//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: A Fun Time // Story: The Pony Guard // by TheClownPrinceofCrime //------------------------------// “THIS IS AMAZING!!” squealed Pinkie Pie. “I’ll get everything ready for the welcome party! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!” She zoomed back inside while closing the door. Again, Kiara was puzzled by the pink pony’s hyperactive behavior. “Things are just getting weird by the second...” the cub thought. “So, is she always like this?” “No worries, Kiara. You’ll get used to it. She always gets excited whenever a stranger visits Ponyville for the first time,” said Twilight. “She does it to make them feel welcomed and at home.” “I guess that is sweet of her to do something like that,” said Kiara. “But her apparent strange behavior is something I might never get used to.” “Come! We’ll show you the rest of Ponyville!” Spike smiled. So Spike and Twilight showed the lioness cub princess every other place in the town. They eventually went to the carousel boutique. Spike opened the door while Twilight and Kiara entered in. The white unicorn turned around to see her favorite purple dragon and Twilight coming to her. “Spikey-Wikey, Twilight, what a pleasure to see you both here!” “Hey, Rarity! Twilight and I have someone you would love to meet!” Spike beamed. “Really? Who is it?” Rarity asked, curious to know who it was. Twilight pointed to the cub next to her. Rarity widened her eyes in surprise. “Hello there, ma’am. My name is Kiara, the princess of the Pride Lands. It is my pleasure to meet your... acquaintance.” she introduced herself, slightly bowing. “My, my, I don’t think we’ve had creatures like you around here before! And you’re... a princess? Well then, the honor is mine. The name’s Rarity, your highness.” the unicorn spoke, kneeling reverently. “Wait, she’s a princess?! Spike didn’t tell me that! I’m actually next to a lion princess?! This day just keeps getter better and better!” Twilight thought with a look of amazement. “So this must be the place of your residence?” Kiara asked. “Indeed, Princess. I work as a fashionista; I make dresses and all sorts of fashion for anypony. If you like, I can make a royal dress for your majesty as a guest of honor!” Rarity smiled. “A dress? What is that?” Kiara asked, confused. “Allow me to demonstrate my expertise in fashion!” Rarity beamed. “Hehe, this is going to be good,” muttered Spike. Rarity gathered all of her dresses she was working on earlier and also brought her accomplished dresses in display. Kiara gazed in wonder at the bright color, design, and dazzling beauty of the dresses. So Rarity quickly resumed her work on her half-done dresses while handing over the finished ones through her magic. “You see, these are the best ones I have made! In a moment, I’ll make you a very special dress that fits your royal status as a sign of good faith and welcome.” Kiara was a bit dumbfounded at the work she was doing and all the effort she put into her work. She had never seen material clothing before, so seeing all of this was quite a surprise for her. She couldn’t think of anything else that would resemble artificial beauty. “Wow... I- I must say... this looks so... wonderful. I don’t know... what else I’m supposed to say...” “No need, darling. This is what I do best. I’m glad and honored that you appreciate that,” said Rarity, bowing her head in gratitude. “Uhh... you’re welcome?” Kiara said, trying to regain her composure after gazing at her fashion. “Thanks, Rarity. Pinkie is planning a welcome party for Kiara. I was wondering if you can join us.” Twilight asked. “Why absolutely, darling! Anything for our dear guest!” Rarity replied. “That’s great! We’ll see you around, Rarity.” Spike waved. He then started to have dreamy eyes on Rarity as he finished waving goodbye. Kiara noticed that. “Uh, Spike, why are you looking at her like that?” the cub asked. “Huh? Oh!” Spike immediately shook his head to regain focus. “Nothing! I was uh... making sure she didn’t have anything... stuck on her hair!” he said, smiling sheepishly. “Riiiiiggght...” Kiara replied, turning around to follow Twilight. The trio then went on their way to the Mayor’s Hall. However, a blue rainbow-maned pegasus sped around them and hovered over them. “Hey, Twilight! Hey, Spike!” she called. Then she cast a curious look at the lioness cub. “Hey there, little fella!” “Another friend of yours?” Kiara asked. “Yep! This is our friend Rainbow Dash! Rainbow, this is Princess Kiara from the Pride Lands!” Spike introduced. “Wait, the Pride Lands? Where in Equestria are they exactly?” Rainbow asked. “It’s in my world. I was teleported into this place by... accident,” said Kiara. “Really?! So you’re a creature from another dimension? That is awesome! Welcome to Ponyville!” Rainbow said. She sped off to the sky with incredible speed. “Whoa... is she really that fast? I’ve never seen a creature with such amazing speed before,” observed Kiara. “She is faster than a flock of eagles!” “That’s an understatement if you ask me,” said Twilight. “She is also one of the bravest ponies I’ve met. Whenever danger presented itself, she would always go for the blow with no fear. She is loyal to her friends no matter what.” At that moment, a sonic rainboom appeared in the sky. Rainbow flew down to their level and gave Kiara a salute. “I hope you like it here, Kiara! Whenever you need help, you can count on me!” Dash said before flying away. “Wow... that rainbow explosion she did was amazing... I’ve never seen anything like that!” Kiara exclaimed. “That’s called a rainboom. Pretty cool, huh?” Spike smirked. “Yeah! Really cool!” Suddenly, Kiara’s stomach started to growl. She didn’t realize she hadn’t eaten anything since she was captured by the hyenas and taken to Equestria by Scar. “I’m starting to get hungry now. I haven’t eaten anything since I came here.” Twilight and Spike looked at each other, nodded, and turned back to the cub. “I believe there’s a certain place you’ll feel more comfortable. Another friend of ours will feed you there!” Spike said. “Really? Well, lead the way!” Kiara smiled. The trio then went to a certain cottage not far from Ponyville. Kiara noticed the animals that were in the backyard of the cottage. Some of the animals looked curiously at the cub; the others however were terrified at her as they recognized her as a predator albeit a cub. Her stomach growled louder as her primal instincts struggled for dominance as she saw her prey. “No! I can’t act now. I have to see what options are available.” Once Twilight knocked on the door, a yellow pegasus opened it and greeted her friends. “Hi, Spike and Twilight.” “Hey, Fluttershy. I hope we’re not interrupting anything since we have someone you would be happy to meet,” said Twilight. “Oh, no, everything is okay. Um... Who is it?” Fluttershy muttered. Kiara stepped forward and nodded her head in acknowledgment. Suddenly, Fluttershy’s pupils shrunk in complete amazement. She made a squeal noise before quickly picking up the cub and hugging it. “Oh my goodness! This little cub is so adorable! A little manticore!” Kiara tried to free herself from the tight hug of the pegasus but failed to do so. “Hey! A little too tight! And I’m not a manticore or whatever you call it!” she shouted. Fluttershy gasped as she heard the cub’s voice. “Oh my! You can talk? I didn’t know cubs can talk,” said Fluttershy. “Of course I can! Now please let me go!” Kiara demanded. “Sorry...” the pegasus apologized as she released her. Kiara adjusted herself by straightening her fur and picking any pieces of yellow fur she got from Fluttershy due to the hug. “So you’re Fluttershy? My name is Kiara, princess of the Pride Lands... in my world. I am happy to meet your acquaintance.” Kiara formally introduced. “Oh! Well, um... welcome to Equestria...” Fluttershy said, bowing. “Kiara is a great friend, Fluttershy! You’ll love her. By the way, she is getting hungry at the moment. Do you happen to have any food that might suit her?” Spike asked. “Definitely! Come inside.” Fluttershy allowed the trio to enter before she closed the door. She was unaware of a red horn standing in front of a window... facing Kiara.