//------------------------------// // 1 New World // Story: An Unexpected Trip to Equestria // by Anonomis //------------------------------// It started as a normal sleepover between two friends with a videogame session between the blonde haired, blue eyed Brian Dragnov and his black haired, black eyed friend, Deltorix. Brian was 5"4' and although weighed 215lbs was muscular due to working out in martial arts. His hair was kept short in a crew cut while Deltorix was 5"10' and weighed at least a hundred pounds more than Brian and had short and shaggy hair. The two had gotten stuck in trying to find an in-game collectable so Brian decided to just find a walkthrough online. "Just be careful. It's raining and I don't want you getting hurt,” Deltorix cautioned "I'll be ok. Nothing bad should happen," Brian replied “You say that; but I'm not entirely sure. Just look it up and get off,” came the rather stern reply Brian sat down in the office chair in front and began typing. Without warning; the crack of a lightning bolt struck was heard as it struck an antenna on the house. The shock managed to carry enough energy that both of Brian's arms and chest were hit as the force shoved the chair towards the other side of the tile floor with ease. "Dude, you okay? Never mind, I'm calling an ambulance," Del said "That hurt me…in the everywhere," Brian panted Del called the ambulance and had Brian taken to the hospital to be examined for any neurological damage. Brian was told he would be in the hospital for around three days depending on if any damage was found or not and could be discharged after that. ●HOSPITAL STAY● “I'm sorry to say; but you're going to be staying here,” a nurse said “Not much choice; but don’t think about putting a damn catheter in me! I can piss just fine without it.” “We have to make sure the lighting strike didn't cause any internal damage,” a doctor replied “Besides the nice scarring on my arms and chest? Well; I do have some mental scarring. Seeing your family kill themselves on your birthday would probably screw anyone up.” “I am sorry to hear that happened,” a nurse offered “Thanks. I'm lucky my best friend has been there to help me out.” “In the morning we're going to have to subject you to some test on your nerves and muscles,” the doctor said “Yay,” came the sarcastic reply “I get to play pin cushion.” The next day a neurologist entered the room with his equipment brought in by a nurse. Sitting on a tray was a monitor and a few electrical pads. “This is going to hurt a little,” the neurologist commented “Just do it.” Brian watched as the pads were attached as the machine was turned on. The doctor took a needle-like tool and pushed the tip to the skin. An electrical current was sent into Brian's arm as he closed his eyes in an attempt to ignore the pain. “Shit! 'Hurt a little' my ass!” “Please watch your language,” the doctor chastised “Not entirely easy when I'm getting shocked. Especially when you keep turning up the voltage! Crank it up; and I'll be switching roles and you won't like where I shock you.” Getting the idea; the rest of the test progressed faster revealing no damage. As he returned to the room; a new change of clothes were waiting on the bed. “These were dropped off by a gentleman named Deltorix. He said you could use them,” the nurse commented “Good news is you're going to be discharged today. Your friend is in the lobby to take you home.” After grabbing the clothes; he headed into the nearby bathroom to change. Once the pants, socks and shoes were on; he decided to take a selfie to see the damage to the front of his chest and arms. Moments later; the final stop was to get checked out as he was also informed to immediately call the hospital if anything happens. “Finally; I can relax. What're we going to do now?” “You know tomorrow's my birthday; right,” Del asked “If you didn't mind; I wanted to go out alone for the day while you stayed at my house.” “November 11; that's right. Veteran's Day's your birthday and I completely forgot about it.” It was some time around noon Deltorix left and Brian was already bored. For the past few hours he was playing video games and finished what he tried to do only days ago. Now; he decided to watch a cartoon, movie or something in the hopes of alleviating the boredom. “‘My Little Pony’? Meh; why not. Del’s always talking about the damn show so much.” With that; he started watching it from the beginning and would just play the next one as soon as possible. A couple hours later; he had finished the first two seasons and was a portion of the way through the third as he finished his dinner. "What I wouldn't give to be in Equestria right now instead of here," Brian said out loud to himself “Beats being a loner right now.” Suddenly, the episode he was watching ‘Keep Calm and Flutter On’ stopped near the end and the Discord on screen started to reach his claws through the screen and slide into the room leaving the spot he occupied on screen to be filled with electronic snow. “Perhaps I can help make your wish come true,” he said casually “I couldn't help but overhear your comment.” “Who are you,” Brian asked stunned “Me? You’re watching an episode based on me and you don’t know who I am? For shame, Brian, for shame,” Discord answered, wagging a finger in front of his face “Discord? How did you get here, in my world,” Brian said shocked “Hello? God of chaos? Multidimensional being capable of anything,” Discord said rapping his knuckles on Brian's head “What do you want with me then?” “What do I want?” In an Italian accent Discord said, “to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Of course you'll take the offer even if you say no.” “And that offer is,” Brian asked twirling a hand while waiting for an answer “To send you into Equestria. Now if you enter this portal you will leave this behind but when you return, no time will have passed,” Discord said A portal showed up and Brian couldn't help but check out the area. As he leaned into it; Discord kicked him square in the rear to send Brian through. “Have fun,” Discord yelled before the portal closed. “I love messing with humans.” (HI EVERYONE! ENJOY THE STORY!) Looking around to get his bearings led Brian to find that he was landed in the forest and he somehow changed appearance. "I'm in Equestria and happen to be a griffin. Thanks Discord. If I find you I don't know whether or not to thank you or kick your ass." After he said this, a plush donkey magically appeared in front of him with a note that read, ‘Kick Me- Discord’ “Never mind,” he said causing the plush to disappear His appearance now consisted of yellow feathers with blue trim and black fur. As he stretched his limbs trying to get feeling in them he walked around trying to find some water and drank as much as he could to get rid of the thirst. "Well at least this is something I could possibly get used to. Once I finish I'll look around and find something to eat." As he finished drinking, he found a tree to relieve himself and turned around to find a rabbit near him. "Sorry Bugs," Brian thought Brian crept up slowly to the rabbit before grabbing it and snapping its neck. He stuck his claw into the rabbit to allow access to the interior. "Food is food as far as I'm concerned but I am glad that any animals here aren't sentient." Once he finished eating; he washed up by splashing water over his beak and feathers to remove any blood. He quickly dug a hole in order to dispose of the rabbit carcass and said thanks for the meal. It seemed odd but considering he was human it felt like the right thing to do. Walking around the forest was troublesome as he left a small claw mark on the trees to know if he returned to a previously visited area, which fortunately never transpired. He left the forest and reached a clearing with trees and bushes with a town on the other side. "Well I may not know much about the show but I know that I'm on the edge of Ponyville." He ducked behind a bush and crawled to another bush a little further before he saw his appearance change for a second time. This time he became a pegasus with a short blonde mane, ending just behind his head and average length blonde tail with all black fur; blue primary feathers and black interior feathers. He looked to find what cutie mark he had. The mark consisted of a musical quarter note crossed in an ‘X’ shape with a pencil with a scroll in the background. Wanting to test a theory he had Brian crawled back towards the forest where he reverted into his griffin form and his pony form closer to Ponyville. "Great, at least I know I can shape shift to blend in although I wonder what the limits are. Can I change at will or only near the forest," Brian thought Keeping his pony form he started entering town before he suddenly stopped and grabbed a fallen branch and threw it towards the town. Stupidly expecting a pink siren to go off he quickly and quietly tried to enter Ponyville before a certain pink pony literally popped out of nowhere. "And THIS is what I was afraid of," Brian said out loud "Who are you talking to" Pinkie Pie asked "Myself. Sometimes I think out loud to figure somethings out." "You sound like a friend of mine, Twilight. By the way; I'm Pinkie Pie," said the hyperactive pony "I know who you are Pinkie. I'm not from around here but I know a little about this place," Brian said "Not from around here only means one thing: a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party," she exclaimed "Wait, how do you know me? Eh, never mind." "Before I go I have to ask, do you have any electronic sensors around the perimeter or anything similar," Brian asked, already sounding foolish "No, I don't think so. I just happen to know when someone new arrives. By the way, I like your cutie mark. A musical note, pencil and scroll. What does it mean,” Pinkie asked "I figured I'd ask about the sensors and the cutie mark means I’m good at art: writing, drawing, music. In the meantime I'll head to the library to learn more," Brian said leaving Pinkie Brian left Pinkie and walked over to the library to see if there might be a possible answer to his arrival. He knocked on the door and a feminine voice called out 'come in' so he did. A purple mare walked out of the upper floor to see who entered. "Nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike," she said introducing herself and her dragon companion "My name's Brian Dragnov. I'm not from around here and was hoping you might help me." "Where are you from, Spike asked “How did you get those marks on your body,” Twilight added "You aren't going to believe me but not from anywhere around here. I was at home and Discord kicked me into a portal to here. As for the scars, I got struck by lightning," Brian said casually “Tell me about yourself,” Twilight asked sparking conversation “At home, I’m 25 years old and graduated college with a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Away from school I take part in martial arts being a black belt in karate and a 2nd Dan in taekwondo. My parents died about a month ago and due to that I sometimes stay at my friend Deltorix’s house,” Brian explained “What about your friends?” “First off, I’m one of four princesses. Celestia, Luna and Cadence are the others. My friends are in no particular order Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash,” Twilight answered “What did you eat,” Spike asked “Why do you ask?” “I can smell blood on your breath,” Spike stated “I actually don’t know how to explain this.” “It would be beneficial to answer this,” Twilight offered “Ponies don't eat any meat.” “When I entered this world; I landed in the Everfree Forest as a griffin. I was hungry and devoured the innards of a small rabbit. The remains are buried out of habit.” “Could you show us this transformation,” Twilight asked hopefully “I could try. Could you please close the shades first? I'd rather this not be taken out of context.” Without a second thought; she allowed a small spell to temporarily bar the windows until her guest was done. Brian closed his eyes and concentrated on the griffin appearance as he transformed. Seeing what just happened; Twilight started walking around him to observe everything she could along with poking and prodding him. “That is impressive. The scars still remain on your arms if I move the fur away,” she observed “This discovery could change so much.” “I'd rather it not get out,” Brian argued, changing back “I understand. It should be you to say anything; not me,” she realized “Going back to the idea of food; what exactly do you eat in Equestria?” “Ponies mainly eat fruit and vegetables; either raw or cooked. Pinkie works at the bakery; where a variety of desserts and pastries are made,” she explained “Fish and shrimp are eaten; but not as often and usually at certain restaurants.” “Of course; grass and dandelions are eaten as well,” Spike added As if on cue; Spike belched out a letter from Princess Celestia. Twilight took a look at the scroll before handing it over. “This is addressed to you; Brian. It says ‘The visitor to Twilight Sparkle is invited to Canterlot to see the princesses. A carriage will be arriving by the Royal Guard’,” she commented "This might be a blessing as I was hoping to meet the princesses. Do you happen to have some tea while we wait for my escort to arrive?" “Of course. Spike; would you like a cup?” “I'll pass. But I'll make it for the two of you,” he answered About half an hour later the guard showed up and Brian walked in the carriage with Twilight and Spike in tow. The captain of the guard, Shining Armor led the group inside and to the throne room before waiting outside. Brian walked alone and saw Celestia and Luna sitting on the thrones. "Nice to meet you ma'am, err, Your Highnesses," Brian said bowing "You are the visitor the guards were sent for," Celestia asked "I am, or at least I believe I am. Your pupil's letter mentioned the visitor and that would be me. What exactly is this about?” "I was told from an anonymous source about the arrival of somepony who was a shape shifter," Celestia explained "Than that is me. I was at home watching T.V. and Discord came out of it and kicked me through a portal where I landed in the forest as a griffin. As I walked closer to Ponyville I changed appearance to what you see now. Am I in trouble for any reason," Brian answered "My source told me about stories about our world and something called a television show," Celestia continued "Yes, people in my world write stories about various characters and the cartoon is called 'My Little Pony’. There are an unknown amount of fans that are known as 'bronies' and have various personalities. My best friend is one and happened to make me a bet of pride that I would not buy a plush of any of the characters," Brian explained "What is this so-called 'bet of pride' that you mentioned," Luna asked "Because my friend watches the show and I don't he made me a challenge to buy one and I decided to one up that. Three plushies of Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Spike and you, Princess Luna,” he said, causing Luna to blush at this comment; knowing a human has a plush of her "One creation of some fans is the alternate Celestia known as 'Molestia' and Luna is considered to be a 'Gamer Princess.' In fact as I consider myself a gamer I chose to name my plush of you 'Gamer Princess Luna.' There are drawing that fans have made that fall into two categories: 'safe' and 'other.' The former are images that are able to viewed by anyone," Brian continued "And the other images," Celestia questioned "Not to be explained in public. I'll write what they are down and hope you burn after reading" Brian wrote down the definition of the other images and described them as sexually explicit and wrote 'use your imagination' next to it and handed the paper to the sisters where they blushed upon reading it and promptly destroyed it. “Thank you for having me here, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. If you’ll excuse me I have to visit he-who-shouldn't-be-named,” Brian said with a bow The sisters looked at each other before mouthing the name 'Discord.' Brian nodded in agreement with what they said, knowing the next person he needed to pay a visit to once he left the throne room. Brian walked out to the gardens and called for Discord to arrive. "You called good sir," Discord said arriving on a tuxedo "I hate to be rude," Brian started "But let me guess, you wanted to thank me for sending you here or kick my ass," Discord answered turning around with a bull’s-eye floating around his ass with a neon sigh pointing to the target “Honestly, at this point I don’t know which I want to do,” Brian answered “Well, whenever you need me just holler,” Discord said before he left “Oh! By the way; if you go to Ponyville Cemetery; you'll find your parents’ graves. It's not exactly them; but it does have facsimile bodies in there of their human forms.” After leaving the gardens, Brian was informed by Twilight that he would be staying with her and Spike for the time Brian was in Equestria. Celestia approved of the arrangement as it gave Brian someone to watch over him and give him someplace to work. Once they got back to the library, Brian started looking for anything related to the history of Ponyville and tried to see if there were any stories about humans entering the world, sadly not finding anything. "Figures I wouldn't find anything. I wouldn't write about visitors that are from out of this world in the history books," Brian said with a sigh putting the book aside "Find what you're looking for," asked a curious Twilight entering the room "Sadly no. If there are records of human entering Equestria none of it was recorded. I feel like I'm stuck in a dream or a nightmare that I have no way to leave. In fact if I go to sleep, I'm not sure if when I wake if it'll be here or at home." "Well, try and get some sleep soon. When you wake up; regardless of your location; you'll know you're home," Twilight said giving Brian a kiss on the cheek "Thanks Twilight," he said blushing “Do you happen to have a telescope on the roof by any chance?” “I do. I go up there for star gazing once in a while,” she answered “The ladder is at the of the hall; just pull the string.” After finishing their conversation; he followed her instruction and pulled the ladder down. Once up on the roof; a feat he didn't think about in terms of climbing; he found a flat spot and laid on his back. Luckily; the sky was completely empty granting an unobstructed view. “Wherever you two are; I miss you.” “This is a rare sight,” a voice called “Not many ponies actually enjoy our night.” “Good evening Princess Luna. When I was younger; my dad would take me camping out in the desert. We would look up at the stars as he made sure I knew astronomy.” “I do not know the names of your constellations; but my oldest brother Midnight Star has told me Equus is part of the Andromeda Galaxy,” Luna replied “That's definitely interesting. My home planet of Earth was located in the Milky Way Galaxy. While the two are neighbors; they are expected to merge together eventually.” “He mentioned that too. In case you're curious; Midnight played the biggest role in my banishment. He agreed to me being sent to the moon; but no longer than a millennia. Our parents happen to be the alicorns in charge of time and space for our father and mother; respectively.” “In regards to what you said about not enjoying the night; I'd hazard a guess that ponies that work at night don't pay attention to the stars?” “Most glance up; but ignore everything. As usual; everypony prefers Celestia’s day to my night,” she answered sadly “At least you know there are some that do care,” he said, hugging her “I hope you don't mind the hug.” “Not at all. Most fear that embracing either of the princesses would be cause for punishment. You have cheered me up greatly,” she said “May you have pleasant dreams this evening. I must leave now to get to work.” As she took off; Brian waited until she was off the tower to head back inside. Once inside he made his way into the bedroom and promptly fell asleep. “Good morning,” Twilight said cheerfully “Sleep well?” “I slept,” Brian joked “Morning. I'll get started on breakfast,” Spike chimed in “Does pancakes sound good; Brian?” “They do. Care for an extra set of hands?” “Thanks for the offer; but I'll take care of it,” Spike replied After finishing up the plate of pancakes; Twilight used her magic to take the plates from everyone to clean them. As she was leaving; Twilight’s tail flicked momentarily to the side; revealing a very private part of the body that Brian saw. Once she was out of the room; he brought a hoof up (anatomy be damned) and proceeded to smack himself in the back of the head. Spike instinctively grabbed his head as the sound resonated. “What the buck happened,” Twilight asked frantically, before starting to hyperventilate “I don’t know. Brian just hit himself,” Spike said, handing over a paper bag “Sorry. It was something I saw.” “That doesn't answer anything,” she stated “You still hit yourself for no reason.” “When you left, your tail flicked aside revealing your private parts. Human are completely covered and don’t show everything; except in either porn or relationships. I have seen pictures of you and tried to get the mental image out of my head that came up.” “I get your point,” Spike chimed in as Twilight shot him a look “Being as small as I am; I see it all.” “And Celestia knows who hasn't seen Pinkie,” Twilight added with a sigh “Just try not to stare and nopony would care. On another topic; what do you plan on doing today?” “I thought about trying to meet your friends and help them out if they don't mind.” ♡ FLUTTERSHY ♡ Figuring she would be the easiest to help first, Brian set off towards Fluttershy’s house. As she opened the door; he noticed Discord was sitting down with a cup in his hand. “H, h, hello,” she stuttered quietly “Good morning, my name is Brian Dragnov and although I’m new here I was wondering if you need help with anything,” he said Fluttershy’s pet bunny Angel emerged and started kicking Brian’s leg. Seeing Discord inside gave Brian a devious idea. “Discord, could you come here for a moment? I was wondering if you happen to have a,” Brian started “I do. I hope you’re thinking what I’m thinking,” Discord whispered, passing Brian a fake rabbit's foot “Angel, stop kicking him. Brian hasn’t done anything to you. What did you ask Discord for,” Fluttershy asked “Angel? You’re more like a devil. Keep kicking me and you’ll regret it,” Brian said as he picked Angel up with the furry little jerk still attempting to kick him “What did Discord give you,” she firmly asked “This,” Brian answered throwing her the rabbit's foot Seeing Angel’s face caused Discord to bust up laughing as Angel leapt out of Brian’s grip and ran behind Fluttershy as she dropped the rabbit's foot. “It’s not real. I wanted him to stop acting like a jerk before he gets punted,” Brian said as Discord changed into an American football uniform “I’ll talk to him about being nicer to others. In the meantime; would you mind helping me feed the animals,” she asked “Sure. Lead the way,” he said as he mentally told himself not to look at her flank The two headed into the Everfree Forest before Fluttershy stopped. Standing in front of them were a multitude of grayish blue spiders with a light blue star on the abdomen. Behind them stood a much bigger spider that was probably the queen. “Those are star spiders,” Fluttershy whispered “And they're in our way.” “Please let the two of us pass. We mean no harm to any of you. Our purpose is to feed the animals my partner is taking care of.” A series of clicks resonated from the queen’s mandibles as it decided on their fate. The smaller ones parted to either side leaving nothing standing between the queen and them. “She says we are free to pass as long as we mind where we go,” Fluttershy translated “Don't wander into areas that contain star shaped webs or you will be killed for trespassing.” “Thank you for the ability to pass as well as the warning. I promise to be vigilant about my location.” Despite the newly granted freedom; Fluttershy had to lean on Brian for support as she started to shake. They headed to a clearing with dozens of animals and one big brown bear. He dropped something on the group that caused many of the animals to move aside. Brian recognized it as the rabbit he killed the day prior. “Harry says he found this deeper in the forest,” she explained “He also said you have an identical spell to the one that killed Wyatt; Angel’s brother.” Wordlessly Brian changed into the griffin as Angel jumped off Fluttershy’s back and started to attack him. Brian didn't flinch during the assault as he knew it was justified. “I entered this forest as a griffin and found something to eat. Never was it my plan to kill someone that was a family member,” Brian said as he lowered himself to the ground “I don't expect to ever have forgiveness.” “Please change back to how you were originally as the pony,” Fluttershy directed “The griffin is making the others uncomfortable.” “Of course. I mean no harm.” While they worked; Fluttershy had to talk to the animals in an attempt to reassure them he really did not mean to harm any of them. Brian stayed silent to not draw any more ire from them. “Well; I fucked up big time,” he thought A short time later the two of them finished and as Brian was about to leave Angel came over and held out a paw to him. “You’re sorry,” Brian asked as Angel nodded “He thought that paw was from his brother,” Fluttershy commented “I am truly sorry for what happened. I'll understand if you don’t want any further contact with me.” “Don’t say that. We all make mistakes,” Fluttershy said reassuringly “Thank you. I'll see you around some time in the future.” ♡ PINKIE PIE ♡ After having a hectic couple of hours with Fluttershy, Brian decided to move on to Pinkie. He hoped it would go much better when they wouldn't know anything about him. Walking over to the bakery he saw Pinkie and the owners Mr. and Mrs. Cake frantically trying to get something done. As he walked inside; he grabbed an apron and threw it in with no one paying attention. “Oi, need an extra set of hands,” he asked causing everyone to stop “If you don’t mind. This cake needs to be finished and delivered to a party and we're unable to finish,” Mr. Cake said “Just tell me what to do.” “Pinkie is in the back. She could use assistance,” Mrs. Cake added “Can I help?” “Not at the moment as the cake is still in the oven; but I could use help frosting,” Pinkie said “In five…four…three…two…one. Okay; I'll get this to the table if you can grab the vanilla frosting from the cabinet.” Looking towards the cabinet; he removed three containers of frosting and cradled them with his wing while Pinkie pulled the cake out. Working together; they managed to get everything done before Pinkie started to add something extra to the frosting. “This will make for a nice surprise. A POP that will deliver an explosion of frosting to everypony,” she mused “It'll be a blast no one will forget. I just hope I'm not there. Uh; that's not supposed to happen.” “No; that's not,” she deadpanned “There's one thing to do in this situation…RUN!” “GANGWAY!” Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked over with a collective “Huh?” “Frosting explosion,” Pinkie stated urgently Not needing to be told twice; the Cakes moved aside as Pinkie temporarily barred the door. Brian jumped over an empty table and flipped it on its side as the Cakes joined him. The force of the explosion sent Pinkie over the table as the door swung open. Every inch of the kitchen was covered in white frosting; including the ceiling. “Oops. I got a little carried away,” Pinkie said jokingly “Well; you're going to clean the kitchen up,” Mr. Cake replied sternly “Top to bottom.” “Carrot’s right,” Cupcake added “This has ‘Pinkie’ written all over it.” “No it doesn't,” Pinkie pointed out before running off “Now it does.” A quick glimpse into the room revealed that she actually wrote her name in the middle of the mess and left without leaving any trace. A pair of facehooves rang as the couple saw that. “I'll help cleaning. That way it goes a little faster.” After getting the kitchen cleaned up Brian decided to head out and end the day helping Rarity. ♡ RARITY ♡ Brian figured that she might be the easiest to assist. “Good evening. My name is Brian Dragnov,” Brian said with a bow “Rarity Belle. If you are here for an outfit; I'm afraid you'll have to come back in a few days as I am overwhelmed with orders,” Rarity stated before starting to close the door “Actually; I came to ask if you'd want some help.” “Are you sure you can help me,” she questioned, opening it back up “Since I’ve been alone after my parents died and even before that, I was taught to sew, although there is a disadvantage between us,” he answered “What disadvantage,” she asked curiously “You’re a unicorn and I’m a pegasus. In other words; magic user versus non magic.” Brian followed her inside and once again had to remind himself not to stare. “In order to save time we can split duties. I’ll continue working on sewing the dresses while you can work on the tuxedos,” she said leading Brian to a sewing machine “Sounds good to me. Thanks for allowing me to help,” he said “Actually I should be thanking you, darling. If I didn’t have any help it would take me longer to finish these,” she said As they got to work, Brian noticed that Rarity had a better start using her magic to sew but after a while she ended up doing a few by hand before stopping. Meanwhile he kept a simple rhythm going that was allowing him to continue on a while longer. “What do you think of the latest trend in color; darling? Fuchsia is making a comeback,” she inquired “Honestly; I never kept up with trends at home. Personally; I prefer function over fashion.” “Do you have a favorite color you like?” “Dark colors mostly; although I wear khaki a lot. What are all these outfits for?” “An event that is coming up in Canterlot. It's a lesser known event that only select nobles are permitted to attend. I am lucky to be designing these outfits,” she answered Brian started slowing down when he noticed he was yawning as frequently as Rarity. “Why don’t we call it a night. I’ve got just eight jackets left and you have maybe four dresses left that could be finished tomorrow,” he said with a yawn “Agreed. Thank you again for the help. Tomorrow I can finish the remaining outfits on my own,” she replied with a yawn of her own As he left Brian was so tired that he didn’t notice that Twilight arrived to help him back home and into bed. ♡ APPLEJACK ♡ Brian woke up about an hour before sunrise and wrote a note he left on Twilight’s door: It’s before sunrise as I write this. I’m heading to Applejack’s to help her out on the farm Once he left the note he quietly slipped out of the library and headed to the farm. He figured going towards the edge of town should bring him close to the destination. “What in tarnation would cause you to be up before sunrise? I’m up because I have work to do,” Applejack asked in disbelief “Normally at home I’m up early to train in martial arts. Here in Equestria I’m up today to attempt to help you,” Brian answered “What to you mean,” she asked “How’s about this; you let me help you and I’ll tell you as much about myself as I can,” he said “Deal. But do you know anything about apple bucking?” “No, but I can figure it out.” “Well; have you done any farm work,” she pressed “I lived in the city all my life; so no I haven't. My old man did teach me about construction so I have some knowledge about hard work.” Walking into the grove Brian watched as she used her back legs to kick the tree and decided to use his martial arts training. Using his wings for balance, Brian stood on his back legs and proceeded to roundhouse kick the tree dropping its apples to his delight. “That's an unconventional way of bucking,” AJ commented “I've only kicked them from behind.” “It's a habit for me to do it this way. Some things are hard to unlearn.” He picked up the fallen apples and repeated the process on all the trees he could. After every five trees he switched legs so he didn’t tire himself out as Applejack finished her trees. “Sugar, you’ve done enough to help out. Let’s get these buckets collected and you can tell me about yourself,” she said After they had everything cleaned up, she handed him a bottle of apple cider to drink. “To start simply, I’m not from this world. Discord kicked me through a portal as I sat at a friend’s house recovering from a lighting strike, hence the scars. I landed in the forest as a griffin and somehow managed to change into a pony close to town. After meeting the princesses, I’m currently staying with Twilight,” Brian explained “Well, being the Element of Honesty, I can tell you aren’t lying about your story. Could you show me your griffin form,” AJ asked “Sure,” he said simply as he transformed “Amazing. Are you sure you aren’t a changeling,” she asked in disbelief “I’m sure,” he said changing back. “Well, I’ve helped all but Rainbow Dash,” he said as Rainbow Dash dove towards him ♡ RAINBOW DASH ♡ Seeing someone diving towards him, Brian instinctively kicked her; trying to stop Dash from landing on him. “What are you thinking, kicking me like that,” Rainbow Dash demanded getting in his face “I should ask you why you felt the need to deliberately crash into me. I haven't been here but a couple days and becoming a punching bag isn’t on my ‘to-do’ list,” he spat back angrily “Have you flown at all,” Dash asked with Brian shaking his head “Come on. I’m going to teach you,” she said throwing Brian on her back as they flew to the top of the mountain “Here; I'll help you open your wings,” she suggested “Thanks. It's not something to get used to.” “Your parents never taught you how to fly,” she asked obliviously “More like a human that can't fly.” With her help; Brian was able to open and close his wings effortlessly after a while. As they stood on the top, Dash kicked Brian off where he stuck his wings out and managed to glide back to the ground. “That wasn’t flying,” Dash said sarcastically “That was ‘falling with style.’ Could you take me up a second time,” he asked “Sure,” she said flying him up a second time Dash again kicked him off and he had to tell himself to flap his wings. “Think bird. Think bird,” he said quietly to himself “You’re getting better. Third try is the charm,” she said taking Brian up a third time Before she could kick him Brian ran off the edge and flapped his wings allowing him to fly easier and land softly in the ground. “That was great. You can finally fly,” Dash said hugging him “Well, I was learning differently. Where I come from; humans can’t fly, so I improvised. The first was just gliding to prevent myself from getting injured or worse. The second time I had to think like a bird and flap my wings like crazy to fly and finally this last time was all about putting everything together,” Brian explained “Wait a minute, you’re a human? How did you get here,” Dash asked, forgetting his previous mention “Long story, here’s the abridged. Struck by lightning; while recovering, met Discord. Got kicked through portal to Equestria. Became a griffin and somehow changed to a pony. Met Pinkie by her popping up in front of me. Met Twilight and the princesses. And finally, met the mane six,” he said taking a breath As he was talking Twilight arrived with the rest of the group to where Dash and Brian were. “Glad we found the two of you. The seven of us have been summoned to see the princesses,” Twilight said showing them the letter “Great. What did I do this time,” Brian asked sarcastically “Well, it’s best not to keep them waiting,” Rarity answered ☆ CELESTIA and LUNA ☆ Twilight led the group to the train and they grabbed a room as they headed to Canterlot. Brian decided to close his eyes once he was told it would be a few hour's journey. “Brian wake up. We’ve arrived,” Twilight said as she nudged him “I got this. Wake up,” Rainbow Dash yelled shaking him “Thanks for the ear drum check. At least I know my hearing is working,” Brian said sarcastically As he headed to the castle for the second time in only a few days, Brian noticed only three people in the throne room; Celestia, Luna and Discord with no guards around. “Good afternoon everyone. I’m sure you are wondering why we called you here,” Celestia said “I'm certainly at a loss for reasons,” Brian replied “I noticed when you were here the other day that I sensed some kind of darkness inside of you. I fear you might be in possession of a Nightmare form,” Luna explained to Brian “Why don’t you explain more about yourself,” Celestia asked “At home I’m 25 years old and hold two black belts in karate and taekwondo. I’ve played music for 12 years with cello being my main instrument and guitar, which I’ve played for 3 years now. A month ago, my parents died and while I was at my best friend and brother-from-another-mother Deltorix’s house, we were playing videogames while it rained and after getting stuck I jumped on a computer to look up what to do next. A bolt of lightning struck me sending me to the hospital for two days resulting in the scars you see." "While recovering, Del left to celebrate his birthday leaving my alone to watch a marathon of ‘My Little Pony’ episodes. After watching the episode ‘Keep Calm and Flutter On’ when Discord becomes good, he came through my television and kicked me in the ass through a portal here to Equestria. Once I got here, I landed in the forest as a griffin and upon reaching the edge of Ponyville I changed into what you see now,” Brian explained “Could you show us your griffin form,” Celestia asked Brian changed into the griffin form causing everyone to looked stunned. “Brian, do you want to keep that form,” Discord asked “As I would consider this to be a mask to hide from others; no,” Brian answered “So be it,” Discord said snapping his fingers Brian was changed back to his normal pegasus form and everyone seemed relieved by the change. “What did you mean by a mask,” Twilight asked “Just that. After my parents died, I don’t like being around people. Del is the same way and we’ve been friends for a decade. He’s been the only person to help me out as I don’t have contact with my extended family. The griffin form would have caused others to keep far away from me. But I need to accept what happened and open up and the removal of the griffin will help,” he answered “Hiding who you really are isn’t good. Interactions are important in life. In fact Twilight started out the same way. She was so committed to her studies she never had friends,” Celestia said in a comforting tone “I’m going to keep an eye on you and will enter your dreams to see if there is anything that can be learned,” Luna said “In the meantime I have rooms set up for all of you to stay in. Let's go have lunch,” Celestia said “Not yet; princess,” Dash stated “You said you're in karate. I challenge you to a sparring match right here and now.” “I accept under one condition. Neither of us will be permitted to fly and must be kept on the ground.” “Fine,” she answered sarcastically “Just don't get mad when you lose.” Everyone else gave them room in the center as Discord donned a referee’s shirt for fairness. To everyone's shock and amazement; he stood effortlessly on his hind legs as Dash attempted to do the same. On wobbly legs she approached him and tried to kick; only for him to step to the side. Once behind her; he proceeded to wrap her in a chokehold (again; anatomy be damned). “I'd recommend tapping out if you know what's best.” Reluctantly; she tapped a hoof against his leg as Discord ended the match. “What was that technique you used,” Celestia asked “It's called a ‘rear naked choke’ at home. If held on for too long; the victim can pass out.” “Good match,” Dash commented “But please don't tell anypony I lost.” “I promise. Now; how's about we take that offer for lunch?”