//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Welcome To Ponyville // Story: To Equestria And Beyond (Rewrite In Progress) // by NightFurySpeedey8156 //------------------------------// The wedding was a hit, the marriage was successful, the after party was amazing, and the Great Cake War of Canterlot had come to an end. Nightfury was enjoying himself as he sat next to his friends as they watched everypony dance to the music from the DJ. He made some new friends, had a ton of fun, and had truly felt that he had been given the full experience of what Equestria truly had in store. But he will admit that he felt like something was missing from his life. He questioned what he could do next for himself and wanted to see what career he could pursue for his foreseeable future, but before he could come to a verdict, Luna walked over with a piece of cake and sat next to him. "I must admit, that was quite the bold move throwing that pie at my sister's face," Luna gave a light laugh. "Most are too scared to even want to face Celestia." "Well I always believe all creatures like to have a bit of fun, even royalty." Night Fury said with a light chuckle. "You are quite right, us royals really don't get to have the pleasure of having free time to just have fun. Some may argue that the outings and public appearances that my sister and I go out on are enough free time, but just to speak for both of us, that can't be farther from the truth." Luna admitted with an annoyed exhausted look. "If anything they are more work. At least with paperwork you can do things on your own time and don't have to worry about how you appear. I always hated that. Celestia is better at it than me." "Well I'm just glad I gave you guys the ability to open up," Night Fury said. "Especially you Luna. Not so serious all the time are you?" Luna looked away blushing ever so slightly. "Indeed it can be nice." Luna once she regained her confidence then looked at Night Fury. "But I do not think it's fair that I'm the only one to open up. How about you, Ambassador?" pfffft Night Fury almost spit out the cake he was eating. He was a little surprised that this question was going to him. "Um w-w-what are you talking about? I'm not thinking any serious moody stuff! What gave you that impression?!" "I can tell by your worried expression. And the fact that you are sitting by yourself while others are partying and making bad jokes. That's what I would normally do, not you." Luna then gave a bit of a stare "Unless you are thinking of something." Shoot. She got me figured out. "Well if that's what you thought, you're right. I was thinking about something." Night Fury admitted. "Well, I'm here to listen. So tell me, what troubles you?" Luna asked, draping a wing over her friend to give him some comfort. Night Fury could see that she was being genuine in her concerns for his well being and was willing to help him, but he was also worried to find out what the princess would do with this information that he was about to give her. So he took a deep breath, and began to speak his mind. "I'm confused about where I'm going now. I have been invited to this great wedding. And it was so awesome! But…" Night Fury looked down. "Now it's going to be over. I don't know what to do now. Do I go back? Back to my lonely life." "Wait you? Lonely?" Luna was confused. Surely someone with such positivity and joy would have a lot of friends. "Well I am away from my kind." "But I thought you would at least be living with other creatures!" "Nope. I just entertain myself by walking, trying to catch prey, maybe skip some pebbles on the lake. Yeah really exciting stuff I know," he said sarcastically. "But that was all I had. Until I was invited." Fury was a little sad at this point. "I'm just gonna have to go back and try to entertain myself again. I'm glad you guys were welcoming to a crazy guy like me," he chuckled. "Are you saying you're just going to… leave?" Luna seemed a bit heartbroken. "Well yeah. I'm used to the jungle and I have done my job." Fury said matter of factly. "NO!!!" Everybody at the party wondered what the commotion was. "Um sorry I just stubbed my hoof. Proceed guests." Everybody continued their routine. "Listen. It is not over. You are an ambassador after all. You need time to research this area. I think we could give you a home here. In Equestria." "That's nice. But I don't wanna live in Canterlot. Believe me it was fun. But I want a place to relax. And be myself. This city is nice but as you said, you're expected to be more disciplined. At least with my old home I could be my own self without having to always follow the rules." Night Fury said. "I understand. I most certainly know a place comfortable for me." Luna agreed. "Then why don't you come to Ponyville?!?!" "Ahhhhh!!!" Both Luna and Fury were surprised at Pinkie's sudden appearance. "Sweet mother of Equestria, where did you come from!?!" Luna said, a hoof to her chest in an attempt of slowing her heart rate. "I came from the dancing room to where you are, duh!" Pinkie said oblivious to their shock. Wanting to get to the point, Night Fury asked. "Ponyville? What's that place like?" "Oh it is the super best place in Equestria! Ponies are so friendly. It's a small place but ponies there are not so stuck up like some of these Canterlot fellas! You can have fun there." Night Fury was curious. "Well that does sound like a kind of place. Is it close to nature? "Yep! You can take a walk through the grass or forest." "BUT!" Pinkie said in a scary voice. "Beware of the Everfree Forest! A place with spooky creatures that can turn you to stone. Multi Headed animals. And even ruined castles!" "That sounds like a scary intense place." Night Fury was surprised that a part of Equestria could have such an intense feeling to it. "I like it." He said with a smirk. "Maybe I can do some exploring there. Maybe there are ruins to behold. I've already discovered so much in my own home. This is my chance for something new!" he said with excitement. "You sure sound like Rainbow! Well if you're so excited. Maybe we can give you shelter!" Pinkie suggested. "Really, you guys would do that?!" Night Fury said surprised by the hospitality. He never saw this much welcomeness even amongst the creatures he did encounter. "I think that would be a great idea. We could always use more research." Another voice said. It was Twilight. Also with her were her friends, Celestia and Cadence all seemed to have been listening to them talk. "And I could have someone to race! Remember cat, I still have to beat ya!" Rainbow looked into Fury's eyes. Fury was amazed at all of this. He had the chance to finally live in a community again something he did not have the chance to do in several years. He almost felt like crying. "Princess Celestia do you think it would be alright to stay here for a little longer?" Night Fury looked at her with pleading eyes. Celestia giggled. "Very well, young feline. I trust that my Student and her friends will make you welcome." "Yep, Twilight can be trusted alright." Cadence said with an approving smile. "But I will do more than merely invite you. You are a valuable source to a brand new culture. And thus I award you with the position of Ambassador of the Speed Shifters." Celestia took out a document stating so, indicating she knew he was going to do this the whole time. "But this time officially!" Then she prompted Night Fury and her to be on top of the stairs to announce the news. "Citizens of Equestria. This guest has provided a fine time so far. But now he will not just be a guest. But he will not just be a resident either. For he is the link between our races!" Celestia proudly proclaimed. "We must know more about his people and have his kind no more about us. So therefore, I proclaim Night Fury our Ambassador of the Speed Shifters!" The crown erupted into cheers and applause, welcoming Night Fury as not only the new ambassador of his kind, but a new citizen in Equestria. "Night Fury, do you promise to uphold your position as ambassador, assist in the furthering of knowledge about your kind, and to keep Equestria safe for as long as you live?" Celestia asked, the crowd waiting for his answer with baited breath. The black feline was surprised at how well this had turned out. Of course he was ready. "You bet Princess! I will do the best job I can, Princess! And to all you guys I promise you can count on me!" "Then it's settled!" Celestia spoke. "You hear that everyone, tomorrow I'm going to become an official Equestrian! Watch out world, cause this Shifter is coming to your town!" Night Fury yelled out. The Mane Six, Cadence, Luna, Celestia, and the rest of the crowd cheered and raised a glass to their new neighbor, officially welcoming him as one of their own. They cried out his name "Night Fury! Night Fury! Night Fury!" several times. As he walked down the stairs, he saw Luna. Even though she didn't cheer for him. He could see the happiness in her face when seeing how he could stay. But he could also see a little bit of sadness in him leaving. He walked up to her. Luna was the first to speak. "I am glad you have made your decision here. I hope you find Equestria to your liking. There are so many places to explore after all." "Well, I can tell you that I will definitely find it to my liking. But from what I'm seeing, there might be something you don't like. What's going on?" "It's just… I hope you have a good adventure." Luna said not wanting Fury to know she will miss him. But Fury smiled and addressed her doubts. "Aw Luna, you don't want me to leave, do you?" Night Fury said, sympathetic towards Luna and her woes. "Don't worry about me, I will manage." "Now you listen to me, I promise on my father's honor that I will visit you again. And not just once. But a whole lot of times. So don't you worry, Princess Luna." Luna all of a sudden felt so much life. "D-do you promise." "Yep besides, who else will I sneak with to eat cake," Night Fury winked. Princess Luna rolled her eyes but was glad. She even gave him a hug. It was awkward and after what she had done, they both backed away. "Thank you Night Fury." "My pleasure, Luna. My pleasure." For the first time in a while, I now get to be among others! Night Fury was so excited. What would this village named the ever so creative name of Ponyville be like, he thought in his head. Would they welcome him? And if so, how much fun and enjoyment will be there. Well I guess we'll find out tomorrow. Until then, I need to get some shut eye. I've got a lot ahead of me. But I have a feeling I am going to have a good time. And Luna I really will see you again. The next morning… "Ya Wwwwwwww Nnnn." he gave a loud yawn as he opened his eyes. Wait, is it late?! He looked at the clock and it was only 7 AM. Nice to be up at a convenient time. He was looking at the scenery. It had some trees in this area, some forest, but not much. Everything felt so much more mild than either the grand city of Canterlot or his hut in the middle of the inhospitable jungle. There was a sense of friendliness and tranquility which he felt was nice. Just as long as there isn't too much calm. Or it'll get boring. But considering the crazy characters like that pink pony who shot me with desserts, I don't think I'll have to worry about boredom. He chuckled to himself. After a few hours, the train had finally stopped at the Ponyville Train Station. He was getting bored and he finally got back. But before he said anything. "WE'RE FINALLY HERE!" announced a loud pink pony. "Come on, new friend! We're gonna give you a Welcome Party!" "Whoa whoa uh…" "Pinkie Pie!" "Yeah Pinkie Pie I just came back from one party! We're already having another? And how is there even a party when you were in this train with me the whole time?" "Do not underestimate my ways, young traveler," she said in a sage-like voice which gave Fury a chuckle. "I have many loyal followers who follow the Way. The Way of Festivities. And they have made a party for you." Night Fury didn't mind a bit more fun. He wasn't as energetic as Pinkie, but he still loved the festivities. "Sounds good to me!" "Then let us begin our journey to the bestest party ever!" Pinkie said, grabbing Night Fury by the paw and dragging him off the train and into town. "Hold on Pinkie!" Twilight teleported in front of them. "Maybe we should introduce our new friend to this village to get him acquainted." "Aw, come on Twi!" Pinkie said, a little annoyed. "It'll only be a little time, you two. But I figure if we party too early we might be too tired to check out everything." "Well as long as I get to that party eventually then I can wait a bit." Night Fury agreed. "Eh fair enough. Just be quick! And be sure to visit my home in Sugarcube Corner! Since we're not partying I might as well help out there. See ya!" Pinkie said and then speeding away like a roadrunner. "Besides me and Rainbow, she is one of the fastest things I've seen! And certainly faster in speech than me." Fury observed. "Yep. That's our Pinkie Pie. And believe me you'll find more strange things in this small town." Twilight said as she proceeded to walk. "Let's go." Their first destination was a large tree in the middle of the village. The size shocked Fury. He never saw a tree that large where he lived, although for certain Shifter tribes, there were even bigger trees than this. But still pretty big. "This is the Golden Oak Library. It's Ponyville's local library. This town has some unique local books and news. Though it still is limited on more international literature." Before Twilight could go on a rant about literature, Night Fury was in awe at this library. "Wow, I've seen big trees in my life but I've never seen a tree big enough to hold an entire library, let alone live in." "It still surprises me too." Twilight said. "This place is also where me and my assistant Spike the Dragon live." "Wait, you live in this big boy?!" Fury said, a bit surprised. "Yeah I know," said a small purple dragon. "Cool eh? Who would have thought a lame boring library could look so cool?" "Yeah who would have thought libraries could actually be interesting," Twilight said a little annoyed that Spike so bluntly dismissed libraries. "Which is why we have to keep it tidy. So here you go Spike. You can dust the books since we've been gone. Now go on." Twilight handed him a duster. "Ugh, fine, Twi." Spike proceeded to do his job. "Me and my big mouth." Night Fury could tell Twilight was a very responsible and orderly pony. Maybe a bit too much sometimes. But she seemed well intentioned. Note to self, Don't make fun of libraries or reading in front of her. "Well, with that out of the way, let's get on with the tour." Twilight reminded Night Fury, the black feline following her lead as they walked through town. "Alright let me see my to do list today. Okay um no, not that one. That one was from yesterday. Wait, that one is from when I was fourteen. Ah there we are." Twilight said, trying to get the right list out of many. Night Fury rolled his eyes in amusement. "So next we need to go to Ponyville Cafe. Let's get moving." A few minutes later, the pair arrived at their destination, Ponyville Cafe. In contrast to grand size of the library this was much smaller but it had a nice relaxed feel. "This looks like a nice place to chill out," Fury commented. "Yep, sometimes I just go here to read if I ever get bored in my home." Twilight said. "But ponies also come here to chat and discuss things. Me and the rest of my friends like to hang out here." *growl* "Oh boy, I'm a little hungry! Heh. Maybe we could get something tasty here," Fury was excited to see what delicacies this place could offer. He took a seat on one of the rather peculiar mushroom stools, Twilight sitting just across from him as she took a look at her list once more. "Alright, if we manage our time well enough, we can make good time in order to make it to the party this afternoon." "Sheesh Twi, you really need to chill out and forget the schedule. It's all in good fun, isn't it?" Night Fury questioned, rolling his eyes in amusement. "Well, I guess you're right. I have been rather uptight about trying to keep to a schedule, it's kinda become my trademark in Ponyville for being the obsessive one." Twilight chuckled a little. "I suppose we all need a law abiding citizen to control us wild ones." Night Fury chuckled. "But what do they have?" "Well since you asked, they have some of the best cuisine in this town. Like the legendary…" I can't wait to hear this! His mouth was watering. "Daffodil sandwiches! Or maybe hay fries! Or maybe even the delectable oats with a dash of roses with rosemary!" Twilight said also clearly hungry for these food items. "Wait what? Daffodils? Hay? Oats?" Twilight noticed that the black cat was not looking too satisfied. "What's the matter?" "Twilight, I don't eat any of those at all! And besides, I wouldn't want to eat any of that anyway," he said, trying to restrain his sheer disgust. "I am a Space Shifter, we like to eat meaty foods such as birds and snakes and rabbits and-" "Alright I get it!" Twilight said, grossed out. "I mean, I'm sorry, I thought since you liked that cake, you would be fine with these delicacies." "Cakes at least have flavor! Not these plants! This is hardly food, this is what food eats! What my food eats." Night Fury went on an unusually irate rant. Some of the ponies gasped at that statement. Realizing his mistake he clarified "No no no no I was talking about rabbits eating carrots. Not you guys." "You eat rabbits?!" One pony panicked. "Um..." "He was just playing a prank on you guys. He actually is a pure nature lover and plant eater." Twilight said. "Look at these hay fries, he just loves them." Twilight looked at him seriously. "Right?!" "Uh y y yeah! I totally love the taste of dried grass! Yep!" He said not wanting to cause a panic among the less familiar pony strangers. "Okay. If you can prove you can handle the taste of our delicious cuisine." said the naysayer. "Oh he was just about to." Twilight magically grabbed the fries. "Um not yet I actually- mmhhh!" Twilight put the hay sticks in his mouth and he swallowed. The naysayer finally conceded. "Okay I apologize for jumping to conclusions. You're okay. For now. I still have my eye on you." And everyone kept eating. "That was close." Twilight said. "I apologize I should have taught you pony customs since others here are sometimes a little less understanding of foreign ways. Fury?" "Yuck, I am never doing that again!" Fury tried to get as much of the hay out after the other ponies left them alone. "How do you ponies stand these things?!" "I'm sorry I put you through this mess. I made assumptions instead of asking you what you would want. And I almost got you in trouble." Twilight apologized. Night Fury calmed down and felt bad that Twilight was feeling bad. Why do these ponies have to look so cute when sad, dang it?! "Don't worry about it. I apologize too. I should have stated my opinions with a bit more professionalism. I was just so hungry." "I can understand that. I'm actually a big eater too." Twilight said, embarrassed. They both laughed. "Fury, I can help you get some food you would like." "Ah don't worry let's just go to other places and I'll eat a whole bunch at the Sugarcube Corner. I'll think about where to eat meat later." "Okay so the next place is… hmmm… Fluttershy's House!" They proceeded to walk there. "Wait Fluttershy, was she the one who tried to pet me? She's really obsessed with animals huh?" he said with a chuckle. "That would be an understatement. But she is actually very ladylike. She has good manners and always tries to serve her guests well. Once you get past her shyness-" Who would have guessed? "-she is a great pony to talk with. Especially with me. She might be the only friend I have who actually can discuss science. And she has good tea." "Well let's see that tea." They approached Fluttershy's simple but lovely cottage. Fury was charmed by how a house could look so integrated into nature. He saw so many exotic animals, some he only saw as a cub. "Well here we are." Twilight knocked on the door. "Coming." A soft voice replied from inside. The door soon opened to reveal Fluttershy and her bunny Angel, soon coming face to face with the two other friends at her doorstep. "Oh hello Twilight and um Mr Night Fury was it? It's great to see you two!" Fluttershy said with a quiet but joyful tone. "Oh come on Fluttershy. Just call me Night Fury or even Fury. I'm just an average black feline after all." he said. "Okay. Come on in if that's okay with you." Fluttershy went inside. This pony is probably the most well behaved creature I've ever seen. Ironic considering she lives the most away from civilization. "Would you like to have tea?" "Maybe a little later. I wanna check some stuff out. I wanna check out the animals you have." Night Fury requested. "HUH! YOU WANT TO LOOK AT ANIMALS!? WHY DIDN'T SAY SO EARLIER! FOLLOW ME!" Fluttershy did a 180 and dragged the confused black feline to the gardens. Gee this mare goes from shy and delicate to just as energetic as that crazy party pony! Outside of her cottage, Night Fury saw an array of different diverse animals. From toucans to lizards to snakes to non sapient jaguars." "This is pretty neat." Night Fury admitted. "Just neat?" Fluttershy asked, confused. "No, it's cool. It's just I've seen these animals before. Where I come from these animals are really all around. None of these are too surprising." "Awww, I thought showing the most exotic animals would help." Fluttershy sighed. Twilight then realized something. "Wait. Exotic to us ponies. How about instead of showing him jungle creatures, we show him our own native beasts." Twilight suggested. Fluttershy had an epiphany. "Ohhhhhh! Of course. My bad. Let me show you the wonders of Ponyville!" She dragged him again to another section of her garden. He wondered how much hidden strength this supposedly fragile mare had in her. "Here we are with some animals including the bear, this rabbit, this moose, this chicken and most of all this little fellow." Night Fury was now really impressed. He never saw these creatures in his former lands. But who was she talking about… "Meet Angel Bunny!" She presented a somewhat grumpy looking rabbit. He thought it looked cute, especially with its big ears. "This looks nice aw what a cute little thing aren't you?" He petted Angel Bunny, a big mistake. "You're a nice little angel of light aren't you sweetie… OUCH!" The rabbit bit his paw. "You little runt that really hurt!" He now knew the truth of Angel Bunny. "You have to be really careful with him, he can be very feisty." Fluttershy said. "Yeah feisty is the right word!" He said with a bit of anger. Angel and Fury stared each other down. "Okay Fluttershy how about we get down to eating!" "Oh right Twilight let's do just that!" Fluttershy said to avoid a conflict between the bunny and the space shifter. "Come on Fury, let's get something for you to eat." "Oh yeah. Good point." Night Fury walked off with Fluttershy. "Pfffft" Angel looked at Night Fury Night Fury simply shows his fangs to Angel who tensed up a little. My goodness I didn't know he had a temper deep down. I guess when it comes to desires like food he can go crazy for them. Funny because he is usually so calm. Twilight said to herself. "So what would you like to eat at Night Fury?" Fluttershy asked. "Um I would like to eat some um well um…" he seemed to not be wanting to admit what he wanted. "It's okay. Please just ask, I won't judge you." Fluttershy said. "Well you see…", he worried about admitting his love for meat or fish. If an average pony would be aghast at eating a bunny how much more would this meek pony be shocked and traumatized. "I well you… I… I…" "Please, you can tell me anything." While Fury was forming the words in his mind, Angel Bunny came along and threw a tomato at him and laughed. "I would like to eat him!!!" He jumped near Angel and roared in Angel's face making him cry. "You're lucky your Fluttershy's pet or I would have put you in my belly, you little runt! Don't you know our paws are important for us running!" he said ferociously. "ENOUGH!!!! BOTH OF YOU!" Fluttershy rebuked the two quarrelsome creatures. For the first time in a while Night Fury was afraid. He never saw such a determined face. From someone so sweet too. "Night Fury, sir, you will apologize for doing that little stunt. Even if it was pretend I will have none of that in my household." Fluttershy said firmly. Night Fury was about to refuse but he didn't want to anger Fluttershy any further so he apologized. "Sorry Angel Bunny. I won't do that again." Angel Bunny laughed and felt satisfied. Until… "And you Angel, will apologize to our guest for showing mischief and meanness. This is not how my parents taught me!" Angel angrily squeaked in protest at Fluttershy's words, his life had just been threatened! "I don't care if he threatened to eat you, you are just as guilty as he is for antagonizing him. Now, you are going to apologize for how you behaved, or there will be consequences." Fluttershy spoke sternly. Angel Bunny knew what that meant. No carrots for a whole month! Horrified at that idea he reluctantly gave an apologetic look to the feline. "I'm glad you two are getting along now." Fluttershy instantly turned from angry to happy. It was such a whiplash. "Now Night Fury, it seems to me you do like meat, do you not?" "I'm sorry Fluttershy. I am perfectly fine with eating hay sticks and… Ugh, daffodil sandwiches." he lied wanting to make amends for the commotion he caused. "I know that's a lie. And don't you worry I understand that you are a predator and you would like to consume meat. I have no issue with that." She said with compassion "Wait, you don't?!" He asked, shocked. "But what about your love for animals?" "It's because I love animals that I have come to accept that some creatures work differently from one another. So I am perfectly fine with that." Fluttershy put her hoof on his back. "And besides, Reginald here has been having too much fish lately so…" She revealed a nice piece of salmon and Night Fury's mind exploded. "Wow! I haven't seen one of those ever since I left for Canterlot! Can I have it?! Can I have it?!" Fluttershy giggled, put it on a plate and said, "Yes you may, if that's okay with you." "Yippee!!!" And he chugged down on that fish. It was that good. "Wow Fluttershy, I'm impressed you dealt with that with such maturity." Twilight said. "Well, when you have a little brother who is enthusiastic but a bit ill behaved, you start to learn how to manage things." Fluttershy said. "I hope Zephyr is more successful lately. Sometimes I feel like I'm too soft on the ones that rely on me but I'm definitely trying my best." Fluttershy said with a bit of sadness. She sometimes feels like she failed to raise Zephyr well and was too lenient. She is still learning to be more assertive. Twilight smiled at this. "Well I'm glad you are now." "Me too." Fury agreed. "Wait, you heard what I was saying with all that eating noise?!" "Yeah I can hear even those sounds, my ears are like radars. You gals oughta speak a little softer." he said while eating the spine of the salmon. "I'll keep that in mind." Twilight chuckled while writing that in her notebook. "I really am sorry about all the commotion Fluttershy. I won't do that again." he said. "I forgive you. Don't worry. I often deal with a lot more creatures than you. You are very nice. You might be a good role model for my little brother." "Well if he doesn't try to bite me again, then it can probably work," he jokingly said. Twilight then came up with her checklist. "Well then! Fluttershy's Cottage: check! Alright I think it's time for us to leave." "Thanks for the good fish Fluttershy." Fury said. "I'll admit that Angel Bunny is one feisty fellow but I kinda like his tenacity. It reminds me of an old neighbor in my original village." He reminisced. "But no time for that," he said. "I'm ready to go to Twilight." "Very well we'll be a bit quicker this time. Thanks Fluttershy. Bye" Twilight said. "Take care!" Fluttershy waved. Night Fury and Twilight Sparkle went through all the fun venues of this small town from the melodramatic flower girls to the fun games at the arcade, they both enjoyed themselves. But I tried to be at a quick pace so as not to miss the party. They finally made it back to Sugarcube Corner. He was once again surprised at the ice cream rooves. The room was filled with ponies from all over town, soon turning their attention to the newcomer. "And here's the guest of honor. Everypony, this is Night Fury." Pinkie called out, gesturing to the black feline standing next to Twilight. "The great snack thief and instigator of the Great Cake War! Let's give him our welcome!" Applause and cheering followed. "So let's start by giving this great feline of the exotic jungle the best time ever! Now Mr. Fury, the last time we had a party in Canterlot I was just warming up, now I go all in… are you ready to have a classic Ponyville party?!" Night Fury's eagerness was at an all time high. "You bet I am!" "That's great! To start off, we have a little game for you." "Sounds good- wait I'm blind! Someone blindfolded me?! What's the big idea?!" Night Fury wondered. "The big idea is to play this game…without sight," Pinkie explained. "It's called Pin The Tail on the Mule!" "Pin the tail on the mule? Sounds weird, but ok." Night Fury said, rather confused on the premise of the game he was about to play. "We aren't doing this to an actual mule, are we?" "Ha ha ha! Good one. Nope. We have a signature poster of a mule here. An old friend of mine has allowed me to use a drawing of him," Pinkie explained. "How about Twily explain the rules?" "You have in your paw a tail, so you must attach it to where it goes on the mule. You got five tries!" Pinkie said. "If you win, you'll be the first to have the cake." Night Fury's face lit up at the chance to get first dibs on a cake, already wondering what the cake would taste like. "But if you lose, you have to be in the dunk tank!" Pinkie said with an ominous voice. "Which we'll be our next game." "What is this dunk tank?" "Oh you'll see pal." Rainbow laughed. "You'll see. And if you win I'll be in the tank!" Fury was just a little fearful of what they meant by "dunk tank". These ponies can be surprisingly mischievous after all. But he does not back down from a challenge! He is Night Fury, The Ambassador of the Speed Shifters. "Bring it on!" Night Fury declared. After four attempts of trying to find where the dang rear of the mule is, Rainbow and Fury were both anxious. But Fury, not wanting to be dunked, had an idea. Perhaps a little trickery. "Pinkie, I'm a little curious about your mule friend. What does he like to do?" "Oh he likes to eat a lot of chocolate." "Oh and I assume he would eat it here?" He pointed at the back "No silly, his head is over to the right! A little further, a little further, good!" He has the location of the head. "Has anyone tried to ride him before?" "I don't know, I think Spike tried to do it once." Pinkie said. "So he tried to climb onto him here?" He pointed to a hind leg. "Not there, up a little bit, to the left. There you go." He now had the back covered, just a little more to go. "I see, Pinkie Pie. And where would his cutie mark be?" "Silly cat! Mules don't have cutie marks." "That's kinda sad. Isn't it?" "Yeah but they're still happy." "But what if he had a cutie mark?" "Well he liked to play the harmonica." "Where would the harmonica cutie mark be?" "Ok not there, not there, that's it!" Now Fury has a good idea of the shape of the mule. "Thanks Pinkie!" "Can we get on this already!" Rainbow asked impatiently. "Very well. It shall end. Now!" Push He stuck the tail right in the correct location. Rainbow only reached the thigh. "What!? Oh come on how did you do that?!" Rainbow was a bit. "Wait a sec, you cheated! You asked those strange boring questions to get an advantage!" "Why yes, I did get an advantage." he admitted with no guilt on his face. "C'mon Pinkie, he has to be the one getting dunked. He cheated." Rainbow said, infuriated "Cheating?" He asked annoyingly with innocence. "I just asked Pinkie a few questions. That isn't against the rules." "Uh uh uh…" For once Pinkie was the one in confusion and amazement. "Well there are no rules against that so… You're still the champ!" "But he had an unfair advantage!" Rainbow pouted. "Not really. You could have asked Pinkie first." "But but… grrrrr… you win this time big ol cat! But I'll get ya next time ya hear!" Rainbow fumed. "Maybe one day you will." He said smugly. "But I do apologize for wasting your time. You should relax on a cozy seat." "Hmph fine. But good luck hitting the target." She went on the dunking chair. The others had fun trying to get the target. She finally fell into the water. But as it was Pinkie's party it was fruit flavored so it actually wasn't so bad. Courtesy of Applejack. Rainbow lost her anger and embraced the water. Everybody had fun at that part bobbing for apples. Musical chairs. And of course having some delicious chocolate pie. Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow and Fury all challenged each other to see who could eat the most. Of course no one could beat Pinkie at that. "I win! I win!" Pinkie yelled in excitement. "Gee, you must have an infinite stomach that stores food somewhere else." Night Fury joked. "Believe me, honey, when it comes to Pinkie Pie, that might just be true. Probably weirder than that though." Applejack remarked, rubbing her full tummy. "Wait, is it already nighttime?" Twilight asked. "It's one in the morning!" Rainbow said, looking at the long. "Aw great. I'm gonna have to sleep in now." Rainbow then rose up. "Is what I would say if this party were not awesome! Give it up for this champ!" She pointed to the dark feline. "Woo hoo! You rock!" "Thanks guys, this sure was epic. You didn't have to do this much for me." Night Fury blushed a bit. "Nope! I would not have been satisfied with a lesser party." Pinkie said. "It is one of the inalienable rights of the United Principality of Equestria's Constitution that all newcomers ought to be blessed with a great party!" "Uh Pinkie, that's not what our constitution states." Twilight corrected. "Well it should!" Pinkie retorted. "Imagine not giving a party and having a neighbor so miserable! The horror. The horror." Pinkie looked almost traumatized from just the thought of a miserable neighbor. Twilight rolled her eyes at Pinkie's melodrama. Rainbow and Night Fury just laughed. "I think I'm gonna enjoy it here. You folks seem really cool!" Night Fury said. "Well I'll just say it won't be this exciting everyday." Twilight said. "Usually this town is pretty relaxing but when we do get intense, we get intense." "That's fine by me." Fury laughed. "Even I was getting a bit tired from all the constant parties, I needed some rest and relaxation. I might like to hang out but even I need my own time." "Well, that's good to hear." Twilight said, relieved. "Night Fury, welcome to your new home." "Thanks… wait a second, where am I gonna stay?!" Fury asked, forgetting about that fact. "Uh oh, looks like Twilight forgot." Pinkie teased. "Actually, according to my schedule, I do have it. I was going to show it to you as a surprise. Follow please." Twilight asked politely like with her usual professional demeanor. The two were walking in silence but Fury was wondering what this place would be like. Would it be a tiny hut smaller than even his own? Who cares Fury? I could be living in a tiny cave and I would still take it! He was excited about his new home and dang it he was not going to lose sleep over which house he would have. He was ready for anything. "Here we are, Mr. Fury. Welcome to your new house." Twilight showed off the new house. "Oh my goodness." Night Fury was in awe. It was a villa with a lot of plants and flowers in the gardens. There were even palm trees. And some nicely crafted stained glass windows. They went inside and saw it had two floors and even inside a courtyard in the middle. This was so epic. He heard certain high class noble Speed Shifters had houses similar to this. The ones who were not nomadic and grew rich, some who sadly made a living shortchanging their underpaid workers. But he never expected someone like him to have this place. "Wow, this house is nothing like I've ever seen!" Fury said, amazed at the structure that stood before him. It was albeit not the largest house ever. But for someone like him who lived in a small hut for a while, it made him feel like a chieftain or even a king. "I'm glad you like it, I had the mayor of Ponyville give you the best of the best. Believe it or not, Rarity used to have a brief foray into architecture. While fashion became her thing, she helped out in making a fabulous looking building based on the descriptions of some old documents of Speed Shifters in the town hall's archives." Twilight explained as they took a tour of the house. The bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, and even the backyard pool were all making Night Fury reminisce on his time back home. Everything about this house was just like how things were when he was growing up. He had seen all that needed to be seen in this house to solidify his want to stay in Equestria, he was not planning on leaving anytime soon. The two friends soon looped back to the front door and stopped, Night Fury having just been treated to the best day he's ever had. "Wow, just wow. This day has been amazing. I am definitely going to love it here." Night Fury said, ecstatic at the fact that he was getting along so well. Twilight giggled. "I'm glad you like it. Well, I better get going, Spike is probably wondering where I am." She said, opening the door with her magic. "I hope you enjoy your new life in Equestria, bye." "Seeya Twi" And just like that, she was gone. Night Fury took a moment to breathe in some fresh air, taking in the new house smell as he walked to his bedroom. Wow, I can't believe that all of this is for me! First, I got invited to a royal wedding, then I got pranked by said royalty, and now I'm an ambassador of my own kind! Everything has been going by so fast! I wonder what's going to happen next? He thought to himself as he opened the door to his room and got into bed. He soon slowly drifted off to sleep, satisfied that everything was going smoothly. But little did he know that his first challenge was going to come sooner than he had planned.