//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Ponyville // Story: A Second World and a Second Self // by Zephyrius //------------------------------// Chapter 3: Ponyville As Zephyria and I began our trot into Ponyville we began to notice a few odd looks from some of the ponies in town. I wasn't exactly sure what the looks were for, but I assumed that it was because we had never been seen in the town before. When I saw a pony that I recognized as Cloudchaser from the show giving us one of these looks I decided to ask her why everypony was looking at us so strangely. I told Zephyria that I was going to ask Cloudchaser about the weird looks. She agreed it would be a good idea to see what all the fuss was about. She then said that she was going to go talk to Lyra, and we made an agreement to report back with each other as soon as we were done. With that, I turned my attention back to Cloudchaser. When I finally came up close to her she jumped--having not been paying direct attention to me she must have been startled. "Hey, what's with all the weird looks from everypony?" An odd expression came over her, it seemed to be one of mixed feelings. If I had to guess it would have been curiosity and mild confusion "Hehe, um... Hi. Um, well you and your friend are both the exact same colors and stuff, plus uh, neither of you have a cutie mark." she said. All of these things made perfect sense, but I figured I'd question a bit further due to not knowing what the big deal was about matching colors. "Well, what about our colors, what's so odd about that?" I asked, perplexed. She blinked a couple of times, obviously trying to formulate some sort of answer, whose design to which I was clueless. "Um, I mean, it's kind of uncommon. Well, we did have a couple of cheap salesponies come to town with some weird machine before, but they were stallions that were twins. And it's really odd that a pony of your age would not have their cutie mark either. I mean, it's almost unheard of!" This made even more sense. Most ponies had their cutie marks before they were even out of school, and we were well past that age, so of course it would attract plenty of attention. My mind began to wonder to what my special talent might be, and for that matter, the talent of whom I would now likely refer to as my sister. As I was musing I had not realized that I was looking at Cloudchaser with an imaginative expression on my face, which she seemed to return with a smile that could show a bit of interest. "Well, uh, my um--sister and I uh, haven't exactly found our talents, you know, we just haven't figured it out yet!" I gave her a smile which I believe could only be described as cheesy in an attempt to sell my story. Clearly exemplifying the pony race's trust in the honesty of others, she did! "Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense! So, where are you and your sister from?" she asked. As I hid my relief I tried to remember where we had decided to say we were from, and I must have started to space out again because I saw that same weird smile coming over her face. "Um, uh, we are from Canterlot, we're here on a vacation, you know, from the life of the big city," I explained. Another look came over her face, betraying her complete amazement that a pony from Canterlot would come down just to visit Ponyville. "Oh, wow! So what made you two want to visit Ponyville?" she asked with an inquisitive turn of her head. By now I had been able to anticipate such a question, to which I quickly replied; "Oh, you know, Canterlot can get a little bit old. We just wanted to see what life was like in a small town like this!" "Wow, so how do you like the town?" she asked, while kicking the ground with her hoof. "Well, I haven't been in town for more than ten minutes, so I don't really know!" I stated rather bluntly. At this point I gave her a grin so as not to sound sarcastic, which she seemed to take pretty well as she then asked if I'd like her to give me a sort of tour of the town. Well, you know, I figured I might as well take the leisure of a town tour before I really start my quest for answers. Plus I'm sure that my 'sister' would find something to do with Lyra. Thus I agreed to go for said tour, which made Cloudchaser start bouncing excitedly. I then made sure to tell Zephyria about this, and of course asked for Cloudchaser to wait a moment. "Hey, I'm going to go tell my sister that I'm going on this tour with you, give me a sec okay?" "Yeah, sure! Take your time!" she vocalized excitedly. I then turned and walked back to Zephyria, where I found her chatting rather noisily with Lyra and the newcomer Bon Bon. As I walked up I could hear them talking about where she and I were from, amongst other things. To my relief my counter-part remembered our discussion and told them that we were from Canterlot. Luckily she had the same idea to say that we were on vacation down here from the city. I guess I shouldn't be surprised right? I mean, we are the same person. "Hey, Zephyria! I'm going to go on a little tour of the town with Cloudchaser over there, you can find something to do, right?" I said, raising my voice so she could hear over the clamor of the town. "Oh, yes! I sure can, Lyra and Bon Bon were just talking about going to the spa; Lyra even told me that I could stay with her while we're here!" she said while bouncing up and down. She then gave me a wink which neither Lyra nor Bon Bon could see. I was beginning to think that the moral toll of keeping our secret would surely wear either myself or I down eventually, I could already feel slight pangs of guilt from lying to theses innocent ponies. I then realized that we would need to think of a place to meet once we were done with our fun in the town. "Hey, let's meet up at Sugarcube Corner once we are done, sound good?" I asked. "Yeah, sounds great!" she exclaimed excitedly. "All righty, see you later!" As I started back to Cloudchaser I could see that she talking to Flitter. They were giggling quite a bit, and when they noticed that I was walking back over to them, Flitter shot off toward Sugarcube Corner. I stopped for a moment confused, then continued toward my tour guide. "What was that all about?" "Oh! Um, nothing! I was just talking to Flitter about something, it isn't important!" She said rather hurriedly. She then gave me a wide grin in an attempt to fool me (which it of course didn't), but I decided to pay the event no attention. I mean, it couldn't be too important, right? "Okay... So, how about that tour?" I asked, trying not to sound too excited. "Oh, Yeah! I almost forgot, hehe! Okay, let's get started!" she exclaimed. She then took off and flew in to the air about twenty feet up or so, and I soon followed suit, delighted that this was going to be an aerial tour and that I would get to use my wings yet again. As I flew up toward Cloudchaser I could see her giggling again. This was getting a little funny, but oh well, right? Once I got up to her she started off at a leisurely pace, pointing out different places in Ponyville, some of which I was already familiar with, and others that I was not so aware of. "And there's Sugarcube Corner. That's the place where all the sweets, cakes, and all that sort of good stuff are made. Over there is the library. A purple unicorn and her pet dragon live there." When I heard her call Spike Twilight's pet, I just about fell out of the sky. That was rather funny. She then pointed to Carousel Boutique. "Over there is Carousel Boutique, it's the premier fashion shop of Ponyville. Then we have the Day Spa. I think I saw your sister going over there, right?" she asked nonchalantly. I thought for a moment. She had, hadn't she? "Yes, I think she did. She, and two other mares went together." I said "Oh, is she in for a treat! Aloe and Lotus are absolutely wonderful!" she replied Hmm... She sounded pretty enthusiastic, I might want to go by there some time. I then noticed what could only be the marketplace, I pointed it out and asked what it was. "Oh, that's the marketplace! You know, where ponies go to buy and sell their goods," she said this with a sort of tone that screamed 'Isn't it obvious?' "Ah, of course." We then flew by the book shop, joke shop, jewelry store, and costume shop. With each one she gave a brief description. At the mention of the jewelry store she gave off a sort of *squee*. Dear lord, even here the girls freak over jewelry. As we passed over one of the local cafes I looked down in longing. I hadn't eaten since that party, and I had no clue how long ago it was. Apparently Cloudchaser noticed my glance toward the cafe, because she then asked if I wanted to go down for a bite, to which I gave a vigorous nod. She gave me a little smile and we descended to the cafe, alighting near the door. When we walked in we could see that the place wasn't seeing much business at the moment, thus we trotted over to the hostess and asked for a table for two. Rather cheerily the hostess prompted us to follow her to an outdoor table. It was nice and sunny outside, courtesy of the local weather patrol. Perfect eating weather. Once we were seated, the hostess gave us our menus and notified us that our waiter would be with us shortly. I skimmed through all of the options. Being of human origin I could not see anything on the menu that was automatically appetizing. I chose to just ask Cloudchaser what was good instead of trying to pick between all sorts of dishes that I figured would just taste like grass. "So, what does this place have that's good?" "Well, the tulip and celery stew is pretty good. I personally prefer the timothy and sunflower sandwich with honeycrisp apple rings," she replied. Well, it was still grass. But hey, it had a honeycrisp with it! I loved those back home! "Eh, yeah! Sounds good to me!" I replied with mixed feelings. During our wait for our waiter a strange look of embarrassment came over Cloudchaser's face. I couldn't help but question as to why. "What's with that weird look?" I asked inquisitively. "Oh, I just realized that we are having lunch and we don't even know each others names." She said as she started to play with her hair. Holy crap. I forgot all about mentioning my name. I felt tremendously bad for not even asking her about her name. I guess that's what happens when you already know someones name. "Oh wow! I'm so sorry! I'm Zephyrius. May I ask your name?" I said rather hurriedly. "My name is Cloudchaser. Pleased to meet you," she stuck out her hoof for a hoofshake. I laughed as we shook hooves in a mockery of formality. Upon the sound of *Ahem*--both Cloudchaser and I looked up to see our newly arrived waiter, who had a messy red mane and a deep orange coat. He then asked for our order whilst giving me a wink. Before I could say anything, Cloudchaser told the waiter, "We'll have two timothy and sunflower sandwiches with honeycrisp rings, please." "A fine choice, it will be out shortly," the waiter stated as he hurried away. Since I had been thus left alone with Cloudchaser—I decided to pursue her earlier talk with Flitter. "So, come on. Tell me what you and Flitter were giggling about earlier," I asked. "Oh. It's not important right now. You'll see later, I promise!" she stated rather enthusiastically. "Well, Okay. If you're so sure, I won't push it any farther," I said doubtfully. Our conversation then turned to the weather and other small talk, since the question about her and Flitter had been shut down. While we talked my mind started to wonder to my life back home and all of the friends and family that I might not see again. It saddened me to think of what my parents would think when I didn't return their calls, as well as what my co-workers would say when I didn't show up to our office. I realized that I would sorely miss my job. I had been an electrical engineer and worked with an audio company designing amplifiers and speakers. It was a fun job, but it wasn't what I truly loved. No, what I had really loved was the benefits from a winter job I had one year at a lodge up in the mountains. After a season of solid hard labor; shoveling snow and de-icing the roads for the entire winter, the lodge manager had given us tickets for skydiving at a local jump school. The feeling of free-falling had been the most exhilarating sensation I had ever experienced. The next best thing of course, was flying as a pegasus here in Equestria. "Oh, our food is here!" said Cloudchaser, putting a halt to my reminiscing. As our waiter walked up I could smell the food, which (to my surprise) actually smelled good! The waiter then placed our food on the table. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" he asked. This time I was ready to answer before Cloudchaser. "Not at the moment, thank you though," I said "Enjoy!" he said as he walked away Cloudchaser then began to eat without hesitation, having already placed her napkin in her lap. I sat there looking at my sandwich for a few seconds, pondering whether or not it would be any good. Well, there's only one way to find out. As I bit into my timothy and sunflower sandwich I was amazed. It tasted like grass, but suddenly grass was good! It was even comparable in palate-pleasure to a nice rib eye back home. My amazement must have been apparent because it had attracted Cloudchaser's attention. "Wow, you act like you've never had timothy hay before," she said inquisitively. "Ah, yes. It's just not the food I am used to, but I do like it!" I quickly said. "Oh, well that's good! What are you used to eating?" she asked Don't say steak. Don't say steak. Well, I did eat spinach when I was back on earth. "Well, back home I normally had spinach around, as well as the occasional rose petal salad. My sister and I's diet also consisted of a lot of fruit," I said rather hesitantly. "That sounds like a pretty good lifestyle. Why would you ever leave it?" she asked, clearly confused. "Well, as I said earlier, we needed a vacation. Honestly, it happened quite unexpectedly," I explained. I thought of how unexpected my departure from home truly was. It hit me yet again that I was very far from home. I couldn't help but think that I would be missed--I would certainly miss my family. "What do you mean?" she further asked. "What I mean is that it was like any other day. Then something hit us and we just had to go," I stated evasively. "Oh. What was it that hit you?" she questioned. In all honesty, I had no clue. "We really don't know. It was rather sudden," I said as I finished my sandwich. "Oh," she said, "well, when do you return home?" "Ha. I have no clue!" I said as I bit into an apple ring. "Well, that's okay! So where are you and your sister staying while you are here?" she asked, finishing her sandwich as well. I then thought back to Christina saying that Lyra had invited her to stay with her for the time we were here. I had no idea where I was going to stay. I figured that I might just get a hotel room until we find out how exactly we got here. "Zephyria is staying with one of the ponies she went to the spa with. I think her name was Lyra," I said. "What about you?" she asked. "I think I'll find a hotel room or something like that by tonight," I said as I ate another apple ring. "Are you sure? Flitter and I have a couch you could use," Cloudchaser stated while finishing off her own apple rings. I was quite surprised to hear the offer, nonetheless I wouldn't turn down a good couch. I could stay there while they permitted and hopefully be able to find out how Zephyria and I got here. There was also the possibility of finding a job and getting my own place in the event that I wasn't able to track down such information. "That'd be great! Are you sure you wouldn't mind?" I asked. I didn't want to bother them with such a request. "It would be no problem at all. Would you be able to help with the house payment though?" she asked. Well, that was a fair enough deal. That way it wouldn't be so tasking on them to have me stay. "Of course I could help. It would only be fair," I said as I finished my apples. Soon enough, our waiter came by and told us that we could go. Both Cloudchaser and I were clearly confused. "What about the check?" I asked. "You're new in town, right?" he inquired, pointing at me. "Yes, I am, why do you ask?" I asked, still confused. "New ponies in town eat free for their first meal here. It is our policy, and we take great pride in it!" He exclaimed. The waiter then started moving us toward the door. "Are you sure?" I asked. I was never one to ask for a free meal. "Yes! Now hurry, don't you have somewhere to be?" he asked. He then pushed us out the door. As the pony was closing the door I could see Cloudchaser glaring at him. It looked as if he had slipped up somehow. "What was that about?" I asked, concerned about their intentions. "Nothing, he just says that to all new ponies," she said quickly. "Well, okay. So what's next?" I asked, eager to move on. She stopped for a moment, then looked up at the sun. She pondered something unbeknownst to me for a few seconds. "Why don't we go to Sugarcube Corner? Aren't you meeting Zephyria there anyway?" she then said. "Oh, I almost forgot!" I exclaimed, suddenly aware that I might be late. We then took off for Sugarcube Corner, making pretty good time. As we flew over the town I began to notice a general theme amongst the ponies' movements. Most seemed to be moving toward the confection shop we were headed for. As Cloudchaser and I landed in front of the shop I could hear music coming from inside. Is there a party going on? Next thing I knew, I was being hit by a pink blur. As I went to the ground I realized something. I thought back to the first episode of 'Friendship is Magic', only then did I figure out what was going on. Zephyria and I were new to the town, and Pinkie Pie always throws parties for ponies that are new. This must have been what everyone was acting so sketchy about. "Hi, you're new here! We just love new ponies! That's why I threw you a party!" Pinkie Pie yelled in to my face. I then jumped up, startled beyond belief. Then I started to laugh, realizing what had just happened. As I laughed I could hear Pinkie Pie laughing as well, likely just for the sake of laughing. "Hey, let's go in," Cloudchaser said, "it's your party!" "Yeah, let's go in!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Okay, sure!" I said excitedly We then walked into Sugarcube Corner, and as the door opened I could see a multitude of colors and many laughing ponies. I was then directed by Pinkie Pie to the punch bowl and cake, and both looked amazing! As I moved toward the punch I could tell that Cloudchaser was following me. I decided to ask about her and Flitter earlier yet again. "Now can you tell me what you and Flitter were talking about earlier?" I inquired. "Wait, you still don't get it? This party is what we were talking about, you goofball!" she said playfully. "That's what I thought," I said, "you were just trying to keep it a secret, huh?" "Um, yes! Why else wouldn't I tell you?" Cloudchaser then said. "I don't know, maybe you were talking about my amazing looks!" I jested We both laughed, having reached the punch bowl. I then attempted to pour some punch, but as I was not coordinated enough to do so, I ended up spilling some. "Why don't you let me do it?" Cloudchaser said. She then poured two cups of punch by using her wings. I've got to learn how to do that! As Cloudchaser passed me my punch a loud techno song came over the speakers. I looked around the building to find Vinyl Scratch at a DJ booth working her magic on her system. It was so loud that I could feel the pulse and reverb of the bass speakers in the room. Those are some nice speakers. I wonder if I could get a job with the company that makes them? While the song continued I told Cloudchaser that I was going to go look for Zephyria. "Okay, I'll be over by the DJ booth when you find her," she said while sauntering off. I began my search looking from the DJ booth to the back kitchen. As I scanned the crowd I could hear the song intensify, encouraging the ponies to dance even harder. This is going to be impossible. Just then I heard a scream in my ear; "HI!" I was so scared by this that I jumped forward into another stallion who apparently did not like being pushed while dancing. "Hey, watch it man!" His speech a little slurred. He then pushed me back toward the table that held the punch. As I flew backward I thought; Did he just say man? Wait, I know that voice! Just then then the back of my head hit the table, lighting up the nerve endings in my cranium. As I fell my vision started to go black, only able to think one thing. Jake?