This story is a sequel to What I've Done

This is the third book in The Humanity Within Trilogy. If you haven't read the other two books first, go back and do that now. Don't worry, this will still be here when you get back...

Also, if you've already finished this trilogy, you should be happy to know that the next book in the series, A Darkened Sky, is out right now! Go read it, follow it, and all that stuff!

I don't know what to believe anymore. I was sure they were all monsters, all demons bent on destroying any peace I and my new friends might find in this life.

I was wrong.

Instead of burning this world down around me, their weapons are pointed away from the planet, not towards it.

As if that conundrum wasn't perplexing enough, I also have to deal with finding my own place in this odd, yet familiar society. But how does one simply go back to being normal? Especially knowing that the real monsters that caused this mess in the first place could be just around the corner?

After all, it's not like I'll ever see my home planet again. They may not be here to hurt me or my friends, but I still don't trust these 'friendly' aliens to get me a ride home...

It's been a while since you've had a proper day off. No work, no responsibilities, none of it. So, you're going to make the most of it by doing absolutely nothing. Your hammock is set up, your cooler is nice and full, and the shade underneath these Ponyville oak trees feels quite heavenly. Yup, it's going to be a good day.

Twilight, on the other hand, doesn't understand why you would want to do something so... mundane.

After you suddenly appeared in the Crystal Empire one day, Princess Cadance personally saw to it that you were taken care of as you adjusted to your new life. She's been a great friend to you, and thankful though you may be for everything she has done for you, you have a few hangups about the way the "Princess of Love" does things.

But unlike her subjects, you aren't afraid to voice these concerns.

New York City's a good place for a pony to start over. There are plenty of opportunities available, such as pulling a carriage around Central Park. it's not that different from pulling a carriage in Equestria, after all.

Except for the regulations. So many regulations. The law is complicated, and it's not really set up for an Equestrian pony.

Pre-read by AlwaysDressesInStyle

Doing laundry is always a chore, and sometimes I envied my pony neighbor for rarely having to do laundry. Until I found out she wasn't allowed to wash her blankets.

It’s an unfair rule and shouldn’t apply to ponies, but the laundromat clerk won’t budge. A creative solution is required.

For Bicyclette’s Thousand Words contest

Now with a reading by StraightToThePointStudio!

Now with a reading by Rainbow Infinity Readings!

Now with a Chinese translation by FLX071!

While on an extended trip to Canterlot with Twilight, you became acquainted with a mare named Moondancer. She makes you feel all kinds of things that you've never felt before, and Twilight caught on to this pretty quickly. After some teasing, you decided to shoot your shot. Moondancer... didn't take it too well. It seems that, somehow, she simultaneously has confidence issues and a huge ego.

Or maybe she's just nervous.

Starlight Glimmer has been tinkering with some new spells as of late. She was convinced that she made some kind of connection to... something coming from light-years away. As much as you love that mare, you found that hard to believe, even if you are technically an alien.

As such, it came as a happy surprise when Starlight actually managed to secure that connection, revealing a massive network of information right at the tips of her hooves. Your shared glee is short-lived, however, as you come to the startling realization that you recognize this network.

After all, once you put something on the internet, it's there forever.

Princess Twilight Sparkle has been the ruler of Equestria for many years. She is really growing into her role well (both mentally and physically), and thanks to the support of those around her, she's doing a pretty good job to boot. As her husband, you have the monumental task of being there for her when the stresses of princesshood start to get to her.

Today, she is tired.

You and Twilight have been best friends for the longest time. It was surprising, considering that a literal Princess would ever consider you, the social outcast that you are, a friend. But for that, you were grateful. And you have never been happier than when you were with her, and vice versa.

One afternoon, Twilight approaches you looking all nervous and flustered. Naturally, as her best friend, you want to help in any way you can.

Featured on 7/25/2023 - 7/26/2023!

On the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, not too far away from Fluttershy's cottage, there lies a picturesque pond with a surprisingly gentle waterfall feeding into it. Behind this waterfall, a hidden grotto keeps itself a secret from prying eyes that may hope to defile it.

Fluttershy is the only exception.

When she needs some time to just get away from it all, she sometimes comes to the grotto to rest, reflect, and relax on her own. There are few places in Equestria that can replicate the sense of peace that she feels there, and she's glad to have it all to herself.

This makes it all the more worrying when, on one of her usual visits, she realizes that she's not alone.