//------------------------------//
// March 31st 
// Story: Pony Observations Log 
// by Someguy458 
//------------------------------//

Last night, I managed to scavenge enough materials to build a small shelter. It wasn't anything too elaborate, but it was enough to protect against the elements for the night.

One thing I forgot to mention in my description of my new body: my genitalia are not normally visible on my body. I say this because I had to use the bathroom last night, and discovered that my member retracts into a sheath when not in use. At least I can safely say that I'm still male.

Once the morning rolled around, I began to search for some food. After a little searching, I found a small river with fish in it.

I hate to admit it, but I was too hungry to stop and observe the fish.

While I was building a fire to cook the fish, something strange happened: I was overcome by a sneeze, which somehow resulted in my kindling catching fire. Confused, I tried focusing my breath; again, flames sprouted out haphazardly.

My new body could breathe fire. This revelation was shocking, and I'll admit that I was quite fearful at first. My mind was filled with visions of the surrounding forest going up in flames due to an errant sneeze or some similar slip-up.

However, my fears were quickly assuaged when I realized that my new body was fire-proof (it only made sense, seeing as it could produce its own fire). Taking this into account, I realized I could simply sneeze into my elbow as normal.

With that potential crisis averted, I cooked the fish and ate it, finding it to taste like a porgy. Once I was fed, I grabbed my stuff and began to head in the direction that the yellow horse went yesterday.

After a few minutes of travel, I began to see signs of civilization. The forest began thinning out, providing fewer vantage points; a small barn was positioned across a river; And, off in the distance, was a small village. The houses of the village were scattered haphazardly, centering around a town hall that resembled a gazebo. A windmill sat atop a hill, and a large oak tree sat near a train station.

Thankful to have finally found civilization, I began to head over. However, I quickly paused when I saw the denizens of this town:

Horses. The citizens were all extremely colorful horses. Some with wings (I'll call them pegasi), some with a single horn on their forehead (unicorns), and some were just normal, but they were horses all the same. And if the horse I'd observed yesterday was anything to go by, they were all likely sentient.

This gave me pause. On one hand, I could waltz right into the horse town, eliciting who knows what reaction from them. On the other hand, I could do what I do best and observe them from the shadows, gaining insight but risking my image should I be caught.

Obviously, I went with the latter. After all, it's only true observation when the subjects don't know they're being observed, right?

I relocated my camp to be on the edge of the forest, and began my research.





Using a bush, I was able to get a closer peek into the conversation of two of the horses:

"So, where should we go next?" The first one, a cream-colored normal pony with half-pink, half-blue hair, asked her traveling companion.

The second one, a teal unicorn with white-grey hair, thought for a moment. "You know, I could really go for a massage right now."

"The spa it is!" The first cheered.

As they picked up their pace, the unicorn asked, "Do you think we'll see Rarity there?"

"It's almost a guarantee at this time of day!"

The unicorn seemed to be delighted at this. "Ooh! I wonder what kinds of dresses she's been working on lately?"

The other pony said something in return, but by that point, they'd walked out of earshot.

I eagerly wrote down all I was able to extrapolate out of their brief exchange, before another voice caught my attention:

"No, I don't think I've ever heard of holes in trees that lead to other places."

I turned my head in intrigue. The yellow pegasus from yesterday was walking down the street with a purple unicorn.

"Are you absolutely sure, Twilight?" The pegasus asked.

I gaped. So this was Twilight, eh? I took a moment to observe her. The way her dark blue hair has been brushed perfectly straight tells me that she's a perfectionist, and her eyes, while youthful, clearly hold an above-average amount of wisdom in them.

She nodded her head. "I'm positive, Fluttershy; I don't remember any of my books mentioning anything like that. Although, I'd be willing to look through them again."

The way she speaks gives me the impression that she's the town's resident bookworm. I also take note of the yellow pegasus's name: Fluttershy. Quite a unique name if I say so myself.

Fluttershy seemed to grow downtrodden, but still hopeful, at this. "Thanks, Twilight. I just want to figure out how Mr. Redcorn got that cotton candy out in the middle of the Everfree Forest."

I mentally took note of the name of the forest.

Twilight nodded. "I want to find out, too. I'll get on it as soon as possible."

Fluttershy gave a demure smile and a nod. After that, they split off, and were quickly out of my sight.

I rabidly wrote down the details I was able to glean, then sat there for a while longer. I was able to catch more conversations, but they were mostly the typical type of banter you would find in an average small town. Although I did learn that they call themselves 'ponies', which makes sense considering their smaller stature.

As I sat in that bush, I also noted the pegasi that flew above the town. I am still unsure of how they are able to fly; their wings seem far too small in proportion to their bodies to generate any sort of lift. But without being able to weigh or measure one, I can't be too sure. After all, the same can be said about the average bumblebee.

However, what I saw next intrigued me even more: the pegasi could touch clouds. At first, I presumed that it was an optical illusion caused by winds pushing clouds so that they appeared to move alongside the pegasi. But that theory went out the window as soon as one of them, a cyan pegasus with a mane colored distinctly like a rainbow, perched atop a cloud and began to take a nap.

Even now, I am bewildered by this blatant disregard for logic. Clouds are made of water particles, and the only way they could possibly support the weight would be for them to be superdense, at which point, they'd be far too heavy to float.

I was so busy pondering this that I didn't notice that a pony had walked up to me, until she spoke: "Hiya, mister!"

Startled out of my thoughts, I quickly dove back into the bush without getting a proper look.

"Ohhhhhh, I get it," the pony, a female from the sound of it, exclaimed with a bubbly tone, "you're playing hide-and-seek! Don't worry; I won't snitch!" And with that said, the mare bounced away, leaving behind a red velvet cupcake on a plate.

I slowly peered out of the bush. Somebody knew I was here now; my research was likely compromised.

I reached out and picked up the treat and dishware. The plate was decorated with a logo of a pony head eating a pastry, along with the text 'Sugarcube Corner™'.

The fact that they write in English, and have trademarks, still surprises me even now.

As I write this, I am at my camp, enjoying the cupcake. It seems to have a surprising amount of sugar in it, but it still tastes excellent.

I am debating whether or not I should reveal myself or not. On one hand, this cupcake is a clear invitation into town, and the pony seemed to be friendly enough despite my appearance.

On the other hand, the fact that she had a cupcake and a plate with her in the first place seems to say she isn't particularly normal. Unless this pony society is severely different from mine, which still isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Either way, it is getting late, and I need to get some shut-eye. Dr. Travis, signing out.