what looked like a pasture for sheep.
“Thanks Applejack.” I said before heading towards the clearing.
---
I was much farther from the farm than I realized as I turned around to look back at the building. That was fine though, I didn’t want an audience. I unfurled my wings and flapped them experimentally not quite sure where to start in terms of actually getting off the ground.
I tried flapping my wings as hard as I could before jumping up into the air. I fell backwards after traveling a few feet from where I was originally. I got back up and tried again this time trying to lean forward a bit. The result was the same only instead of backwards I landed flat on my face.
I quickly lost track of time, and how many bruises I had accumulated in my struggle to stay airborne for more than a few seconds. I had tried a multitude of times already and I was ready to give up. I looked at my wings and folded them against my back with a sigh.
“You’re not about to quit are you?” asked a voice from above me.
I looked up to see Rainbow Dash sitting on a cloud. I briefly wondered how in Equestria she found me until I recalled Applejack suggesting I look for the pegasus first. I sat on the ground as Rainbow Dash landed a few feet from me.
“So…a pegasus huh?” she asked.
“I’m guessing you already know?” I asked in return.
“Your form is off and you’re flapping your wings way too hard to try taking off with a jump.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile ignoring my question.
“You’re not mad or anything?” I asked.
Rainbow Dash sighed as she rolled her eyes. “I get the fact that you wanted to be cool, but I’ll tell you the same thing I tell Scootaloo you can’t force something to happen.” she said.
“Thanks.” I said.
“For what?” Rainbow Dash asked baffled.
“Not tearing my head off.” I replied.
“Don’t get all sappy on me. We’ve still got some daylight to burn, now I want to see those wings flap!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed producing a whistle and blowing in it making my ears ring.
By the time Rainbow Dash had either determined I’d been put through enough torture, or grown bored of watching me crash, I was exhausted. I could hover, that much I had down, but I could do little else.
Celestia was already starting to lower the sun but there was still enough light for me to notice I was covered in bruises. I had two cuts on my left foreleg that I hadn't noticed until now from the brutal workout Rainbow Dash had just put me through.
“Cloudsdale wasn’t built in a day.” Rainbow Dash said helping me up for the last time.
“Yeah but I don’t think I’ll be flying before time’s up.” I said dusting myself off as best I could.
“We’ll see, Twilight wasn’t that great of a flier at first either but she got the hang of it.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Oh crap…I forgot about Twilight. She’s going to tear me a new one.” I groaned.
“Suck it up, she’s not gonna kill you. You big baby.” Rainbow Dash said hitting me in the side gently with her hoof. Despite the pulled force behind it, the pegasus had unknowingly hit a tender spot which made me cringe in pain.
Rainbow Dash had a point, I’d done plenty of stuff to get under Twilight’s skin by now and I was still breathing. Accepting chaos magic from a dragon creature though would be a new one.
---
Luna had already raised the moon and stars by the time I arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage. A carriage pulled by four pegasi in armor made it clear the shy animal caretaker wasn’t alone. I nervously approached the front door and knocked. I had hoped no one would answer but was disappointed when the door opened by itself.
“I see you managed to come up with something.” Twilight said looking at me.
“Yeah you could say that” I said.
“Don’t bother explaining, let me see if I can guess based on what I’ve heard so far. You had a chat with Discord, the lord of chaos who only recently truly reformed himself mind you, just so you could get out of wearing a bunny suit…am I on the right track so far?” Twilight asked doing her best to hold back her anger.
“Yes.” I replied.
“Magic is never to be taken lightly, am I clear? It’s what sent you here in the first place and caused you a great deal of grief if memory serves.” Twilight said her voice was more akin to a scolding mother than the friendly tone I was used to.
“I know that, you think I’d just forget all of that? Just once I wanted to walk through town without being reminded by every single pony’s gaze that I don’t belong here. Why was that so much to ask for?” I asked.
“Because it’s temporary, wouldn’t you rather have something permanent? Something that mattered?” Twilight asked.
“Yes.” I replied reluctantly.
“You're not the only one who's ever been out of their element. I've been in your place before and I know it's not fun, but you have to trust me when I tell you things will get better in their own time. Fooling ponies with magic won't solve anything.” Twilight said a bit calmer now.
“I know, I'm just tired of waiting.” I said.
Twilight looked ready to say something else but shook her head. I guess she figured I'd received enough criticism. She looked me over once more assessing me and cringing a bit when she noticed the bruises I'd received from earlier.
“Did you get in a fight?” Twilight asked.
“If Rainbow Dash's training counts as one then yes.” I replied sarcastically.
“That explains the bruises then...they are pretty unsightly and I can't have you walking around on Nightmare Night looking like you just got out of a fight.” Twilight said with a sigh.
Fluttershy perked up as if an idea had just crossed her mind. She leaned over to Twilight and whispered something that made the alicorn smirk mischievously at me. My ears swivel towards them trying to catch some part of their hushed conversation.
“I think Fluttershy has a solution to your problem.” Twilight said.
---
Fluttershy adjusted the fake ears on my head that obscured my vision slightly. The suit was itchy and uncomfortable, or perhaps my subconscious despised my current position so much it was making me believe it was.
I fidgeted in place, my wings occasionally stretching out of their own accord. Nightmare Night had arrived and out of some sick twist of fate I had ended up in the very thing I had tried to avoid.
“Don't be so upset, I think you make a cute wittle bunny.” Fluttershy said sweetly.
A knock on the door interrupted any further adjustments to the suit. Fluttershy opened the door to reveal Pinkie Pie in a Crocodile outfit and Rarity who was dressed as what I assumed was the pony version of a vampire. Both started the giggle when they laid eyes on me.
“I expected you to be throwing a fit after being made to wear that.” Rarity said as I left the cottage.
“You mean he's not mad?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Oh I’m not mad, no I'm absolutely livid about this whole experience.” I replied in an unnervingly calm voice.
“It's only for one night, and you're not the only one dressed as an animal.” Rarity said pointing at Pinkie Pie as we headed to town.
Fluttershy had opted out of coming with us, and celebrating the holiday all together. She wasn't a fan of meeting what she considered scary ponies, even if they were just outfits the timid pegasus wanted no part of this particular day of the year.
The town looked amazing in terms of decorations. I felt something slip in between my lips and looked down to see a plastic pumpkin with a hole in the top. Pinkie Pie had shoved what I assumed was a makeshift trick or treater's candy bucket.
“Punke U'm tuu owld ta trunk er treet.” I said doing my best to talk and grip the plastic handle that was in my mouth.
“You're never too old for candy, come on!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed dragging me with her towards a house.
I was reluctant at first, but after the first two houses I started to loosen up a bit. I decided I would give the candy I got to somepony else. I had never been a big candy person and I didn't feel the need to consume a massive amount of sugar, Pinkie Pie on the other hand amazed me at how much she could consume and appear perfectly fine.
He bag never stayed more than hall full since she was almost constantly eating out of it . The sugar rush she had from the massive sugar intake must have been phenomenal. She started talking a bit faster than normal which was starting to drive me a bit crazy.
I finally had to separate from the pink earth pony and get a little breathing room. Looking around I noticed several games which were activities more to my liking. The spider toss was just as its name implied, tossing a fake spider on a web for points.
It reminded me of a few bean bag games that I had seen at several gatherings before. Instead of an actual spider's web there was a simple board that had holes cut in it for points, but the concept was the same.
“It seems somepony is enjoying himself.” Twilight said from behind me.
“Trying to anyways. They aren't electronic, but they'll do.” I said as I half-heatedly tossed a spider.
“You miss video games that much?” Twilight asked picking one up herself and tossing it on the web across from mine.
“Well before I came here, they were how I escaped reality. That's what they were for, but now that I'm actually in another reality they've slowly started to lose their meaning.” I replied.
“I guess I still don't understand.” Twilight said confused.
“If I wanted to be a war hero, I could be one. If I wanted to be an absolute monster, I could be one without actually doing anything.” I said.
“Escaping meant that much to you?” Twilight asked tossing another spider.
“At times...I wasn't always-never mind.” I said stopping myself and accidentally tossing the spider I had harder than I had intended to. It actually landed on the highest point value which was neat, but at that moment I didn't care and walked away.
Twilight didn't follow, that much I was thankful for. There were some things I didn't want to share, not here anyways. I traveled some distance from the festivities, but I was still within earshot of the games, music and other ponies collecting candy.
It was the odd sound of a sniffle that made me look around curiously. A stifled sob helped me pin point the location of whoever was in distress. There against a bench was Scootaloo looking at her scooter as if the world had just come to an end.
“Hey kid what's up?” I asked before I remembered I looked a bit different than I normally did.
“Huh? Oh i-it's nothing mister.” Scootaloo replied.
“Scootaloo it's me, the guy from the Everfree forest. The whole timber wolf thing. I probably look a little off because of a spell, but it's me I promise. You asked me a bunch of questions while I was at Fluttershy's cottage.” I said hoping it would convince her.
“Really? Magic made you look like a pegasus, though you look kind of lame in that outfit.” Scootaloo said running a fore hoof across her eye to try and hide a tear.
“Yeah I've gotten that already, so what's up with you? Why are you all the way over here?” I asked.
“I was supposed to meet Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, but my scooter got messed up.” the filly said hanging her head in sorrow.
I looked the scooter over and saw where the handle bars and wheel had been knocked out of alignment. For a while scooters had been the cool thing to own and every kid in the neighborhood had one, myself included. This wasn't an uncommon problem.
“Believe it or not kid I used to have one of these. This happened to me all the time since I was kind of accident prone. I learned a pretty nifty trick for fixing it.” I said setting the pumpkin full of candy down. I found using a hoof to carry it was much better than using my mouth.
I stood on my hind legs and made sure the wheel was between the hooves. I placed my forelegs over the handle bars in order to shift them back into place. I pulled forward on the handle bar and the wheel beneath me tried to shift but couldn't which resulted in the bar twisting forwards back into its original position.
Scootaloo's sad expression quickly changed as she saw her scooter restored with a simple act of force. The little filly proceeded to inspect it for any other signs of damage and smiled finding none.
“How'd you do that?” Scootaloo asked.
“Experience will teach you a lot of lessons kid. Not all of them are good, but every now and then they come in handy.” I replied sliding the plastic pumpkin full of candy her way.
“This is yours though!” Scootaloo exclaimed.
“Pfft Pinkie Pie drug me around town and made me collect all that. I'm too old for that kind of thing, so go ahead I wasn't going to eat any of it anyways.” I said with a shrug.
The tangerine pegasus hung the pumpkin on one of her handle bars and got back on her scooter. She headed towards the busier part of town after giving me a quick wave goodbye.
With nothing better to do I decided to make good use of the vacant bench and took a seat. I stared up at the night sky vaguely wondering if Earth was somewhere out there or if this was really another dimension.
Two days had already come and gone as far as Discord's magic was concerned. Tomorrow would be my final hours as a pony. I wasn't too heartbroken about it though. I missed being tall and having fingers not to mention only having to worry about two legs.
“Happy Nightmare Night.” I whispered as my thoughts trailed off to fonder memories of my childhood, back when candy was the most important thing in the world on a night like this.
“You’re not getting all depressed again are you?” Daring Do asked.
“Daring Do?” I asked.
“Pretty convincing huh?” the mare said spinning around once revealing a familiar cutie mark.
“Rainbow Dash…you dyed your coat mane…that’s creative.” I said.
“Yep, I had expected something a bit cooler from you though.” Rainbow Dash said.
“You and everypony else, you can thank Twilight for this.” I said.
You wanna get some revenge?” Rainbow Dash asked mischievously.
Before I could answer I felt myself hoisted into the air and placed on a cloud. I thought I was going to fall through it at first until I remembered pegasi could walk on clouds. The cloud started moving as Rainbow Dash pushed it towards the festivities.
I could see Twilight speaking with a few of the locals. No doubt she was like a celebrity here which I found cool to think about. I didn’t know any famous people back home, here though I was pretty close friends with one.
“You ready for some pay back?” Rainbow Dash asked joining me on the cloud.
“I guess, but how do you plan on doing anything from a cloud?” I asked.
“When I tell you to slam your hooves down on the cloud do it. Trust me it’ll be fun.” Rainbow Dash replied.
Twilight was completely oblivious to our presence which was perfect. I watched Rainbow Dash raise her hooves above her head and I did the same. She slammed her hooves down on the cloud and I followed suit causing a loud bang. It was the sound of thunder which made several ponies jump in surprise and fear.
Twilight lost her composure at the loud noise and looked around as if Ponyville was under attack. Rainbow Dash fell backwards laughing at her friend’s reaction and I couldn’t help but laugh as well. Our combined laughter gave away our position.
“Can’t you two find anything better to do?” Twilight asked annoyed.
“This is much better than candy or games.” I replied.
Hands down I had a new favorite holiday. Nightmare Night.