//------------------------------// // Having a drink with AJ // Story: A non Brony in a pony world // by jaysclub //------------------------------// Non brony in a pony world Chapter 9 Twilight arrives at the castle gates and is escorted by two guard ponies to Princess Celestia’s room. *Knock knock* “Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle is here for you would you like us to send her in?” “Yes please” The door opened by the guard ponies magic and Twilight thanked the guards and went in to see her teacher. “Hello Princess I have brought the phone with me” “Thank you Twilight do you know what time they will call up?” “No they didn’t mention a time will they be allowed to come to Equestria?” “They will be but I will have to make one thing clear with them.” *Phone ring* “Sorry about this Princess *beep* hello” “Hi it’s me and Mark is with me aswell. So what is the answer can we come to Equestria?”The Princess overheard the conversation and joined in. “Hello me this is Princess Celestia speaking you may come under one condition which you Twilight and Mark must agree on.” “Okay but my name is Steve not me what is the condition.” “You must not tell John why he is here do you understand?” “We don’t know anyway” The Princess then turned her attention to Twilight. “Well Twilight do you agree aswell?” “Yes Princess it would be for the best. Will he ever find out the reason for being here?” “Yes in due time Twilight but it is too early to tell him.” Steve jumped into the conversation “Hello we are still here what time will you send us to Equestria?” “The spell won’t be ready until 10:30pm tonight so be prepared” “Where will we meet you?” “Twilight what places do you know on earth?” “I know where the town park is could we meet up next to the big fountain?” “Yeah it’s open 24/7 so it shouldn’t be a problem would you like to ask us any questions Princess?” “Yes why do you want to come here, John doesn’t like being here from what I have heard from Twilight” “Well we know John is unhappy there but when he sees us he will perk up don’t worry about our families either John’s parents can explain where we are.” “You seem sure about what you’re going to do very well get ready I shall send Twilight to the town park next to the fountain farewell Steve and Mark.” Twilight put the phone down and walked with Princess Celestia to the ritual room. “Twilight please leave me as I prepare my magic level to transport you there and back.” “Okay Princess I’ll see you later” Twilight looked around the castle before heading into town and started looking in shop windows. Back in Ponyville John was thinking about Alex and what happened to him when he heard a knock at the door. “Come in we’re still open.” “Hi John I was wondering if you wanted to have a drink with me at the bar.”AppleJack said in her normal cheerful voice. “Erm sure but why me why not Rarity, Fluttershy or even Rainbow dash.” “Well no one thanked you properly yet for saving the three fillies and anyway Fluttershy doesn’t like to drink, Rarity only likes imported wine which is in her house and with Rainbow everything we do is a competition.” “I have a feeling if you took Pinkie with you she’ll think it’s a party and wreck the place.” “*chuckle* Yep that sound like something Pinkie would do. AppleBloom told me what you thought of me.” “What did she say?” “Buy me a drink when they open and maybe I’ll tell ya.” “Do you want to sit on the sofa while we wait?” “I’d love to partner.” John and AJ sat on the couch and started a conversation. On earth Steve and Mark were walking around in the town and decided to go bowling to kill the time when Mark thought of a question that worried him. “Steve can I ask you a question?” “Sure what do you want to ask it’s about John isn’t it?” “Yeah, well sort of it’s more to do with where he is.” “What do you mean where he is.” “If we go there can we go back if we want to” “Why would we want to go back. Going to Equestria is pretty much every Bronies and Pegasisters dream so why would we want to go back” “Just think it may get boring and we will miss our families eventually” Before Steve took his turn bowling he turned and looked at Mark. “Okay Mark I understand but just think we can start a family there and with Pinkie their do you think you will ever have a dull day.” “Yeah your right mate do you want a drink I’m going to get one.” “Thanks can I have a coke?” “Coming right up” Mark walked off and couldn’t stop thinking about his family if he did leave can he send his body back but stay with his friends or would that be impossible. Twilight had walked around Canterlot for a few hours now and saw the shop John had sold the dresses at and decided to go in and have a look around. “Nice dresses.” Twilight said which caught the shop owners ears. “Why thank you little lady are you looking for anything in particular today?” “Well I’m looking for some dresses my friend brought in he’s the human and the dressmaker is Rarity” “Ah yes I remember him he gave me these marvellous dresses” “Yes well a few days ago there was a slight problem if I remember correctly my friend Rarity believed he bullied his way into the money.” “What a horrible thought he came in and I could tell he had almost given up hope on selling the dresses so I decided to buy some of him.” “What about the card you gave him?” “The dresses are very well made their symmetry is almost unrivalled by other professionals” Twilight was surprised by what she had just heard. “I must get going now I’m sorry for not believing him fully.” “It’s all right but what do you mean by not believing him fully?” “Well my friend Rarity told me what happened and I found it hard to believe so I thought while I was here I could ask you.” “I understand if your friend was calm and relaxed I would still have done the same thing now I’m sorry to do this but can you leave as it is time for me to close up for the day.” “Okay sir may I ask one more question before I leave” “You may what do you want to know” “What are your thoughts of John the human?” “Well I can’t give a full proper answer since I have only seen him for a short time but I would say that he is a gentleman you can trust does that answer your question?” “Yes it does thank you and goodbye sir” “Goodbye” Twilight headed back into the castle and had a look round the castle grounds waiting to be called by the guards pony at Princess Celestia’s ritual chamber. Back in Ponyville John and AJ finished their conversation in the library and headed to the local bar. “So what do ya drink?” “What do you mean by drink” “I mean do you drink alcohol don’t worry I won’t judge” “I have had a small cup of beer at christmas last year but that’s it why.” “Well tonight if ya want I could give buy you an alcoholic drink don’t worry I won’t force ya.” “Thanks AJ shall we head in now“ John and AJ headed into the bar and he was surprised by the ponies he saw: There was Big Mac, Mr and Mrs Cake, Mrs Cherilee and Photo finish. “Howdy Barkeep we would like two lemonades please” “Coming right up AJ who’s your friend?” “Oh where are my manners John this is Barkeep” “Hi so how long have you been here John” “I think about a week and a half” “Well if you want to know anything about town I’ll be here to answer your question” “Thanks Barkeep I might have a question later” “I’ll be here all night” John picked up the drinks and walked with AJ to some free seats in the back and sat down. “So AJ do you come here often” John asked while scratching the back of his head. “I do come in now and again but not as often as you think. You seem nervous John what’s wrong?” “Maybe it’s because I’m talking to a pony and I’m worried that I will say something wrong” “That is a problem but I don’t think that’s the problem come on John you can tell me I’m your friend. You know that right?” AJ said putting a hoof on John’s shoulder hoping to help him open up. “I do know you’re my friend but I’d rather keep the problem to myself if that’s okay with you AJ” “No problem do you want me to get you an alcoholic drink.” “But I’m underage”John said which confused AJ “I don’t follow can you explain, is it something about earth?” “Well on earth you can’t drink alcohol if your underage which I am” “Well let me poke a hole in your logic you’re not on Earth you’re in Equestria” AJ said with a chuckle. “Oh yeah I forgot about that for some reason I’m like that sometimes” he said with a nervous chuckle “Why didn’t you mention it before?” “I didn’t there would be bars in Ponyville so I didn’t mention it but I might as well try something while I’m here” John said with a smile on his face “Coming right up I’ll get you something weak” AJ headed to the bar and saw someone she recognised. “Rainbow what are you doing here?” “I thought I’d have a drink what are you doing here?” “Same as you but I’m with John.” “Cool I’ll relax with you guys okay AJ” “Okay but I don’t want any competitions tonight okay?” “Aw no fun okay we’ll make it up tomorrow deal?” “Deal come on over we’ve just got here maybe with you here he’ll loosen up” Back on Earth Steve and Mark are getting prepared for the trip to Equestria when Steve got a call from John’s dad. “Hello Steve I have watched a few episodes of My little pony” “What did you think of it?” “Well it’s not for me but I can understand why people will want to watch it.” “Would you like to ask me anything about the show while I’m on the phone?” “No I’ve learnt enough about the show so I’m happy with knowledge I’ve got goodbye Steve” “Goodbye sir” Steve sent Mark a text saying he was ready and will meet him at the town park and headed out with his backpack to the town park. Meanwhile in Ponyville John, AJ and Rainbow dash were talking about their accomplishments. “My best accomplishment is when I beat the Flim Flam brother’s strange contraption How about you Rainbow but it can’t be your signature move.” “Erm when I rescued Rarity and the Wonder Bolts at the same time then got to spend the day with them as well that was awesome. How about you John what are you most proud of?”AJ and Rainbow gave John their full attention. “I’m proud of getting the CMC out of Everfree Forest” AJ and Rainbow looked at each other and noticed John taking a drink of his liqour. “So John what do you think of it. is it any good?” “I like the mixture of apple and pear what’s your drink like AJ” “it’s nice mine’s a small cider I don’t want to drink a lot tonight.” “Yeah especially after that kiss with Big M-” “RAINBOW please don’t remind me” AJ tipped her hat down over her head to hide her red face. “Anyway so how long have you two been in competition for?” John asked hoping to break the awkward quiet moment. “I think it’s been about two and a half years or longer.” “Yeah that sounds about right. John can I ask you a question?” “Yeah okay as long as it’s not about old crushes” “I wasn’t going to ask about that but I was wondering why did you think me, Rarity and Rainbow were their parents?” “You seem to act very motherly around them if that makes sense” “I can understand that does that make sense to you Rainbow...Rainbow?” AJ looked over to the bar and saw Rainbow carrying large cups of cider and placed them on the table and got an annoyed look of AJ “Come on Rainbow you know I said no earlier” “Yeah but come on John can take you back home or are you scared that I will beat you again?” “I ain’t afraid of that I don’t want to embarrass John” After hearing this John decided to help the situation. “You won’t embarrass me AJ I was actually more worried about it being the other way around and it would be interesting to see you two have a competition.” “Well okay John but don’t say I didn’t warn ya” “That’s the spirit AJ here you go John I bought one for you careful it’s got quite a kick to it.” “Thanks Rainbow cheers” They tapped their cups on each others and Rainbow got the competition going by drinking half the drink but AJ managed to do more which made Rainbow pick up the pace while John just sat back and watched. Back at the castle it was getting quite dark and Twilight was being escorted to the ritual room where Princess Celestia was waiting outside for her. “Hello Twilight are you ready.” “Yes Princess may I ask a question first.” “You may Twilight you don’t need to ask permission” “I know but I would like to ask do you know if they will transport with me to the same place when we come back from Earth?” “I’m not sure but I do know they will be in Equestria if they are making contact with you when you come back” “Thank you princess shall we head in” “Yes but first tell me the three rules for transportation and transformation” “Rule one don’t let people figure out who you are, rule two avoid getting any injuries.“ “And the third rule Twilight” “The third rule is to be careful” “Very good but I would like you to have something to eat first before you leave to Earth” Twilight nodded in understanding and followed the princess to get something to eat while John was watching AJ and Rainbow have a drinking contest. “*Glug glug burp*Ha beat that AJ...AJ?”Rainbow said triumphantly while John nudged AJ and noticed she passed out. “Ha I win *thud*” “Rainbow are you okay?” "Just take them both back to the library somehow without dropping them." John picked up Rainbow dash from the floor and put her in his arms and did the same with AJ. “Hey John before you leave can I ask something?” Barkeep said before John could leave “Yeah sure what do you want to know” “Are you going to be okay getting them back home” “I should be the library is close by so I’m going to take them there” “Okay goodnight John” “Goodnight Barkeep take care” John took his time to the library to make sure they didn’t awake and noticed a white unicorn outside the door with something in her magical grip. “Is that you Rarity?” “John where were you I’ve been waiting for you for hours...did these two get into a competition again?” “Yeah it was a drinking contest what do you have their?” “Oh this it’s a bottle of champagne and two glasses as a way of saying thank you” “Thanks can you please get the door my arms are losing feelings and then we can carry this conversation on inside.” “Of course follow me” Rarity used her magic to open the door and let John go in first, he put Rainbow Dash and Applejack on the sofa and put a blanket over them then sat next to Rarity who had poured two glasses of champagne for them. “So Rarity what did you want to talk about” “I did want to have a private word with you but I don’t think that’s possible with them here” “It should be they passed out from their competition” “Well okay then it’s about your family back on Earth” “Have they said something that offended you?” “No nothing like that I was wondering if you could be forgotten by them and live here with us would you?” "Crap there trying to trap me here to live with them until I die like a slave or something quick change the subject to something anything." “Erm I-I don‘t know. Were the gems Sweetie Belle found any good” Rarity could tell John was trying to hide something. “Yes they’re quite good why are you avoiding my question?” “I’m not I answered it didn’t I?” “Well yes you did but I was hoping for a yes or no answer” "What should I say if I say yes that would be horrible to my family but if I say no then it’s going to be horrible to the ponies who have helped me and took me in." “John are you okay you seem worried would you like to talk about it” "Yes a change of subject thank you." “I was thinking about the book Sweetie belle brought back I had a look through it and I don’t think Twilight or anyone else should read it” “Why can’t anyone else have a look at the book other than you” “If you want to have a look be my guest but just remember I warned you” John handed Rarity the book and she had a quick look through and then turned her attention to John. “Is this the reason you didn’t want to answer the question before” “Well there is that reason and that you were asking me to throw away my old life to live here which is very horrible thing to ask someone” “I’m sorry about that I should have thought about that before asking would you like me to leave” “No their is something I need you to do for me though” “What would you like me to do” “I need you to look after those two I need to find Alex Donst the person in the book” “Oh no you don’t. That means going into the forest and anyway what are you going to do when you find him” “The forest isn’t that scary to me even at night and as for Alex it depends what I find of him” “I know I should stop you but I know you want to do this but I want you to promise me something” “What do I need to promise you Rarity?” “I want you to promise me you will come with me to Manehatten to sell dresses. It’s like Canterlot but instead of unicorns everywhere there are earth ponies” “Deal don’t worry I know where he is in the book it talks about him being left food so I’ll follow that” “I’ll wait for you to return but take things with you so if you get in trouble you’ll be okay” John headed of to the kitchen and picked up some food and a knife and a torch and set off to find Alex Donst. Back on earth Steve and Mark were at the park next to the fountain awaiting the arrival of Twilight. “So Mark are you ready” “I just realised something though wouldn’t John want to go back home when he sees us” “That is a thought but I’m sure we can convince him to stay there with us” “I guess you’re right can you call Twilight up I need to ask her something” “Okay give me a sec *phone rings beep* hello Twilight Mark would like to know something” “What do you need to know Mark?” “Are you going to take us straight back to Equestria or do you have other plans” “Well I would like to do some research and possibly see John’s mum and dad” “Why do you want to do that” “It’s part of the research don’t worry I know what I’m doing” “Okay well it’s almost half ten and were just waiting here for you how are you going to get back” “I just use my magical connection with Princess Celestia and it should be done in an instant” “Okay then but would it work with two extra people” “Yes you should know yourself it will be easy for the Princess when I get there call me Tina” “Okay see you in few minutes” Steve and Mark waited for her arrival while John was walking in the Everfree forest where he found the girls and began his search for the food trail and for Alex Donst. "I hope you’re alive and if not I’ll try and get you out somehow no matter the cost." End of chapter 9