Henry entered the bakery shaped like a gingerbread house cautiously. The place was decorated with balloons and streamers of different colours, and long tables laden with plates of typical party fare. Several ponies milled around the room and Henry caught sight of Twilight chatting with a small group of mares.
His vision was immediately filled with pink.
"Hi!" the pink menace.
Henry resisted every urge to turn tail and bolt from the building and shakily waved to the beaming pink mare in front of him. He was quickly pulled into a hug and dragged towards Twilight and her friends.
"He's here!" the pink one sing-songed and the other five ponies looked over at him.
"Henry!" Twilight said with a welcoming smile. "Let me introduce you to my friends, I see you've already met Pinkie Pie."
"He has now!" Pinkie said, squishing him into a one armed hug. It felt surprisingly soft, like hugging a pink furry marshmallow. Henry carefully extracted himself from her grip and waved, a nervous grin on his face.
The orange, Stetson-wearing mare he'd seen selling apples at the market tipped her hat politely. "Howdy, name's Applejack. Any friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine."
"Agreed," said the white unicorn with the curled purple mane and tai. "I'm Rarity, a pleasure to meet you."
Rarity eyed his black turtleneck and grey pants with scrutiny. "....Hm...."
"Aaannd there she goes, heads up, she's probably going to drag you to her place later and try to make you some new clothes," a blue pegasus spoke up with a smirk. She walked over to the human and held out a hoof. "I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria."
Henry shook hooves with Rainbow as Twilight coaxed another pony pit from behind her. Twilight offered Henry a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, Fluttershy is a bit... shy," the unicorn said and Henry caught the slightest glimpse of a butter yellow pegasus trying to hide her face in her long pink mane. Henry shrugged, he didn't mind.
"Twilight was just filling us in on your situation, havin' taken you in and all," Applejack said. "If you need a job, we could always use some help out on the farm."
"I could always an extra pair of hooves at the boutique," Rarity added. "Stars knows I have more than enough work on my plate as of late and I could use an assistant."
Thanks? Henry signed and Twilight translated.
"Of course, now, why you don't tell us a little about yourself?" Rarity asked.
Henry blinked, smiling as he signed and Twilight translated word-for-word to her friends. He kept it simple, explaining what he was, that he's been accidently teleported to Equestria, and had nowhere to go. He kept out the fact that he'd been anywhere near Canterlot Castle, or that he's stolen anything. If Twilight's reaction to his past crimes was any indication, he doubt the ponies would be as welcoming if they knew he was a thief.
Afterwards, Henry was content to let the conversation continue without his input, standing on the sidelines to listen and observe as Twilight and her friends talked about the goings-on in Ponyville.
"You will not believe what Cloud Kicker saw last night," Rainbow said, gesturing wildly. "She got the night shift, and while she was rounding up clouds, she saw this massive thing flying over the Everfree Forest!"
"Could it have been a dragon?" Twilight asked and Fluttershy squeaked in fear.
"O-oh my, I hope not..."
Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. "Nah, it didn't look like a dragon, Cloud Kicker couldn't get a good look at it, but she said it kinda looked one of those airships you see docking at Canterlot sometimes, but different."
Henry felt a pit form in his stomach, fear and hope vying for dominance within him. He wasn't sure what to think, he had a feeling he knew what that ship was.
"It has to be a creature not native to Equestria if they're flying their ship over the Everfree," Twilight said. "The Equestrian flight routes all go around it."
Henry was dimly aware he'd signed something to Twilight as he wandered over to a chair and sat down. The details hadn't been enough for him to tell if it was them, The Toppats, but he knew, he knew it was them. He wasn't sure what to do, his feelings marred by everything he'd already been through but Henry would be lying if he said he didn't miss being a Toppat.
The Clan had been so instrumental to so much...
Henry spent the rest of the party trying to take his mind off of his inner turmoil, and enjoy the festivities.
Hours later Henry was reading in his room when there was a knock at the door. He set the heavy tome aside and slid off his bed. He opened the door to a pile of packages being held by a small purple dragon.
"H-hey Henry, Twilight asked me to drop these off for you." Spike said, straining to carry the parcels as he waddled over to dump the gifts onto his bed.
Henry nodded and thanks.
"Who's sending you all this stuff anyway?" the dragon asked and Henry shrugged.
"Okay... I'll be downstairs if you need anything." Spike said and left the room.
Henry closed the door behind him and turned his attention to the packages on his bed. He sat down on the bed and picked up a package, opening the attached letter.
Henry,
In regards to your Decision, as Twilight would say, friendship is magic,
are your top hat friends worth losing your current simple life for?
A Concerned mage, Alain(the rest of the name is blanked outPs, it is dangerous to go alone, take this.(add grenadine if it is allowed, if not, than add a rusted sword (this is simple, right?), actually I think it would be nice anyway.
He looked at the magical grenade, eyeing it and the rusted sword warily before setting the box they came in gently onto the floor and out of the way. He re-read the letter, brow furrowing.
If Reginald has the airship fully operational... then maybe. It was his leadership that led tp the Toppats having as much power as they did. If there's one thing I know, it's that being sent here won't have him down for long, Henry signed. But it's not as easy as just choosing one over the other, I have a lot of... one-sided history with the clan, both good and bad. Thanks for the sword and grenade.
Among the pile of packages, were more letters. Henry pulled one out and opened it.
To: Herr Stickmin,
Uh oh, m'thinks I broke reality a little, give me a moment... There, now do you happen to know if there are any ponies that seem odd? If so, excepting the Pink One, have you managed to avoid them?
From a Really Bored Being.Post Script: To Narry, HALO needs a parachute. High Altitude Low Opening.
I haven't noticed anyone that seems strange. I try to avoid drawing attention to myself when I leave the library. Henry replied in sign language.
I didn't know that, so I just teleported the bits in.
Henry opened the next package and smiled at the sight of some apple pies and a music box.
Dear Henry,
I'm sending you a little care package. Inside are a couple of freshly baked apple pies. With Applejack being a apple aficionado giving her one of these would be a good way to gain some rapport with her. You can use the other as a snack if you feel like a snack or maybe just throw it at someone's face if the situation calls for it. Up to you of course.
There was a sticky note stuck to the side of the music box.
In lieu of the original gift of an MP3 player, which is a bit too technologically advanced for this reality, have this music box.
- From Demi.
Henry removed the sticky note and wound up the music box. He smiled as he opened it up to see a tiny version of himself mid-dance as the tinkling noted of a music box variation of The Distraction Dance played. Happily, he listened to the sound as he put the box still containing the pies down on the floor beside the other one.
Thank you!
In much better spirits, Henry tackled the next letter.
Dear Henry,
I was wondering, what exactly you wear? How many set of clothes do you have right now? If you are interested in getting some more clothes you can ask Twilight to introduce you to her friend, Rarity. She is a seamstress and can make you a good set or two.
Henry gestured at the black turtleneck top and gray pants he still had on from when he was trying to steal the Emerald from the Toppats space station. His brown shoes were by the door. He signed his answer. I only have the one outfit, but Rarity has offered to make me some clothes, I might take her up on the offer. It's been getting warmer lately and I could use a new t-shirt and a pair of shorts.
He picked up one of the smaller parcels and opened it to find a short letter and a cupcake. Henry read the letter as he ate the cupcake, making a satisfied hum at the taste of apples.
Dear Henry: I hope you have fun and here I gave a apple cupcake.
From, Rainbow Light
He wiped his hands on his pants before he replied. I wouldn't say I'm having fun, but it's been oddly peaceful here. And I enjoyed the cupcake, thanks!
A narrow, rectangular box caught his eye and he opened it to find a wand. The letter tucked underneath it read as follows.
Have you tried to use magic , since you used it that one time when you were trying to open a door, if not then take this magic wand it can do basic levitation, illumination and fire magic beams which aren't that powerful but would be useful for self defense
From greninken
He blinked and picked up the wand, swishing it in the air as the tip of it lit up in a small orb of light. The orb quickly grew larger, sparking dangerously and Henry dropped the and in alarm. It landed on the floor with a light clatter and the light died out.
Just because I can do magic, doesn't mean I can do it well. he signed. I don't think that's a good sign...
The next letter caused him to sigh as he read it.
Dear Henry,
Will you meet all the Mane 6 before you make your choice? Also, does losing everything to get your old Toppat buddy's really worth losing so much?
I don't have much to lose if I'm being honest, he signed. Sure they're nice but I'd have to tread carefully, and at least this time around I might be able to make a good first impression if I meet Reginald.
Henry was thoughtful as he continued. I don't know if this universe will reset like Earth did, this could be my last chance to see them again. I'm still not sure what I want to do, things are... complicated.
Henry opened another box and was surprised when several plushies exploded out of the box and spilled out onto his bed. He smiled as he pulled out a letter for the pile of soft toys.
To Henry: Hey Henry, hope all is well. I wanted to send a few casual items first, and see how many would get through to you. (Sends Tanooki Mario Plushie, and other Mario and Sonic characters from Super Mario Bros. Z but with powerups, about 10-20 of them) You'll probably be confused by the red Super Sonic looking Plushie, that is when Sonic uses a fire flower, he turns into Fire Sonic, which is on par with Dark Sonic. Also, here, something to read. (Hands him the book series version of Super Mario Bros Z.) And lastly, (Hands him a seemingly empty book. This will allow you to gain access to any book that you or the narrator have read, and is an infinite book, so you can also fit any spells, notes, or anything else that you want in there. It also has the same magical properties as a certain communication book, and it can duplicate itself, but for now you shouldn't duplicate it, cause it will take some time for that, and other features, to become available to you.
To Narrator: Hope this all is ok, also if any of the extra abilities are too op at the time, you can say that they are blocked and that Henry needs to be stronger or have more magic to access them, I just wanted to give him something to write in. And a book with magic properties for the future if he ever needs it. Thank you, and see you next time. Also, I'd kind of prefer if Henry went to the Jungle to confront the trio, so that's my vote on the matter, but he should meet the other Mane Six first, so I'll vote for meeting the Toppats first, then if that doesn't happen, meeting the Mane Six proper, and other ponies in the town.
Henry found the books and skimmed them curiously.
For reference, the "infinite book" will simply work as a notebook for Henry to take notes, the other abilities were unfeasible and a bit too overpowered. He'll be able to use it keep track of important events, relationships, and whatnot.
Henry picked up a plushie, marveling at the sheer number of them he now owned. he put it down to sign You'd like these, they're soft.
Yeah...
Henry took the time to neatly arrange the plushies behind him on the bed. Once that done, a differently shaped box caught his eye.
A hat box. He picked it up and read the note taped to the lid.
To Henry Stickmin
Hello its me the Lowly Space Marine In Space, I have a gift for you I know its a bit early but I just wanted to give you something that would help for cold times and also a little something for when you meet some old friends
*a small box around the size of henry's head appears next to him In it is a set of mittens, a scarf and a tophat with an H on it*
-From Lowly Space Marine In Space
Henry was stunned as he lifted the familiar navy blue hat with the golden H on it out of the box. He inspected it, turning it over in his hands. It was his hat, the hat he'd chosen in the one instance where he'd joined the clan as a new recruit as opposed to usurping Reginald. He put the hat on and looked at the matching mittens and scarf that lay at the bottom of the box.
Thank you...
Absentmindedly, he picked up another letter that was taped to a small package.
Dear Henry Stickmin
In my opinion you should go and find the top hat Clan because you know them and Reginald and Right Hand Man and you can go back to what you love which is stealing and shenanigans and come on don't you miss them? And plus from what I hear they are starting from scratch, and could probably use your skills when it comes to stealing also why stick with the ponies you barely know them and as you once said they could turn on you.
But that's probably not going to happen but still go and try and find them Reginald could be severely stressed out because they only have everything that was on that airshipFrom RainBro
Henry read the letter again, in a bit of daze he looked up at the ceiling.
You said you'd get everyone to help me with this right?
So far the vote is fairly close, I've only included votes that clearly state which choice they want. And sticking around Ponyville for a bit is in the lead by one vote.
And what would you choose? Henry asked.
I am biased, were it solely up to me, you'd get a taste of life in Ponyville before seeing what the clan has accomplished in the time they've been here, and history would repeat itself...But it's not solely up to me, is it?
Henry hummed in thought as he pulled a framed photograph from the parcel. It showed him sitting in the grass in the shade of a tree with Charles lying down next to him and Ellie sitting on the pilot's other side. He smiled fondly at the memory it captured.
He leaned over to prop the frame up on his nightstand and opened one of the last parcels remaining.
Dear Henry,
I forgot to put my name on my last letter but I’m the one who asked you who twilight reminds you the most back in your world, I was honestly surprised when you gave your answer. But that’s not important, what’s important is my next question, and that is:
If you ever meet someone just like Charles, how would you react?
Plus, I would like to gift you a free copy of my newest song album called “will the sun rise today?”
And that’s all. Hope you enjoy my songs!
From, Rainbow Sparkle, Ponyville’s resident celebrity singer.
Charles is a pretty chill guy, so anyone like him that can look past my kleptomania is pretty cool. I wouldn't trust them to the extent I do Charles, but I'd give friendship a go. he signed and inspected the vinyl record that came with the letter. I'll see if Twilight will let me get out the record player tomorrow and give this a listen, thanks.
He got up and sorted through the empty boxes and pile of gifts lying scattered on his bed. He took the pies down to the kitchen to put in the fridge, with a note to Twilight and Spike to not eat them. With the music box beside the photo on his nightstand, the books, plushies and everything else arranged on his previously empty shelves and his top hat taking pride of place hanging off the bedpost, Henry saw one last package that remained unopened.
A cardboard tube with a letter tied to it. he opened it and tipped the contents out onto his bed, it was a rolled up piece of parchment. Untying the letter, he tossed the packaging into the small pile of boxes that now sat in the corner of the room.
Hey Henry,
Do you know any ASL, or perhaps Morse code? I know you can read and write, just was curios is all. Also, to enjoy your new world and chance at life, here's a map of equestrian and the surrounding countries.from Glass
Henry blinked and put the letter down to unroll the piece of parchment. It was as the letter stated, a map of Equestria. He took a cursory glance at it before rolling it up and placing on the shelf alongside his other gifts.
I don't know Morse Code, but I do know sign language. he explained, signing the entire time. The Narrator sort of just, knows what I'm signing and translates it into however you guys are seeing this world. She doesn't know it herself. That map will come in handy though, thank you!
Henry plopped onto his bed, happy, but tired. It had been a long day and he knew he had a limited amount of time to choose whether to go after the Toppats. For now though, it was a thought best saved for after he'd gotten some sleep.