//------------------------------// // A Chilly Day Out - Chapter Two // Story: Lifetime Salvage // by Mokoma //------------------------------// Through the clouds and through the cold air it descended, carried by the wind that bit sharper than normal. It descended past the lower clouds, past the pegasi that flew, and then past the roofs of buildings, and finally it descended down onto something pink, and soft. Pinkie had no idea that the snowflake had been stuck in her hair - nor would anypony notice, for it was but one of the first of billions, in the sky that had been changing, and yet unnoticeably so. Regardless, nestled in the field of fluffy cotton, the snowflake accompanied Pinkie as she trotted - the human doing their best to catch up. "So, you've seen the Castle of Friendship, School of Friendship, town square, town hall, the Marketplace, the Ponyville Café and Café Hay, and of course just now - Sugarcube Corner! We've still got a ton of other places to see!" Happily exclaimed the bubbly mare as she hopped along. The human had struggled to follow for a number of reasons, for they were dressed in the same way as the RPG character of a person who suffers from compulsive hoarding - courtesy of Pinkie Pie's "tour gift giving". They had been forced in-all-but-name to wear a little hat resembling the Castle of Friendship, a T-Shirt depicting a photograph of themselves and Pinkie Pie with the School of Friendship in the background, a pair of sunglasses with the price tag still attached, a baseball cap on top of the Castle-hat, a handful of pens "borrowed" from Mayor Mare herself behind the human's ears, a bag full of groceries from the Marketplace - and on top of all that they were dealing with their stomach full after visits to two separate cafes, and finally Sugarcube Corner - which put a figurative nail into the human's mobility, plus a lollipop that was lodged between their lips. This may, or may not have included heaps of other things. Not to put a finer point into the fact that the previous paragraph suffers from a terribly overloaded sentence - the human wasn't having an easy time following her. The Pink Mare insisted to give every place a "try", and the human would have missed the mention of the "Carousel Boutique" had they not known who awaited them there. "You're really gonna like Rarity! Well, you're gonna like all my friends - but Rarity's like, really likeable!" Pinkie beamed as they approached the door to the boutique - the human barely being able to see anything due to the apparel forced upon their head. When the door opened, they hadn't seen anything either. "Oh, Pinkie! I'm so glad to see you! I--" Other than the words from the familiarly eloquently-spoken unicorn, they did then hear a terrified female scream. Considering the dramatic energy and the sheer sound, it didn't take long to figure who it was. "Darling! What have you done to them!? I should thank you that all of this junk conceals their face!" "Well, good day to you too, Rarity!" Pinkie's voice sounded offended, but in a playful and jesting way. "I'll have to remind you of my #1 policy when giving tours - nopony's walking away without a souvenir!" "Pinkie Pie, sweetie - whenever I visit a new place, I always opt for a fridge magnet, o-or a pretty accessory, or a wonderfully framed photograph. NOT an enormous heap of things they can't even navigate with! H-Help me guide them inside!" Rarity came closer, as the human heard by the voice becoming closer by proximity. "Oh dear, right this way! I'll help you out of all of...all "this". Goodness gracious, I don't even know how you can even breathe under all of that..." Said the voice as she helped guide the human past the door. Then came the sound of magic activated via horn, and work began as Rarity unearthed the human from underneath all the things. As the first object - the hat, was finally removed, the human was finally able to gaze upon the familiar, white pony. "Muuuch better." Smiled the unicorn. "Well, good day to you! My name is Rarity, and welcome to Carousel Boutique! It's a pleasure to meet you, my good--..." In a desperate request for help, Rarity's eyes went to Pinkie's, who giggled. "They're a human, silly! Remember? Just like the ones Twilight visits sometimes through the mirror!" "Oh!" Rarity pieced together the fact, and clapped her hooves together as she briefly stood on her hind legs. "Truly? How fascinating! Are you visiting, dear - or...?" "Oh!" The human took their que to speak. "Well...I was allowed to stay in Ponyville, sooo--" The gasp had startled the human, and they barely had time to notice Rarity whip out her measuring tape and immediately work on the human's dimensions. "Darling! Say these things first! Oh, Pinkie, why didn't you tell me either?" Rarity huffed, looking at the human as she took measurements. "I too have a policy, you see! Any new residents in Ponyville shall have an outfit designed by moi - yours truly - the mare you see before you. It's the best welcoming gift, you see!" "Oooh! You're gonna make pants for 'em, right? Or are you gonna make like a really weird dresses that go like, from their shoulders to their feet? Oooh! You can make a mascot costume, or--" "Pinkie!" Huffed Rarity. "I shall have you know I know what course of action to take. I may be making clothing for a species I have yet seen with my own eyes - but I certainly intend to put the knowledge I do have for good use! I shall make them an outfit that shall let them walk through Ponyville's streets both in fashion AND comfort! Not to mention, on this fine Spring day, you'd need clothes that give your body freedom, and yet shield you from the leftover cold of winter! Ah yes, I see it already! You are going to ADORE it, darling!" The needles and threads, the fabrics and scissors, the measuring tape and rulers - the sewing machine, and the pins and needles. Much to the human's inability to catch up with the sheer grace and speed of her work, Rarity's process of making clothes was the same as a conductor performing Vivaldi. They could merely observe with the equally astonished Pinkie the orchestra of materials and tools played, seamlessly sewing the seams and making pieces of thread and fabric into a proper composition. The human was so hypnotized by it all that they hadn't even noticed when they were donning their new outfit, and were now standing in-front of a mirror, with an awestruck Pinkie and an excited Rarity by their side. They found themselves in a light, comfortable beige pea coat, unbuttoned to reveal a black turtleneck underneath comfortably snug on their torso. Black denim pants hugged their legs, and their feet were now wearing perfectly-fitting boots, with only a slight heel that still made these shoes rather unisex. Their hands were now also held within light cotton gloves that hadn't sacrificed their ability to hold things, and a thin belt had made sure their pants sat snug and secure. "Almost there darling~!" Rarity said as she dressed the human. While she did, the human noticed how unisex the outfit felt - they weren't sure if maybe Rarity considered they'd be offended by a leaning towards a particular level of masculinity or femininity, or perhaps she wanted a surprise outfit to be rather netural. "Coup de grâce~!" Said the white unicorn as she levitated over a satchel, which had appeared like the one worn by ponies, except with modified belts and dimensions that would fit the human perfectly on their hip. She slung it over their shoulder, and gave one final look before turning to the human with a hopeful, elated gaze. "Well darling~? Impressions?" "I've never been dressed so good my entire life..." The human softly said, turning to the unicorn. "This is great! It fits amazingly and just...Whoa. I love it, Rarity! T-Thank you so much!" "Hmhm~." She giggled with a proud and pleased gaze. "Do open the satchel so that I can witness your reaction!" Curiously the human did as asked - undoing the lock of their new satchel and peeking inside to pick up a small bottle; transparent and yet slightly tinted a creamy orange. The human read the label, saying "Madame Scentia's Mango Essence". The human's eyes went back to Rarity's, who's eyes were still as expectant as ever. Rolling up their sleeve, the human squeezed with their thumb the little thumb on the "sprayer", and allowed it to drizzle upon their wrist. They took a whiff, and found themselves hit with a very sweet, aromatic scent of mango - overwhelming in large quantities of course - but in a little amount, very refreshing and enticing. "Wow, and you've got me perfume to go along with this outfit too?" The human awkwardly chuckled. "I-I'm very grateful Rarity, b-but I don't know if I deserve this much. It's a bit more than I can give back a-at the moment." "Everypony deserves the right to dress well darling." Proclaimed Rarity as she came close to the human, adjusting parts of the collar and sleeves to make sure that the outfit fit as well as it could. "Granted, I don't quite know much about your sense of style yet nor what sort of outfit you may need to wear when you go about your ordeal in Ponyville - however I hope this shall be a versatile tenue for you! Something pleasant - not overly formal nor casual, and something certainly warm, but not hot in the physical sense. And cease this talk of "giving back"! I am, as you'll find - the element of generosity. Generosity doesn't expect anything in return!...Well, other than appreciation for her craft, heh." "Of course..." Continued Rarity as she finally finished up the last presentational touches by adjusting the shoulders and looking at the human's eyes. "I do hope to rectify the fact I don't quite know much about you. I'd be delighted to get to know a fellow resident of this wonderful town. I do suppose you're not quite local to Equestria, are you?" "Not at all, no." The human shook their head, which prompted a delighted squeal from the unicorn as she clapped her hooves together. "Wonderful! Then you can tell me all about fashion in your world! I certainly wonder how the dresses and suits look like in a world where the clothes are made...well, so to speak - "vertically"!" "It's not pretty..." The human whispered softly, but didn't delve into it. "B-But anyways, thank you, really! This outfit is perfect. I'm just, not sure what I can give in return--" They were interrupted by the unicorn putting a hoof to their lip. "Ahp! Tsk tsk tsk, nuh-uh-uh! A gift shall never be paid for nor repaid! It comes from my heart darling, and the only thing I ask for in lieu of a payment is merely to develop our newlyfound friendship. Tu comprends, mon ami?" She said with a sweet voice, and gave the human a wink. The human got the message and acquiesced with a humble nod of their own, taking a look once more to admire their clothing. Rarity in the meantime, approached Pinkie Pie. "Now Pinkie, there's something I wanted to bring up. I was wondering if you've seen Dash today at all? She promised to come see me today - she told me she would hoof me the measurements of the Wonderbolt's team so that I could be able to prepare their dresses and suits for the Wonderbolt's Ball! I expected her hours ago but she hadn't shown up - and I certainly don't expect laziness to hold back the Element of Loyalty on a promise!" "Did ya check for her under the rug?" Pinkie asked. "...Oh. I suppose I haven't..." Muttered Rarity and levitated one of the rug upon which she stood - to find it devoid of a blue pegasus. Realizing the ridiculousness of it, she gave Pinkie a tired, but patient gaze. "Ugh, Pinkie, darling, please! This is serious! I'm growing rather concerned for Rainbow Dash right now, you know?" "Well..." Pinkie put a hoof to her mouth in thought. "I really dunno! Rainbow Dash usually begins with a quick morning exercise at around sunrise, then gets breakfast, and then either participates in weather control, training, or heads to teach at the school - and I lost track of her right after the breakfast! I thought maybe she's gonna do a surprise party, but my birthday isn't nearly within the "surprise party preparation" time range, and neither is yours, Gummy's, Twilight's, Fluttershy's, Bulk Bicep's, Lyra's, or--" "Yes, yes - I get it darling!" Exclaimed Rarity. "It's really...upsetting. I do hope she hasn't forgotten - but now I'm worried that someone who's as astute and perceptive as you hasn't seen her either...I just hope she shows up sooner than later." "Well our tour ain't finished yet, soooo..." Pinkie grabbed the human by their gloved wrist. "How about we sweep around Ponyville on the way and send her your way when we see her? I'm sure we're gonna find her, right?" She asked, looking up at the human. "I'll keep my eyes open! Blue pegasus, rainbow mane - can't miss her!" Happily exclaimed the human...From which Rarity cast a surprised look. "Oh! How did you know her mane is rainbow-coloured?" Asked the unicorn, prompting the human to compensate their slip-up with yet another panicked lie. "A-Ah, uhm...I...Saw one of her fans holding a poster! A, uh...small orange filly who was riding a scooter!" "Whoa!" Pinkie gasped. "You saw Scootaloo today!? Wow, that means you must have seen more ponies today than I have! Shucks, how did I miss her!? I was supposed to congratulate her and throw a party in honor the newest foal they helped find their cutie mark! You're reallllyyy percpetive, homeslice!" "Oh! Scootaloo?" Rarity squinted her eyes. "...Peculiar, isn't she supposed to be in school...? You don't reckon that you saw a small unicorn filly next to her, do you? Pink-and-purple slightly curled mane? Cutie-mark similar to the orange pegasus filly? Oh I hope to Celestia she isn't skipping school..." "O-Oh, uh..." The human didn't dare risk throwing anypony under the bus, and already felt concerned that they had thrown poor Scootaloo under the bus - a pony they haven't actually met, if Rainbow Dash decides to scold her de facto little sister on it. "No! Not at all! S-She was totally alone!" "Well, that's fine. For Rainbow Dash's sake though, and Scootaloo's, I hope the filly hasn't been skipping school, and there's a reason for her to wander Ponyville during school hours." Sighed Rarity, and shook her head. "A-Anyhow! No matter. You should be on your way now - soak in what your new home has to offer!" She said as Pinkie Pie gravitated towards the front door - helped by Rarity as the unicorn opened the door with her magic. As the two stepped out, Rarity poked the human on the shoulder with her magic, prompting them to turn around. "And, darling?" Rarity gave a small smile. "It's nice to meet you!" "Nice to meet you too, Rarity! Uh, see you around!" Said the human - and was yanked away by Pinkie Pie. *** "Brrrr..." Shivered Pinkie as she led on the human. "Weird! First Rainbow Dash isn't showing up when she promised to, and now it's 10.2 degrees Celcius when it was a nice 18.7 just an hour ago! The Pegasi are having a really weird time with weather control today!" "You can just...tell the weather accurately?" Asked the human, finding that the clothes provided generously by Rarity had indeed shielded them from a cold that the previous clothes couldn't hope to match. "Don't you need a thermometer for that?" "Oh silly! I don't need that!" Pinkie suddenly stopped and waggled her tail. "My tail is so sensitive I can get any kinda information you'd ever need! Look!" She chirped and waggled her tail around like an antenna, licking her lips in concentration, and grinning when she got what she was looking for. "The temperature is currently 10.2 degrees Celcius with a precipitation of 15 percent and a humidity of 20%, at wind speeds of 18 kilometers per hour! The time is 2:26 P.M., and you need to drink 2 more liters of water today for your daily hydration quota! Carrot Top is going shopping today with Junebug, and four foals have earned their cutie marks today. You lucky numbers are 7, 2, 3, 3, 5, and 3.141592--" The human's desire to stop the imminent near-infinite countdown was helped by an exclamation that rocked the ground audibly, while the following impact had rocked it physically. Yelping in surprise, Pinkie ducked her head at the last second as a flurry of seven colours had crashed straight through and into a bush full of flowers. A cyan pegasus stumbled out, now sporting about two more colours as she was decorated with petunias and azaleas. She apologetically smiled to a very disgruntled Roseluck, soon accompanied by an annoyed Lily Valley and saddened Daisy, wondering to themselves why of all places to crash it had to be straight into the recently bloomed flowers. The horror... "Oh! Dash! There you are! We were gonna scour all of Ponyville to find you!" Said Pinkie - her eyes scanning to notice a plethora of petals on the blue pegasus. "Heeey, you're looking good!...Too good!" She exclaimed, opening her mouth to allow her long tongue to slip out, and coming close to the pegasus. With one big lap, Pinkie was able to lap up all of the flowers covering Rainbow Dash, leaving the Pegasus mildly perturbed and dizzy. "Ugh, hey Pinkie..." Rainbow Dash regained her balance and focus. "Sorry about nearly crashing into you...I lost balance trying to kick away some clouds! They're really weird today! Like, tough! Real tough! I just push my hoof into it and it almost starts to pull it in like it's made outta bubble gum or thick cotton candy something!" "Huh, that's weird! Discord's next chocolate rain was scheduled on the opening of that new chocolate factory in Manehattan!" Pinkie hummed thoughtfully. "Huuuuuh, either one of us doesn't have their time right, or something fishy is going on!" "Well I'm definitely gonna ask Discord about this, cause I'm putting five bits that he's responsible!" Exclaimed Rainbow Dash, casually walking past the human towards Pinkie and giving them a cool, greeting nod. "'Sup?" The human blinked at the lack of reaction and surprise to seeing a human, but they suppressed a stutter with a cough. "Uh, yo." "Sorry, not the best first impression, but I'm always glad to see a fan who comes all the way here for an autograph!" Said the Pegasus with a proud smile as she approached Pinkie Pie. Fishing for something in her cotton-candy mane, she had plucked out a poster of the Wonderbolts (with Rainbow Dash in-front), and a pen. Briefly signing her signature, she hoofed the poster over to the human. "Stay awesome! And don't you sell it on eHay, ya hear?" "Oh...Thanks!" The human said and put the poster into their satchel - rather surprised yet welcoming of this development. "I won't!" "Dash, silly!" Snortled Pinkie. "They didn't come here for an autograph!" "...Huh?" Blinked Rainbow Dash at Pinkie like she said that the sky was green. "Pinkie? For real? Come on - all the tourists in Ponyville practically run the first thing to me to get an autograph! I mean, if you had to spend a day in Ponyville, what would you even do?" "Well..." Pinkie started to count using her hooves - to the point additional hooves were coming out of nowhere. "Visit the Castle of Friendship, School of Friendship, town square, town hall, the Marketplace, the Ponyville Café and Café Hay, Sugarcube Corner, Carousel Boutique, and--" Pinkie stopped herself with a big grin. "Oh! I forgot though! They're not a tourist, silly me!" She beamed and, in a blink of an eye, appeared right behind the human, clinging onto their back as she hugged them with one hoof, and pointed at them with another. "Rainbow Dash, meet our newest resident! Human-who's-name-I'm-still-guessing, meet Rainbow Dash - Element of Loyalty, Wonderbolt, and the creator of the Sonic Rainboom!" "Hey!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed with furrowed brows. "That's not all! You're forgetting; Number One Cider Lover, Number One Fan of Daring Do and personal friend of A.K. Yearling, and owner of Tank - AKA the most awesome tortoise ever--...Wait. Resident? Human...?" Rainbow Dash took a good look at the human, up and down before a slow gaze of realization fell towards Pinkie. "Oooh..." The Pegasus awkwardly let out. "I thought that was just a dragon who got a hair transplant...Wait, whoa. A human? Like, the--" "Ayup!" Pinkie nodded, getting off of the human's back and "teleporting" next to Rainbow Dash. "Just like the ones that are behind Twilight's mirror portal!...Almost. Not super similar - not super different. Twi and Starlight are having a hard time figuring that bit out." "Huh, and you're our new resident too...Uh, sorry about that! I really thought you were just a fan who wanted to get an autograph, so lemme start over. I'm Rainbow Dash. It's nice to meet you, and welcome to Ponyville - the most awesome place in Equestria. You'll love it here!" "Thanks! It's nice to meet you too, Rainbow Dash. Uh, mind if I keep the poster?" "Psht, obviously!" Said the Pegasus, dismissively waving her hoof. "It's a basic right for anypony and anycreature to have a signed poster of me! I can't imagine an Equestria without it! Speaking of which, you've already met Twilight, Starlight, Pinkie, and uh..." She gently felt the fabric of the human's coat. "Rarity, right?" "I have! Pinkie basically greeted me first-thing, and I met Starlight, Twilight, and also Spike in the Castle. And uh..." They gestured to their outfit. "This is a dead giveaway that I met Rarity, huh?" "Hah, totally! Well guess what - a friend of my friends is an awesome friend, automatically and without argument! So for that, any time I see you at a Wonderbolts show, I'm getting you free seats! You totally deserve to see the Wonderbolts and I in action! You could also just watch me practice, but you better come early to get the best spots." "Thanks!" The human said. "I'd love that!" "By the way, sorry about the cold! I know it's spring but..." The Pegasus groaned. "It's weird. The clouds have been getting pretty intense..." "Why haven't you called up the rest of the Wonderbolts for help?" Asked Pinkie with a tilted head. "I wish they'd help!" Rainbow murmured. "But they've already split into two teams - reservists included - to deal with the weather in Manehattan and Canterlot. We think that Cloudsdale might've made some kind of mistake or maybe something's broken, but we need to focus on the weather clearing and hope that the Pegasi can work it out - I am NOT having that ball cancelled! I mean, Princess Celestia AND Luna are gonna get to see me fly, and if we can't clear out the weather, who am I gonna show off to!?" "Weird, 'cause it was totally nice and warm this morning where I found the Lake Monster!" Pinkie said, poking the human's hip. "What do you think might've been causing it..." "Y'know, when you brought up Discord..." Dash muttered. "Aha! It's Discord! It's totally him!" "Huh? Why do you say that, Dash?" Pinkie blinked with concern. "Think about it! Reformed or not, he can still be up to no good! Either just because he's bored or wants somepony's attention! Like the time he sent Twi and Princess Cadence for a cure for an illness he didn't have just 'cause he wanted to make sure that they "cared about him", or the time he sent us on a fake Friendship Quest!" "But what does he have to gain from making some thick clouds appear?" Pinkie asked, surprised to see Rainbow Dash so passionate about her accusation. "Who cares? Besides, if he isn't responsible, we're gonna figure out if he can do something about it! Now! Pinkie, newbie!" She pointed at the human. "Come together! We're gonna get to the bottom of this mystery!" "Oh, great idea!" Pinkie said, now running and pulling the human by the wrist using her tail, forcing them to also run after Rainbow Dash who was flying towards Fluttershy's cottage. "That way we're gonna be able to meet Discord AND Fluttershy! Rainbow, you're a genius!" She yelled up to the pegasus, who could barely hear her due to the distance she maintained in the sky. *** It surprised the human how truly far away the cottage was - Pinkie frantically pointed out other landmarks, including the Sanctuary which was visible from a distance. As they ran up to the cottage, the door had already been opened, and the sounds of Rainbow Dash's angry voice was heard from inside. By the time Pinkie and the human ran in, they saw a familiar Draconequus listen with rolled eyes to Rainbow's accusations. Literally, as two yellow eyeballs had been rolling around the floor, his eyelids closed in the meantime. In the meantime, an even more familiar yellow Pegasus stood with a big frown and worried eyes, attempting to defuse the fire between the two. Sure - she was a much more assertive and confident Pegasus, but even someone as confident as Rainbow herself or Pinkie Pie wouldn't have an easy time stopping an argument between two of their friends. "I know it's you, Discord!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Cloudsdale would never make a mistake - you're clearly manipulating the weather!" "Oh, Rainbow Dash." Groaned Discord and opened his eyelids, revealing that his eyes were in-fact still in-place, and the rolling ones disappeared in a quick flash. "I'll have you know that if I wanted to mess with the entirety of Equestria, simply making it a little chillier is one of the most banal and uninteresting options! The clouds would, as I have proven before, rain chocolate, or any other delicious syrup or sauce! Oh, speaking of which!" Discord looked past Pinkie Pie, and waved happily with his talon. "Hello Pinkie!" Said the draconequus excitedly, and Pinkie Pie was happy to wave back. "Hi Discord!" "Discord, don't change the subject--" Rainbow Dash was about to say, but her voice was drowned out by Discord starting to casually talk to Pinkie Pie instead. "Pinkie Pie - I wanted to ask about that chocolate factory's opening ceremony! I had a wonderful idea! What if the chocolate rain drops would come together to form a big chocolate mud monster that would offer ponies to take a bite out of him? That way we don't waste all the rain drops that fall to the ground." "Discord!" Pinkie frowned. "That sounds amazing!...But that sounds really, really, really unsanitary! We don't want anypony to get sick!..." She said, and leaned in to whisper to Discord. "How about you make the raindrops grow into edible candy flowers?" "Oh, that's a wonderful idea, Pinkie! And what if--" "DISCORD!" Yelled Rainbow Dash, spooking off all the animals in the cottage, sending Fluttershy in a panic as she ran after them to calm them, not even acknowledging the human as they stood there. Discord looked at Rainbow Dash with wide eyes, and took out two small drums - which were both raptured. With a sigh, he took out another pair of tiny ear-hole-wide drums, and stuck them back into his ears. "Ahem. Rrrainbow Dash." He said with a rolled "R". "I am going to insist as much as I physically - and meta-physically can; I am not responsible for these little "clouds" that you can't seem to deal with. What am I - the entirety of Cloudsdale's industry? Tut tut." "Well fix it!" Groaned the pegasus. "I don't have all day to fight clouds that feel like rubber-band balls! Do you have any idea what's gonna happen if the weather isn't staying on schedule?! It's Spring Time - not...Winter Time!" "Rainbow Dash - I implore you to listen to me." Sighed Discord, clicking his fingers as suddenly the roof of the cottage became transparent - and a group of Discord's trademark bubble-gum clouds had appeared alongside the gloomy ones. The pink clouds hadn't lasted long, bashing and struggling against the dark mist, before becoming swallowed entirely. "I was, as a matter of fact - planning to have a nice out-door afternoon tea with Fluttershy. Alas, these clouds have rained on our parade--er, tea time. Or were about to anyhow. We have a common goal, but even I can't make anything budge against these ugly, depressing puffs of condensed water drops. Somepony in Cloudsdale is getting fired, it seems." He finished, and the ceiling once again became normal and non-see-through. "Rainbow Dash!" Exclaimed Fluttershy as she ran back into the cottage after returning all the animals safely, huffing and puffing tiredly - but finding just enough oxygen to lecture her friend, as the blue pegasus was already awkwardly looking aside in embarrassment over the false accusation. "You should feel ashamed for so aggressively blaming this on Discord! We were going to have a nice day out, and he has nothing to gain from doing this! B-Besides, Discord would never do something so...unfun and un-chaotic as a few clouds and colder temperature!" "Fine, fine, I'm sorry, okay?" Sighed Rainbow Dash as she closed her eyes. "I didn't mean to be so hostile, Discord. I'm so--" "Apology taken." Smugly smiled Discord, and briefly put his talon inside of Dash's mouth to take out what seemed to be a floating text saying "I'm sorry, okay?", and putting it into a little box labelled 'Evidence of every instance of me being right all along'. The box appeared as suddenly as came the attention to the humanoid - the situation defused, and the two locals of the area now looking at the human who stood there. Pinkie saw this and grinned, sliding in to the human and wrapped one hoof around them. "Right, almost forgot! Fluttershy, here's our newest resident! They woke up at the bottom of the lake--" And Pinkie Pie said the full story in a dozen of blinks, before allowing Fluttershy and Discord to soak in the information. "Oh!" Fluttershy smiled politely and pranced over to them. "I'm really sorry about the uhm, scene here! Not a really good first impression for my house...B-But that's okay! We're gonna make up for it!" She said. "My name is Fluttershy! And that's Discord! And--" "Fluttershyyyyy..." Softly whined Discord, earning a humored roll of Fluttershy's eyes, and a giggle. "Excuse me - I meant - Discord; the Spirit of Chaos, and a true friend." She spoke softly. "Don't let the title scare you - he's good!" "...At-least he is now." Coughed Rainbow Dash. "Nice to meet you two! And, don't worry..." The human shook their head. "First impressions weren't ruined at all. This cloud business seems really weird for what you call a "Spring Day"." "Let's not worry about that for now. Please, get comfortable!" Smiled Fluttershy as she offered to hang the human's coat. "The weather outside isn't, well...Pretty, but we can have some tea inside! Will you join me girls?" Fluttershy asked Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. Rainbow Dash reluctantly sighed - genuinely wishing to have stayed to be with her friend even if it was during "tea time". "Sorry Fluttershy, but I can't stop right now. I've already dealt with a massive cloud that made things worse for Ponyville - and I'm not gonna stop knowing that I've managed it once." "Hey, wait!" Pinkie frowned. "The last time you tried that, you nearly couldn't fly for the rest of your life! I can't let that happen again!" "These aren't the Cloud Gremlins, Pinkie..." Sighed Rainbow Dash. "So I don't think this has anything to do with bad emotions or negativity. It's something else and I don't think I'd need to do another Double Sonic Rainboom. I'll be fine." "Then I'm coming with you to make sure you don't do anything silly, silly!" Pinkie huffed her chest. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy - but I'm going to formally decline your invitation so that I can make sure that our Rainbow-maned friend doesn't hurt herself! A-And I'm really sorry about cutting the tour short! B-But I promise I'll show you the rest - uh...ugh, I'll guess your name more later, I promise!" She exclaimed to both the yellow pegasus and the human, smiling apologetically. "Oh!" Fluttershy gasped, nodding her head. "O-Of course. Rainbow, please - what Pinkie said...Be careful. I-If not for your sake, then for ours..." A reluctant sigh was stopped with the realization that the words held genuine care and love, and so Rainbow Dash smiled warmly and nodded to the yellow pegasus. "I promise. Have a nice, er...tea...?" She blurted out, and zipped out through the door at light speed - joined by Pinkie who was no slower on land. Left alone with the Element of Kindness, and a literal god of Chaos, the Human blinked awkwardly to the sound of a ticking time clock and the sound of animals. "...Nice weather out today, huh...?" Were the words said - by whom of the three was one's interpretation. *** The hour passed with the room now active in engagement from the pony, human, and draconequus who sat at the table drinking tea, having started conversations that made time itself appear as a mere suggestion rather than a construct. "So, wait..." The human took a quick sip of their green tea. "You've actually gotten Fluttershy into Dungeons--...Uh, Ogres and Oubliettes?" "Gotten her into it...Well..." Discord looked at the yellow Pegasus who merely giggled, and then looked back at the human. "Not in the sense you'd think. But she enjoys it when I retell her some of the stories Spike and Big Macintosh come up with as we alternate who leads the story." "Mhm!" Fluttershy took a refreshing gulp of peppermint tea. "I really enjoyed the stories about the vampire bat-pony world!" "Oh, that wasn't quite Ogres and Oubliettes - but it was a table-top roleplaying game nonetheless." Discord said. "..." The human squinted their eyes, thinking of this was analogous to yet another game that existed in their old world. "...What's the game called if I may ask, Discord?" "It's called Vampire Batpony: The Bal Masque! A part of a little series of games called Plane of Dimness!" The human blinked at how uncanny it was - but they recall references such as Hocuspocus: The Get-Together from the comics, so it was charming nonetheless. "By the way..." Asked Fluttershy as she leaned in a little. "Do you like animals? I was thinking maybe you'd like a pet? You will be staying with us, and Twilight's castle has a lot of storage for pet necessities! She appreciates the company too, after all." The human beamed for a moment. "I do like animals! A lot! Just..." They deflated a little. "I don't think it's the right time for me to be responsible with an animal. I don't have the right amount of...I dunno - confidence? Assurance? I don't think it's the right time, I guess?" "Weellll, I do understand." Smiled Fluttershy. "I still wonder though! There's many options! And with the right care, you'd even be able to raise a predator animal like a harmless and friendly one - like Pinkie Pie has gummy - a baby gator! Or there's a bear here called Harry! He might be a bear, but he's such a soft and gentle soul! So, maybe if, hypothetically - what's your favourite animal?" "Well, I don't wanna give you ideas and I don't have a single favorite animal, so..." The human pondered. "I do like red pandas a lot. I also think the axolotl is a cute type of animal. I do enjoy cats and dogs - dogs more. Reptiles are a cool type of pet too..." "I'm so glad you like animals!" Smiled Fluttershy. "I'm even surprised you know about the axolotl They're not a very common type of animal! And while cats and dogs are considered very "common" types of pets, they're actually very special in their own ways! Red pandas are also just so adorable...Oh! And Twilight told me how her friend behind the mirror world has a pet lizard named "Ray"! I've seen pictures - he's just shooo adowaaable!" "Pppft~." Chuckled Discord dismissively. "Surely you have an interest in other creatures too, my new friend. What more...interesting creatures are you more lenient towards? Y'know...Hydras, sea monsters, dragons - you must have something...more exotic in your world you could've taken an interest to?" "Well..." The human put a finger to their chin. "There's a lot of mythology where I'm--...Where I was from..." Said the human - not noticing that Fluttershy's expression softened more as she noticed a facial cue. "Where I was from, we had a lot of mythological creatures. I really think phoenixes are cool! And I also liked creatures like gryphons and y'know, I just have a big interest in the whole field of "not normal animals", if that makes sense...I don't know...I..." The human sighed. "Heh, sorry, it's just when it comes to discussing where I came from...I don't want to talk about it." "Oh please, no need to bring up the obvious." Discord smiled. "Fluttershy and I can clearly see it on your face it's not something you feel like talking about." "Huh? How did you know?" Asked the human - surprised when Discord had suddenly revealed that behind the human was a massive neon sign pointing at them saying 'Does not want to talk about it'. Discord and Fluttershy giggled - and in the end, so did the human. Discord was mischievous after his redemption, but in a charming and endearing way. They had forgotten about it until Fluttershy gave them a reassuring - small and very welcoming smile. "I understand how it feels to not want to discuss something or bring it up. But Discord and I are happy to have given you such an environment you don't think about it too much. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or need someone to listen or want support, you're always welcome here you know. I even have emergency puppies if you feel really down!...O-Or cats if you prefer! Birds, or lizards, or--" "Ooooor." Leaned in Discord. "I can always bring you along for a REAL night of guy fun. Y'know - if you feel like your bad mood or unease can only be fixed by a good rowdy night. Whether we're talking about my "classical" definition of a "guy fun", or the one introduced to me by Spike and Big Macintosh - either works really~." Fluttershy giggled at Discord. "Okay - what we're saying is, if you need our help - we'll be here." The human looked at their cup for a moment - strangely having broken off eye contact for a bit as they had settled deep into thought. A second after their words did they finally nod and give a thankful smile, blinking just a few times extra as they did. "...Thank you. I really appreciate it..." They said. Smiling contently to the sound of a ticking time clock and the sound of animals, there was a brief moment of happy, comfortable silence. And the thundering sound of the door being slammed open. "Fluttershy!" Exclaimed a familiar voice. One with a Southern twang, and an easily-identifiable appearance; hat or no hat. "Applejack!" Gasped Fluttershy, nearly spilling her tea in surprise as she turned to the door. "H-Hi! What's wrong--" "'Ah need your help! A-And yours too, Discord! A-And you, uhm..." She turned to the human, blinked, and continued. "H-Half centaur-thing! W-We need all the help we can get in the Acres, stat!" "Applejack, calm down..." Whimpered Fluttershy. "What's happening? Please, calm--" "Discord, 'ah need you to teleport us to Sweet Apple Acres!" "Tsk..." The draconequus rolled his eyes. "What am I now, Applejack? A taxi? I am not a mere draconequus who can teleport you--" "Please, darn it!" Exclaimed Applejack - with enough desperation and emergency in her voice that it even managed to get Discord's eyes to widen, and as he wrapped his paw around the three others in the room, snapped his talon - and with a bright flash, they disappeared. *** It had been near evening, the sun now reaching its twilight phase, preparing to set, but not surrendering yet as Celestia had been only slowly moving it towards the horizon, and no faster. It gave the freshly-teleported group a perfect view on what was happening. Trees were being ripped off, from the root - and throw up at the sky like discarded trash. Through the flurry of trees and splinters, in the distance - they could see a buzzing force akin to a sandstorm - a sandstorm of furry winged beasts was fast approaching, getting closer and closer. "F-Fruit bats!?" Fluttershy squeaked. "Vampire fruit bats! Bats!" Exclaimed Applejack. "B-But they ain't right! Something's wrong! T-They're just, groupin' up on trees and going wild on them! T-There's gotta be tens of thousands! M-Maybe a hundred thousand - a million - 'ah don't know! Fluttershy!" Applejack desperately looked at her. "Twi', Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie are here too, b-but it ain't enough! They just, k-keep coming!" "At this rate...T-They'll destroy Sweet Apple Acres..." Fluttershy said, and took a firm step forward. "W-We need to stop this! Discord, please help us!" The Spirit of Chaos rolled his eyes. "Ah, well, if you ask so nicely. Plus I do enjoy the Apple Crumble Big Macintosh makes...And I suppose he'd be sad if you lost the acres, and ever since that Sugar Belle incident I really do not have the strength to cheer him up again, and--" "Discord!" Fluttershy and Applejack exclaimed in unison. "Er...Right!" The draconequus said, and disappeared in a flash - appearing closer to the oncoming cloud to deal with it. Applejack looked at the human. "H-Hay pardner, sorry for not introducin' myself, but this ain't the time. Ah' need all the hooves - in this case - hands 'ah can get. 'Ah need you to head to the barn and grab a crate! It's marked with "Repellant". Grab it and bring it!" "Repellant?" Fluttershy asked, worrying for the safety of the critters. "Zecora helped us - it makes a smell that scares the bats off - makes 'em think the apple's rotten! W-We've stockpiled on it, but no matter how much we use it, they keep comin'! A-Ah think there's one last crate of it in the barn." "I-I'll get it!" The human exclaimed. "W-Where do I look for it inside?" "It'll be at the end of the barn! Shouldn't be too big or heavy. P-Please hurry up! Fluttershy, come with me! W-We might get your stare to work!" "I'm on it!" Exclaimed the human, and began to sprint for the building they immediately recognized as the barn. Just what was going on? Fruit bats didn't seem so aggressive that they could simply just tear trees apart. This felt wrong - something they hadn't recognized from the show. Two minutes was what it took for them to get into the barn, opening the door wide open and frantically looking for their target. They were lucky enough to find the box - not too big nor heavy, and just enough for them to grab with both arms and run outside. A quick turn of their head allowed them to notice Applejack, who was a minute of running away. "Over here!" Exclaimed the earth pony, gesturing the human to place the crate down - during which they nearly tripped over, but were stabilized by Applejack who wrapped her hoof around their wrist, and helped them stand still. Once that was done, she kicked open the lid of the box, revealing what appeared to be rolled up cylinders of paper. "Right..." She reached deeper into the box to take out a tinderbox. Taking out one of the rolls, it took her one attempt to get a spark and ignite the roll, so that smoke was oozing from the tip. "Here! Wave it at the critters! If they get one whiff, they'll start running! If you run out, get more 'ere!" The human took the roll and gave a nod - gestured by Applejack towards where to run. They were face-to-face with appeared to be a cloud descending towards them - but even the untrained eye could see it consisted of thousands of vampire fruit bats...A lot of them oddly smaller than the ones the human remembered in the show. They didn't hesitate, raising their arm and allowing the smoke from the repellant become consumed by the cloud. An ear-piercing shriek had followed that made the human stumble - the bats crying out and scrambling. Followed by it came a rain of a sweet-smelling sort as chunks of apples were raining down upon the human. The covered their face with the arm and put away the repellant, hoping it wouldn't extinguish. The victory had appeared like a won war - but the tunnel vision was strong. The fleeing horde was but a mere piece of the whole army of vampire fruit bats. The human looked aside to see Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash - the former using a comically large net to catch them, while the latter flew around the bats and used the air resistance to push them aside. Rarity had stood beside Spike - the unicorn using a magic spell haphazardly and quickly taught by Twilight to emit a sound that would scare them off, while the dragon swatted away any bats trying to attack her. Fluttershy and Twilight had attempted to use the stare in a similar fashion to the way it was used in the same episode where Fluttershy turned into a vampony (possibly being able to turn into one at will), only this time the side-effect accounted for, and the method working effectively; and yet, more and more came. Applejack desperately fought off the fruitbats however she could, using the last bit of repellant she had her hooves on. Discord was nowhere to be seen - but judging by the fact that one of the clouds of bats was turned into a formation of winged pigs, it was safe to assume that he was doing his job. Starlight Glimmer had also been somewhere in the fray - if the distant and powerful outbursts of magic were anything to go by - turquoise flashes similar to the colour of her magic blasting behind some of the hills, with the bats scattering as well - only to regroup into larger crowds. Somewhere in the chaos, the human took a moment to step back and look. And that was the winning move. The bats indeed appeared small - and it was no mistake. They were mostly baby bats, with adults scattered there and here...It was almost as if the entire population of vampire fruit bats had gathered to feed on the acres. So what was driving them? Why were they doing this? How did they all come to gather here? Seeing as they were bats, they could have been going on purely by echolocation, and smell - if indeed they had such a thirst for apples. The repellant was a great idea - for each time it caused a group of bats to surrender, they never regrouped - compared to the bats chased away by the other ponies. So far, Fluttershy's stare, Discord's antics, and the repellant were the only sure ways to make sure the bats hadn't returned to the main group. The human walked back to the box of repellant, noticing that it had a few more rolls. They had a plan - but they needed bait. Something to lure them. Something sweet smelling - and hopefully strong. Without as much as looking aside, the human reached for their new satchel given by Rarity, and looked at the perfume bottle...The thumbed it thoughtfully, thinking carefully, and nodding to themselves. Wordlessly, they grabbed the crate of repellant rolls under their arm, and held the perfume in one hand as they ran off - Applejack noticing and exclaiming - "H-Hay! Where're you going!?" The human had no time to respond. They ran for the most open are they could - and made sure to position themselves to that the arrow of the house's weathercock pointed straight at them. By the time they did, they had reached a rather open position, facing the massive cloud of fruit bats. With a deep sigh of anxiety and apprehension, they dropped the crate to their feet, and took the bottle's sprayer with their other hand. With a rough pull, they had torn off the sprayer - now allowing the contents to pour freely. They tipped the bottle over their shoulders and chest - the fragrant liquid pouring generously over the new outfit provided by Rarity - the coat, turtleneck, pants - and whatever else the bottle was good for. When the bottle was emptied fully, they threw it aside - and knew that they had little time. For as they stood facing the tip of the weathercock's arrow, the wind would carry an extremely condensed, disgustingly sweet and concentrated scent all the way into the cloud of bats. It didn't take long for the bats to take notice - not any longer for the human to prepare phase two of their plan. Their very haphazard, possibly foolish - possibly dangerous plan. They used the tinderbox in the crate to light the remaining rolls of repellant, and then shut the lid - allowing the smoke to build up inside of it. The held it in both hands, and braced for the worst - putting one leg forward and bracing for impact. They planned to slide the lid off just as the bats got close enough, so that the more kept coming, the more got a whiff of repellant to believe that their promised "sweet fruit" was nothing but rotten apples. And yet, the human never had the chance to go along with this plan. The supposed "right moment" came earlier than expected. They were hit by a feeling akin to a train crashing into them - and suddenly freedom. Freedom from the weight of gravity. They saw a flurry of colors - and then saw the world descend - or rather, they had ascended. The bats were so large in number that they basically started carrying them up into the air. It was hard to think at the moment - so much was happening, so little time could be spared to think. They felt a prickly sensation - mostly in the area where the perfume first fell. They saw that the bats were biting into their shoulders, back, chest and arms - but the coat provided by Rarity was so thick and strong, that it acted as armor for the teeth. The human still had a plan - they could feel the box become hotter as it continued to smoke up, with a fire even starting within it. This was going to be a more concentrated and dense collection of smells than the perfume. As they were an unknown amount of meters up in the sky, they pulled off the lid. The smoke hit them first - which was a good thing as the bats that tried to bite through their clothing were the first to screech and start flying away. Other bats attempted to replace them - their mistake learned as the smoking box held in the human's hands produced more and more of a disgusting smell that sent them retreating. Wave after wave - retreat after retreat. Adult bats continued to do this mistake - and finally, they had enough. A collection of high-pitched shrieks and whistles had suddenly sent all bats to a different course. One away from the human. One away from the acres. The hands of gravity were returning a hold onto the human - and as the last bats departed, the human was no longer suspended in the air. A green earth was returning, coming closer. The human faced death before, and facing it again felt...different in this context. Was one day really all they were going to spend in Equestria? Meeting all the ponies - one of them not even with introductions - and leaving forever? Was Charon going to consider this a fulfilling existence? The human closed their eyes and smiled - the sounds produced by the world a soft symphony - the incoming ground to be their cradle. Yeah. It wasn't great that they had such little time to spend with the characters that had made their previous life bearable. But did they consider that, in a way, this new life was fulfilling - although it lasted but a day? Yeah. Yeah...It was. *** There was a black abyss. Dark, and nothing surrounding them. There was no sound - no feeling. It was the same environment - the same void where they once saw Charon. Although, Charon was nowhere to be seen. There was not a single glimmer or shimmer - nothing else but a total lack of anything. Were they going to be alone this time? Were they to experience the true "after life"? Was it indeed just nothing? Were they doomed to be alone with their consciousness? Desperate - yet weak, the human attempted to reach out their hand and whispered. "Charon?" In response, they felt something touch their hand something fluffy - like a limb, but without fingers - and something furry. The appendage carefully helped set their hoof back down into their original position. Too confused and blurred to understand what was happening, they were suddenly met with light... As the bandage on their eyes was taken off. "H-Hey...!" Quietly exclaimed Twilight's familiar voice. The human blinked and blinked - and only after a dozen did they understand that they had been looking at a ceiling. And at the corners of their vision they saw different colours. Different silhouettes. Different beings. Different ponies. With a gasp, the human totally discarded Twilight's attempts to help them settle down, as they sat up in panic and emergency. It was a regrettable decision, as they felt a crushing pain in their chest, thigh, arm, and head. However, two pairs of hooves had already gently helped brace the human, and set them back gently on the bed. With the pain giving them a sudden burst of energy however, they were able to understand their surroundings. They were laying on a bed in a room similar to something that they'd find in the sweet Apple Acres - architecturally speaking. In the room stood all the ponies that were present - except for Rainbow Dash; who instead was laying on a bed a few steps next to the human's. The ponies stood around both beds - concerned about the wellbeing of both. However, judging by the fact Rainbow Dash was already sitting up with decent posture, it was clear that the human had taken a longer time to show signs of stability, hence everypony - including Rainbow Dash who stood up with a limp, approached the bed a little closer. "Just relax, Sugarcube..." Applejack said with a tinge of regret and sadness in her tone. "You done got yourself hurt...Don't move too much, alright?" "H-heh, I don't even think I want to..." Said the human, hissing past the pain of breathing. "W-What happened? Where am I...? T-The bats!" The human attempted to sit up, but stopped themselves, taking a deep breath. "W-What happened--" "The bats flew away!" Twilight said, hoping that the information would calm them. "You made so many of the adults smell the repellant that they communicated to the rest that the apples have pretty much rotten...They're all gone now." "Great...!" The human smiled. "I'm glad we're okay--" "And just because we met only today doesn't mean I'm not going to scold you!" Huffed Twilight suddenly, her wings unfurling and accidentally bapping Starlight, who blinked in surprise. "What were you thinking!? Y-You could have gotten yourself seriously hurt--, I mean, you're already hurt badly - imagine if you got hurt even more! What you did was d-dangerous, irresponsible, and--" "...G-Got the bats out of the acres?" Nervously smiled the human. There was a brief moment when Twilight looked at the human once again in the eyes, and sighed deeply. "T-The bats weren't endangering anypony's lives - at-least...not in the short-term. You shouldn't endanger yours..." "Short-term solutions for long-term benefits..." Smiled the human. "I-It was kinda fun...Floating up into the sky, getting those bats to run away..." The human wasn't sure what allowed them to so suddenly loosen up. Either it was a near-death experience in a moment where they didn't wish for death; or somepony helped them to some medicine. "..." Twilight blinked once more, and then...gave a final exhale. She re-assessed everything and allowed her head to hang in relief. "I'm glad you're okay, in the end. And, well...Thanks. I don't think we had the situation under control..." "R-Right, Twi..." Applejack cleared her throat. "M-May I?" The alicorn gave a smile and stepped aside - allowing the orange, blonde pony step closer to the human. "Howdy!" She said, her smile attempting to radiate positivity and eagerness against her desire to apologize. "My name's Applejack! Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! I, uh..." She finally gave in - bowing her head as she took off her hat, and held it to hear own heart, closing her eyes. "Ah'm sorry 'fer all of this. We don't know what happened, why it happened...'Ah didn't wanna see you get hurt, and 'ah shouldn't have gotten you involved in all this...But...On behalf of the Apple Family - thank you kindly, stranger, for savin' mah' family and its future." "Applejack..." Smiled the human. Finally - the final piece of the puzzle of names. Well, there were other names - but AJ's name had finally given a sense of completeness for their "first day". They finally mustered the strength to sit up - against Fluttershy's and Rarity's wishes, they were able to put them at ease as the human properly sat against the bed frame with little displays of pain. "It's nice to meet you...And, don't thank me. I was just helpin' a stranger out. And plus, my dumb choices are only mine to apologize for." "Well...Still, sugarcube. It was mighty clever what you pulled off!" The earth pony said, putting her hat back on and giving a finally glad smile, relief coming from the human's words. "'Ah'd never think of lurin' them in, then again I ain't got anything as sweet as whatever you used...What was it anyway? It had the critters scatter for ya like you were the juiciest apple in Equestria!" "Madame Scentia's Mango Essence." Smiled the human, and frowned awkwardly. "T-That was a gift from Rarity...S-So was the coat, turtle neck, pants--..." Beside Fluttershy chuckled nervously the unicorn. "A-Ah yes, I had recovered your outfit darling! Well..." She levitated up the coat, and turtle neck, and pants; all shredded up, full of holes - and smelling of a sickeningly sweet mango. "What was left of it, rather...S-Still, it could be repurposed into a "punk" fashion, I suppose!" "I'm...Really sorry about that Rarity." The human scratched their head. "I didn't mean for it to get so ruined - I-I just acted as quickly as I could, didn't even know what to do..." "...Darling." Warmly smiled the white pony. "What you've done was a great act of generosity for Applejack and the farm. I'm sure a brand new outfit and a bottle of perfume was a noble sacrifice for the Acres...W-Well, that and, your health and wellbeing...R-Regardless! You've shown great generosity dear - and don't let your thoughts carry you anywhere else." "Thank you..." Smiled the human. "Uh, speaking of which...W-What happened? After I, y'know..." "Heh." Rainbow Dash limped over closer. "I happened, that's what! I've never seen a two-legged creature other than a dragon fly up - but you flew up high. Luckily for you, I saw that you were going down a bit too fast. I swooped in as fast as you could and carried you to safety!" "Dang..." The human frowned. "And you got hurt too...?" "Uh..." Rainbow Dash frowned as she looked at her bandaged front hoof, and shrugged. "It's nothin'! Ended up landing roughly after breaking your fall, but c'mon! I've got wings - you don't. I'm pretty sure we gotta be more worried about you than me here! I get around by flying anyway." "So you've saved my life..." Whispered the human. "...Thank you, Rainbow Dash. A lot...I'm sorry you had to get hurt because of me." The pegasus, now blushing, waved her hoof dismissively - forgetting it was hurt, and cringing in pain. "G-Gah! I-I mean...D-Don't sweat it! You don't gotta apologize for anything! It's just what I do, y'know? I save all sorts of ponies and creatures - breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" "H-Huh?" Pinkie exclaimed. "T-That wasn't on the schedule though! Since when do you rescue ponies during breakfast, lunch, and dinner!? I-I'll have to totally re-observe you and re-structure the timetable!" Everypony giggled - including Discord who, to conserve space, was enjoying the anti-gravitational presence at the ceiling. The next to speak was Fluttershy, bowing her head a little. "Well, don't worry about your injuries! We've treated you as best as we could with magic..." Softly spoke the pegasus. "You'll be okay soon - and tomorrow you'll be able to walk without limping!" "Unlessss..." Discord proposed, playing with his tail with his talon. "You'd like to replace those silly limbs with, I dunnoooo, tentacles? Maybe a snake lower body? We could also turn you into a centaur? At-least these are your...alternative solutions." "Discord!" Murmured Twilight, earning a bashful smile from the draconequus, and a giggle from Fluttershy. "Yeaaah I'm okay with walking rather than slithering." The human chuckled. "If you want to do something real chaotic you could uh...Make a milkshake appear." Challenged the human - and thanks to Fluttershy giving Discord a smile that basically said 'Wait a second, they'll figure it out', they had enough time to take back their words as their smug smile faded away. "Actually I think the milkshake is likely to taste like fish and start barking at me. So I'll pass." "S-Speaking of which!" Starlight stepped up a little closer. "Around the same time Pinkie was giving you that tour, we let Mayor Mare know about you! We've officially registered you as a citizen of Ponyville! No paperwork needed! On the account that sooomepony here decided to use her "Princess power" to get it done easily and without hassle~." Starlight said as she nudged Twilight, who rolled her eyes and blushed. "O-Once a year!" Twilight reminded. "Thanks, I uh..." The human pointed at their arm, which they just noticed was bandaged up. "Don't think I have the "facilities" to even write my signature somewhere." "Oh, if only it was just a checkmark and a cute little signature." Snorted Starlight. "Sugarcube..." Applejack spoke up. "'Ah also wanna mention...For what you've done, 'yer a family friend. You're welcome to Sweet Apple Acres whenever. And while you're staying here, 'ah'd like to help in any way 'ah can. So whatever you need, just holler!" "I will - but I really don't need anything right now. I..." The human realized the deeper truth of what they were about to say, and smiled wider. "I have everything I need right now." "Well, the offer's still on the table, and it ain't gonna get cold come winter or Windigo!" Winked Applejack. Finally, Twilight cleared her throat. "Okay girls." Said the unicorn, nodding. "Let's give them and Rainbow some time to recover. Mind if I come in the morning AJ?" "You bet! Come early enough and you'll catch breakfast! Provided that pigs 'n' chickens don't act up like they did since morning. Then you'll have the opportunity to catch breakfast even later." Said the Earth Pony - and the others started to make their way to the door - but not before wishing the human and Rainbow a speedy recovery, a good-bye, and a good night. Pinkie Pie had promised the human that the tour would continue when they would recover - and before she could list all the places they'd go to, Starlight had to help her finally pass the threshold out of the room. The last to go was Twilight, who, after telling the human good-bye, squinted her eyes at Rainbow Dash. "Oh, and Rainbow, make sure they can actually rest and get some sleep. Please?" "Ppppft, of course! I won't forget!" She said - irony striking as she forgot that her hurt hoof was the one she had just dismissively waved, hissing and grunting in pain. Giving Rainbow Dash a "I'm watching you" look, she finally left, leaving Rainbow Dash and the human in the room alone. The pegasus turned to the human and grinned, out of nowhere - pulling out a familiar book. "So, ready to read the new Daring Do book!? Daring Do and the Sunken Legend of the Seaquestrian Idol!?" "You know it!"