Ponyland was just up ahead like Discord and Posey said. It surprised me that I saw no borders or defense walls; like they wanted the opportunity to be under attack. My expectations rose though when I got closer and felt myself passing through a magic barrier. I saw Discord pass through too, and it raised my suspicions on his relationship with this place. Was this some kind of trick, or was he welcomed here?
As Violet and I ventured further, I could see structures all around with an atmosphere that seemed reminiscent of Ponyvile; the town that I saw most often in my dreams of Equestria. Ponies could be seen playing, enjoying life, acting as if there wasn't a single problem in the world. It bugged me that these ponies seemed to not realize the horrors just outside this happy town, but before I could continue with my annoyed mood, I was brought back to my senses. "Dessie, did you hear me?" Violet playfully asked, which I responded by shaking my head. I was given a sigh in return; she wasn't too surprised with me being lost in thought. " I said come with me. I want you to meet some of Posey's friends."
“That sounds fine,” Discord replied, “you could use some actual time to relax. I shouldn’t take long with my errand, but I’m sure some pony will lead you to the princess’ palace if you get bored.” Discord and Posey went one way while Violet dragged me another way with her magic; for someone that only obtained these powers, she certainly knew how to use them. The two were no longer in my sight, but I decided to trust that Discord could handle whatever he needed to take care of while I was being taken away to wherever she was going.
We arrived at the town square, my eyes rapidly moving from every visible area until we stopped by a flower stand. Three ponies were at the stand, and I recognized them from the false Equestria; I guess they were always destined to be flower ponies though. "Hey girls, remember me?" Judging by the tone, I could tell she was worried about how they would react to seeing her after her abrupt absence.
Before she knew it, however, the three flower ponies piled up on her; giving her a group hug. "Oh, Violet, we were so worried," said the blond-maned pony with a pinkish coat, "the girls and I went over to ask if you wanted to help with our gardening, but when we arrived, we couldn't find you or Posey anywhere."
While struggling to move, Violet managed to pat the worried mare, "There, there, Lilly. I'm sorry for worrying you girls, but I had a clue to find my lost love and I had to search for him."
The three mares curiously looked my way and noticed me as if I was invisible until then. The red maned one waving at me. "Hey there, I'm Rose." I waved back and gave a smile I hoped wasn't too awkward.
“Wow, Violet,” the pony with a light green mane and dark pink coat said, “I didn’t know your boyfriend was a bat pony. There really rare to see.” She then began to whisper in Violet's ear, most likely thinking I wouldn’t hear her, but didn’t realize my bat pony ears could hear everything. What she said, I won’t repeat, but I can tell you I learned things bat ponies could do and it made both Violet and me blush immensely.
“Daisy,” Violet shouted, “I can assure you I am a proper lady and he is a real gentleman.”
The flower ponies began to giggle and tease us. “Well,” Lilly began, “I’m just glad you seem so happy, and that your handsome stallion's a great catch. But, the next time you decide to leave Ponyland, maybe you should ask for a team of well-trained ponies to escort you. You could have been killed out there you know? This is the safest place in this world and outside there is nothing but death."
"Wait," I asked in shock, "so, you're fully aware of the horrors outside this village?" The flower ponies gave me a look that seemed like they assumed I was joking with them.
"Well, duh," a new voice entered," as mayor, it's my job to help these ponies understand how lucky they are to live here and that they need to always be vigilant with the dangers of the outside world; that and to make sure to stay as positive as possible."
I looked back and forward, but I couldn't find the source of the voice. The girls giggled and pointed up, which I then proceeded to do. What I saw was a white pegasus mare with a very fluffy blond mane and a cheerful expression, flying upside-down; on her flank was a cutie mark of three purple balloons, which matched her eyes.
"Surprise!" The mare exclaimed excitedly. "You found me, also named Surprise." Party streamers suddenly flew all around and I couldn't help but smile at her and be reminded of the party pony from my dreams; Pinkie Pie.
"Hey, Surprise" Violet happily spoke. "I'm smiling now, see," She said as she gave the biggest grin for her.
"Oh, that's so great," Surprise shouted as more streamers flew around, "after you and your boyfriend come with me to see the princess, I need to throw you two parties: a glad two lovers were reunited party and a welcome to Ponyland in new pony bodies you never had before because you're from another world and found out you have the power to save the world party."
This pony was very crazy and I had so many questions to ask but considering who the pony was in the other world, I felt there wasn't a point. "Sound's great, Surprise. So take us to see the princess and we'll see what she wants."
"Oki Doki Loki. If it's anything like these dreams I've been having, it might be about the sweet necklace Posey got and where I can find one." She playfully flew upside down, leading us to where we needed to go. We said our goodbyes to the flower ponies and left; I guess Violet only wanted to assure them she was unharmed.
As we progressed toward the princess' location, I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Surprise and Posey was like. Did this world have its own mane six, and could these be the key to start fixing Equestria; not to mention what did she mean we had the power to save the world? Was she referring to these pendants? Were these the scions of unity the element talked about?