Of Pink Ponies, Pastries, and Underpants
Ash got to his feet. Without the constraints of a low ceiling, the Human stood to his maximum height. At 5 feet 10 inches, Ash was of average height by Human standards. By Dwarven standards, he was a giant.
"Whoa, you're huge!"
By pony standards, it appeared, he would also be seen as a colossus.
The unusual colored Pegasus hovered up to eye level. Her enthusiasm had died down after Ash silently refused to answer her questions but it had returned in full strength in response to the Human's sudden act.
The two other ponies were still arguing. Neither had managed to gain any rhetorical ground and had resorted to name calling and insults.
Though they stood at distance and the Pegasus had discovered new questions to ask, Ash managed to hear the words "dangerous" and "threat" several times.
Ash shook his head and whipped himself with his own white hair. It was apparent the orange pony did not trust him. He could understand her feelings. After all, he had treated and had been treated the same way initial by the Elves.
Ash cautiously approached the nearby creek. Thankfully, no noose had tightened around his neck; Applejack was currently locked in verbal combat with a foe that demanded her full focus. Ash knelt in the grass and cupped his hands in the water. He splashed the chilling water against his face a scrubbed furiously.
The Human stroked his wet beard. More than ever, Ash wished for a mirror. The creek, though clean, was not able to present a clear reflection of Ash.
With a sigh, Ash flicked his wrist...
*****
"Ah'm tellin' ya, that it ain't nothin' but trouble. Can't ya see that without yur fancy-smancy spectacles?"
"My eyesight is perfectly fine, thank you very much. I can see perfectly clear that the only one causing trouble is you!"
"That thing can be dangerous! Ah ain't goin' to risk tha safety of mah family!"
"You've almost killed it with your stubbornness."
"Who are ya callin' stubborn?"
"You, if you are going to continue call him a threat. He has done nothing to deserve such suspicion. Look at him!" Rarity jabbed at Ash's direction in emphasis.
"Does he look like a threat?"
Both ponies turned toward the creek and toward the being near it.
With a wave from Ash's arm, a large stream of water pulled itself out of the creek and flowed in front of the Human face, like a little sideway lake. Rainbow Dash hovered on the other side, watching through the floating body of water in awe.
With a small flick of his wrist, the water solidified into a thin and icy block of reflective crystal.
Ash examined his hair with a grimace, his tongue sticking through pursed lips. Rarity and Applejack examined Ash with shock, their jaws hanging loosely above the ground.
*****
"Whoa, how are you doing that?"
"Huh?"
Ash gave the Pegasus a sideways look from behind his makeshift mirror.
"Uh, magic," Ash answered, hoping the flying pony would accept such a vague response.
"Magic?"
"Magic."
Ash returned to his grooming. "You sound confused. Haven't you seen magic before?"
"Well, yeah. But only Unicorns are supposed to be able to use magic. And that looks nothing like the magic Twilight uses."
Ash shrugged. "Maybe I'm a different kind of Unicorn."
"Pff. Wait, really?"
"... No."
*****
"Not dangerous? Lookit what's it's doin'!" Applejack nearly screamed.
Rarity, while visible shaken by Ash's sudden display of aquatic manipulation, kept her voice calm and composed:
"This proves nothing."
"Nothin'? Nothin'? Are yah payin' attention? Look at what it's doin'! Look at what it can do!" Applejack pointed a shaking hoof. "How is that harmless? What if it's somethin' like Discord?"
"I still think you're jumping to conclusions. Simply because he has strange abilities does not mean he will them to cause harm."
"Yah don't know that it won't!"
"And you don't know that he will!" Rarity was beginning to tire of Applejack stubborn nature and her frustration was showing.
"Ooh, ooh, what if you made him Pinkie Promise? Then he can't hurt us cuz no pony breaks a Pinkie Promise."
Applejack and Rarity turned around. Pinkie Pie stood behind them. Standing was not the best description; if anything, the hyper pink pony was bouncing in place behind them. Next to her was a picnic basket filled with muffins.
"Pinkie, how long have..."
"Pinkie Pie, what are yah doin' here?"
Pinkie Pie grinned. Suddenly, neither pony wanted to know. Ignorance was truly bliss when dealing with this Earth Pony.
"Except you, Applejack. You kinda broke your Pinkie Promise even though you didn't. Oh wait, he's not a pony, is he? I'm getting tired of calling him 'him' and 'he'. That's probably not even his real name. Or if it is, that be real weird, wouldn't it. I know! I'll go ask him his name! Then I'll know what to call him. Then I can throw him a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party! See you later, alligator! Bye!"
As Pinkie picked up the basket and bounced toward the creek, her friends picked and pieced their one sided conversation together.
"Ah told her Ah didn't break my promise."
"Wait, where did Pinkie say she was going?"
The two mares turned toward the direction the pink party pony was in. Their blood chilled when they saw that Pinkie was headed straight toward the tall figure near the floating frozen puddle.
*****
"So, you got a name?"
"Eh?"
Ash look up from his losing fight with his hair; it simply would not stay out of his eyes.
"A name. You know, what you're called?"
"I know what a name is," Ash answered with slight irritation. "And yes, I do have a name."
The Pegasus stared at the Human expectantly with a goofy grin. As if to prompt the Human, she nodded. Ash returned to combing his hair back.
"I just chose not to give it out freely."
Rainbow Dash's ears drooped and her smile became a frustrated frown
Just when I thought I was getting somewhere she thought to herself with a sigh.
"So, do you have a name?"
"Huh?"
From behind his mirror Ash grinned.
"Do you have a name. As in, what do others call you?"
Rainbow crossed her front legs (Ash: Legs? Arms? Do legs work that way?) across her chest and looked away, apparently without interest.
"Sorry, that's not something I can just out like that."
Ash chuckled softly. His grin grew wider. Has a sense of humor, this one he thought to himself before saying, "Tell you what, you give me your name and I'll give you mine. Fair enough?"
Rainbow Dash thought for a moment before nodding.
"Sounds fair. They call me Rainbow Dash," the Pegasus announced proudly. "Fastest and best flier in all of a Equestria."
Rainbow Dash Ash mouthed. With difficult, he managed to control his laughter, though his shoulders quaked.
"Fitting name, Miss Rainbow Dash."
"Argh, just call me Dash or Rainbow." The Pegasus shook her head, her messy mane became more chaotic as strands of her hair stuck out. "So what's your name?"
Ash opened his mouth to answer before he was interrupted by screaming. He turned around and saw Applejack and the white Unicorn rush over toward him. Both were yelling frantically about the color pink.
Ash turned back to his mirror only to fall back in surprise. Instead of seeing his own reflection Ash saw a pony. A pink pony.
Ash rubbed his eyes. The pony was still there. A giant smile grew on her face and the frozen mirror shattered.
Ash covered his face but felt no shards. Instead, something had landing on his chest. Ash brought his arms down and found the pink pony sitting on top of him. She opened her mouth and sucked in a gust of air.
"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you! That's what I'd say if we were at the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party I'm going to throw for you. I throw one for everypony that's new in town! Oh, and I threw one for a Griffin but she didn't really like it here. I know everypony in Ponyville and now I'll get to know every whatever-you-are in Ponyville and we'll be great friends and you're new here so you don't have any friends but don't worry; Twilight made lotsa friends here and so will you! Maybe we'd have to change the town's name since you're here and you're not a pony. But wait, Gummy's not a pony either and we don't need to call here Gatorpolis. Ooh, that's a new one! Gatorpolis! Gatorpolis! Ooh, but what about Alli-, Alli-, hmm, what's another word for city? Alliville? Los Alligus? Alliviana? The Allimo? Or is that a better name for a fort?"
Ash turned to the three other mares who stood at a distance, unwilling to be in hearing range. Applejack stood the farthest away, muttering to herself, "Make it stop, make it stop," as repressed memories resurfaced.
"Help?" he said weakly. No pony did as Pinkie Pie took another deep breath.
*****
"Oh no, I totally forgot!"
Fluttershy landed while Twilight skid to a stop and turned around.
"Is something wrong?" the Unicorn asked.
"I told Rarity I'd stop by for tea but so much happened that it slipped my mind. Oh, Rarity will be so disappointed."
"Rarity?" an orange Earth Pony with a carrot for a cutie mark asked. "I saw her headed to your cottage. She was in such a hurry she almost knocked over my carrot stand."
"A lot of ponies went that direction," said a nearby mare with a rose colored mane. "I saw Rainbow Dash fly over there too."
"Oh my, so many ponies. I hope he won't feel overwhelmed. I know I would."
"Don't worry Fluttershy," Twilight assured, "I'm sure they'll all be fine. There no need act all panicky."
"You know, I think I saw Pinkie Pie head over there too."
"Really? Huh, explains how quiet the marketplace was."
Twilight stopped in her tracks. "Wait, Pinkie Pie too?"
"Is now a good time to panic?" Fluttershy asked.
"...Yes."
*****
"...and that's how I got my cutie mark!"
"Uh huh." Ash laid on his back and watched the clouds. For the first time in a while, Ash tried amusing himself by creating pictures and images with the clouds but one could make only so many bunnies and battleships before that became old. What furthered his frustration was the lack of new clouds. Despite the relaxing breeze, those clouds stood stationary, using to move or reform or reshape. With a sigh, the Human closed his eyes. He would have taken a nap if it weren't for the pink pony bouncing on his belly, with words flowing out with more force than a raging river.
"Well?"
"Eh?"
Ash opened his eyes and stared straight in to a pair of wide blue eyes accompanied by huge smile.
" Uh, what, oof, was the question?"
"Silly, did you forget already?"
"You asked a, oof, bunch of questions."
"Oh right, I did, didn't I? Hmm, which one should you answer first?"
"Hey, he didn't answer my question yet!" Rainbow Dash said with irritation. "You still owe me a name."
"Ooh, that's a good one! Wait, let's try guessing first!"
"I am also quite curious to know your name," spoke the white Unicorn. "Oh, where are our manners? I am Rarity and my friend here is Applejack." Rarity gave the orange pony a glare. "And she will apologize for her behavior."
"We've oof, met."
"I ain't apologizing fur nuthing."
Rarity gave Applejack another dark look before sighing. "And I see you have already met Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie."
"You could, oof, say that. My name's, oof, could you please stop that?"
Pinkie Pie seemed to slow in mid air. "Coulduplzstoptat? That's a funny name."
Ash sat up and the pink little pony slid into his lap. She looked up with a giant smile.
I'd say the same about your name "Pinkie Pie" Ash thought. No wait, Coulduplzstoptat is funnier.
"My name is Ashley but I'd prefer it if you called me Ash."
"Ash, huh." Rainbow tapped her chin. "Cooler than 'Ashley', that's for sure. Could be cooler though."
"Aww, I liked Coulduplzstoptat."
"Well, it's a pleasure to formally meet you, Ashley, um, Ash."
"Now what kind o name is 'Ashlee'? It don't sound Equestrian at all."
Ash shrugged. At this point, he found no reason to reveal anymore information besides his name. While he was positive that none of these ponies meant to do him harm (Well, almost none Ash amended as Applejack continued to watch him with eyes of a hawk) it wouldn't hurt to take some precautions. He had been wrong before.
At least until I speak to this Twilight character. I need information as well.
Ash got to his feet once again.
"Where are yah headed?"
Ash sighed. Applejack's distrust was understandable but was also quickly getting on his nerves.
"I need another mirror. Gotta get this mess of hair into something semi-presentable."
"Ooh, you should get Rarity to help. Look at how fancy smancy her mane is."
"I dunno." Rainbow Dash leaned onto Ash' shoulder with some difficult. "I think it looks fine."
"Really?" The Pegasus nodded. "Then it really does need to be changed."
Ash's comment earned him a scowl from Rainbow Dash, which Ash responded with a grin.
The Human turned to the Unicorn. "Welp, do you think you can do something about this?" With a gesture Ash indicated his hair.
"Of course, this shouldn't be too difficult." Rarity pulled out a pair of scissors from her saddlebag.
"Rarity..." Applejack began.
"Hush, I need my full concentration. Now would you like this?"
"I dunno. Short enough so it stays out of my eyes."
"And the beard? I could give you a magnificent mustache"
Ash thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I'd prefer to be clean shaven." I'm ten years too young to be sporting that kind of thing.
"Very well then. I need full silence now. And stop giving me those looks Applejack; it's just a haircut."
Ash closed his eyes. At least now no one would ask him anymore questions.
.............
..........
.......
......
....
,,
"Have you ever had a cherrychanga?"
*Snip*
"Oops."
"Oh, ur, don't worry I can fix that."
•••••
Meanwhile, Spike had just finished shelving the books. He took a step back to admire his work. It didn't take long for his deference to die out.
With a sigh, the little dragon turned away from the book shelves and sat right outside of the library. Man, I wish I could go on my own adventure Spike dreamed. Images of the dragon, large and muscular, fighting off hoards of enemies danced in his head and he sighed in bliss.
His daydream was cut short as Spike's stomach began to rumble with a quaking sensation. Spike quickly jumped to his feet and began to heave. With a final heave, Spike released a torrent of green flames. The resulting smoke became a sealed scroll with the royal regalia.
Spike broke the seal and quickly read through the letter. After finishing, the young dragon jumped to his feet and ran in the direction Twilight and Fluttershy had headed. While he couldn't understand the letter in its entirety, Spike understood enough to have a sense of urgency.
*****
"There, it's done."
Ash put his hand to his now smooth chin. Rarity had a gift with scissors, he had to admit. Ash had seen many experienced barbers but all had used razors to shave their patrons' facial hair.
The Human turned to the ponies. "Well? What do you think?"
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie sat there, with mouths ajar for a few seconds before breaking out in a large and heavy laugh. Pinkie Pie rolled in the grass giggling while her Pegasus companion laid on the ground with her legs kicking the air.
Applejack managed to keep a straight face for half a second longer than the other two before she began to snicker. It wasn't long before she had joined Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash in the grass.
"Ha, you look worse than before!" roared Rainbow before breaking into another fit.
"Hah, hah, wow Rarity, didn't think yah could mess up sumthin' like beautifyin' a mane." Applejack managed to snort between breathes. Rarity blushed angrily at the orange pony's comment.
Pinkie Pie had been unable to make a single coherent sentence out of her laugh attack.
Rarity gave Ash a sad glance. "I admit, it was much harder than I expected it would be. I'm not much of a barber, more of a stylist, really. But nothing I had in mind seemed to fit you."
Ash sat there, stroking his chin. "I want a mirror."
"I'm sure Fluttershy must have one in her cottage."
"Nah, this is easier."
With a wave of his hand, the creek nearby once again jumped before the Human and froze into another reflector. Applejack's laughter died away.
Ash peered at his reflection. He turned his head from one side to the other and back again. Ash ran a hand through his hair, brushing it off to one side, then to the other.
Rarity watched anxiously. It took all her will power not to start biting down on her hooves.
Applejack also watched in anxiety, though for a different reason. Every fiber in her body wanted to pounce on the strange creature with strange powers but held back; who knows what he could do if he was attacked.
Ash was silent as he continued to examine his new appearance. at least, Rarity couldn't handle the silence.
"Well, what do you think?"
Ash tilted his head back in deep thought. All eyes were upon him, waiting for his opinion. Even Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stopped laughing to hear his verdict.
Ash grinned suddenly. "I love it. Man, I don't think I've ever looked better."
"Oh, you're just saying. I know it's too short but..."
"My hair is normally this short. It's fine."
"Oh no!"
Everyone turned to the direction of the scream. Ash had enough time to widen his eyes in surprise as a yellow Pegasus tackled him to the ground. The crystal mirror reverted into water and landed with a splash.
"Oh, look at you. All your fur is gone. Oh, what to do, what to do?" Fluttershy planted a hoof onto Ash's forehead. "Don't you worry, we'll take good of you. You're going to be just fine. J-just fine"
"Then why do sound worried?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Hold on now, sugarcube," Applejack said as she picked Fluttershy off the Human.
"What's,,,up....everypony?"
Twilight Sparkle stumbled toward her friends, wheezing and gasping for air. The constant gallop took a lot out of the eggheaded Unicorn.
She managed two more steps before collapsing.
*****
Six ponies and a Human sat in a circle just outside of Fluttershy's cottage. The little abode was not made to entertain so many guests.
It took several minutes of reasoning before Fluttershy was convinced that Ash was not in fact dying. Even so, the Pegasus did everything she could to make her new animal friend more comfortable. The end result was a very awkward Ash siting on top of several pillows and covered by a blanket. Ash found it impossible to refuse and tried his very best not to spill muffin crumbs on the quilt.
Applejack and Rarity had been whispering to Twilight, each giving their own views on the new creature. Applejack had grudgingly admitted that the creature didn't seem to be hostile or wanting harm and Rarity conceded that Ash needed to be watched as his strange powers may pose as a threat.
In the end, Twilight managed to conclude that Ash (Twilight: What a strange name) was an intelligent creature that deserve some respect. What was truly intriguing was the creature's apparent magic abilities. Twilight had never even heard of any other creature besides Unicorns who could utilize magic.
I need to know more.
Across from the purple Unicorn, Ash was thinking the same thing. Questions danced in his head: where exactly was he; how did he get here; how could get back home. I still have a mission to finish...
Do you?
Ramth's image appeared before him, his humorless smile sending chills done his spine. Pictures of the corpses of his companions, his friends, were presented before him. Was there still a mission to complete?
Ash took a giant bite out his muffin, the sugar brightening his mood slightly. No he thought to himself. I haven't failed yet. If I don't finishing my quest, everyone would have died in vain.
It never crossed his mind that it may have been impossible to return home.
Ash choose instead to focus at the issue at hand; he chewed the muffin slowly as he thought of the best way to formulate his questions. Across from him, Twilight was doing the same thing.
What to ask. How should I ask?
"So..." started both the Human and the Unicorn. Both quickly withdrew.
"Oh, sorry, you can go first."
"Not at all, I'm sure you have plenty of questions."
"You probably do too."
"Ladies first."
"Guests first."
"If neither of you are gonna ask anything," Rainbow Dash spoke up, "I've got a bunch of questions."
"Ooh, me too. Me too. Like do you like muffins? Cuz it sure looks like you do! Then you'll love cupcakes! Have you ever had a cupcake? They're the best! I've never meet a pony that didn't like cupcakes!"
"I have a bit of an inquiry myself."
"Can't say I ain't curious tah know more about whateva yah are."
"Oh, I don't think we should...it's his business after all..."
"Can I ask a question first?" Ash quickly interjected.
The ponies looked at each other and nodded.
"Where am I, exactly?"
Twilight Sparkly answered, "You're in the kingdom of Equestria. More specifically, you're in Ponyville, which is near the Everfree Forest. Does that answer any of your questions?"
Ash shook his head. Equestria? Ponyville? Everfree Forest? He never heard of any of these places. But then again, he had never heard of colorful ponies who could talk.
"Sorry, that doesn't give me any information I can really use. Your turn."
"Ooh, ooh, what word do you think is funnier: cherrychanga or chimi--"
"What are you anyways?" Rainbow Dash quickly asked, cutting Pinkie Pie off.
"Blunt, aren't we?" Ash said with a snort.
"Just answer the question."
"I'm guessing you've never seen a Human before, have you?"
The ponies all shook their heads, though Pinkie Pie had to think a bit first.
"Well, congrats. You've just discover one."
"Do you all think so strange?"
"You already asked a question, let another pony ask."
"Ah was about to ask tha same thin'."
Ash thought for a moment. Again, another harmless question. Harmless, yet difficult.
"Lets see...Well, all Humans walk on two feet, have two arms with hands, a head, a rear...Yep, besides a few details with the face and differing levels of height and wideness and complexion, Humans all look this 'strange.'"
"Can you all talk?"
"Yeah, I think so," Ash answered, a little relieved that Pinkie Pie had asked such a rational question.
"Are there more of you? Cuz then we can a giant 'Welcome to Equestria, Humans' party and we'd have so many guests of honor!"
"I've been meaning to ask you about your attire."
"My clothes?"
"Yes. In Equestria, clothing is worn only on certain occasions or to demonstrate one's status in society. Did you come from an important event? Although, and please take no offense, your dress seems rather...worn."
"Well duh, of course they're worn. His wearing them right now!"
"Actually, Humans tend to wear clothing all the time. I'm a bit surprised you ponies wear clothes, no offense." Ash placed his hand on his chin and thought for a moment. "Actually, I don't suppose there's a tailor in, what was the town called?"
"Ponyville. And I happen to be a distinguished seamstress. And I would more than happy to mend your garments."
Applejack snickered. "Are yah sure Rarity? After how yah butchered his mane?"
The white Unicorn blushed furiously. "I have full confidence in my dressmaking abilities. Have you forgotten your gala dress?" She turned to Ash. "Don't worry, dear. I assure you, I am a professional. Let us continue this at my shop."
Everyone got up and followed Rarity toward the direction of the town. Twilight put away her quill and notes and ran to catch up with her friends.
"I didn't even get to ask anything," she grumbled to herself.
*****
"Wh-why is everypony staring at us?" Fluttershy tried to hid herself from the watchful eyes of Ponyville's inhabitants. Old memories from her dreadful modeling career resurfaced, causing the poor Pegasus to shudder.
Indeed, it had appeared that every member of the pony society had come to stare at the six mares. It didn't exactly help that they chose a route that ran directly through the marketplace during a very busy time.
Or that a strange and unusual being had accompanied them.
Ponies of every color huddled together, whispering. As soon as the group got close, however, the ponies would scatter. None dared approach, despite the reassuring looks given by some of the six ponies that stood together with the strange creature.
"How rude, they should know better than to stare."
"It's worse than that, Rarity," Twilight said. "They all seem afraid, like with Zecora."
"Well, can yah blame them?" exclaimed Applejack. "Zecora was at least pony-like."
"Yes, but I thought we all learned not to discriminate based on appearance. I thought you learned that too."
Applejack flushed and said nothing.
Twilight turned to the Human. "I'm sorry for the cold reception. Normally, Ponyville is a very welcoming place."
"Meh."
Ash was much more perturbed by the actual sight of a pony based society than its reaction toward him. Unicorns, Earth Ponies, an occasional Pegasus, there were so many of them. And the colors, the variety of colors.
"As long as they don't start chasing us with torches and pitchforks, I'll be fine. Once is enough and I haven't exactly lived down that memory."
In truth, Ash was much more worried than that. So many Unicorns, so many magic users. His confidence in his own abilities melted at the sight, or rather the feel, of magic in the area, much of which was leaking out the purple Unicorn next to him.
At last, they arrived at Rarity's shop. Ash stood there, his mouth agape. Even at his height, he needed to look up.
Maybe I should have taken poetry thought Ash, for he could not describe the building. At best, he could say that it was obviously owned by Rarity, with all of its laces and fanciness.
"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, My pride and joy and home! Please, do come in."
With difficulty, Ash wiggled through the doorway and crawling inside. It seemed a lot bigger on the inside. Fabrics of all sorts of colors and types were organized neatly on the selves. Completed dresses adorn several pony mannequins. Naked ones stood to the side.
As the rest of the ponies filed in, Rarity got to her work station and picked up her red reading glasses with her magic. Everypony else closed the curtains to hide them from spying eyes.
"Now, may I please have your dress."
"It's a robe. Please refer it as such. I get enough grief at home." Ash took off his mage's robe and toss them over to Rarity. He had expected her catch them. She didn't.
"Are you, wearing clothes underneath your clothes?" the Unicorn asked as she levitated the robe off her.
"Uh, yeah."
"Whoa, doncha get hot with all that on."
"Rainbow, he doesn't have any fur. He probably needs to wear more clothing so he doesn't get cold," Twilight said.
"Huh, guess that makes sense."
"Well then, give them here. I'll restore those as well."
Ash looked back and forth. He rubbed the back of head in embarrassment, saying, "Is there a changing room or something? I'm not exactly used to standing in the nude, especially in front of ladies."
Rarity slapped herself on the forehead. "Of course. Please forgive me." Quickly, she set up dividers around the Human.
"Ah jus' don' get why yur makin' such a big deal out o this. Ah've got no problem changing in the open." Applejack's comment received a mortified glare from Rarity.
Ash peeked right above the the top of the divider. "If you wear clothing as long as I have, you would have a problem. Besides, you ever change in front of a stallion before?"
"O' course not. Ah don' even let Big Macintosh in mah room."
Ash disappeared behind his little cubicle. "Same deal. Different species maybe, but same deal."
Another article of clothing flew on top of Rarity, who quickly shook it off.
"Sorry," Ash said, peeking from above once again. "Next time, I'll warn you."
"It's quite alright. Shirts are much easier to mend."
"Ponies in shirts, what next?" Ash muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Incoming."
Another article was tossed over the dividers, which Rarity quickly caught with her magic.
"What are these?" Rainbow quick grabbed the unusually piece of clothing from Rarity. Unlike the tunic, this thing did not have a hole for one's head.
"Oh, oh, I know!" Pinkie snatched away the item away and put it over her head. "It's a hat! Like what jesters wear."
A small chuckle came from behind the makeshift dressing area as Rarity took the "hat" off of Pinkie Pie, commenting on how tacky it appeared.
"Those are pants. I wear them over my legs and rear. One last thing, and please don't put it on your head."
A tan piece of cloth landed in front of Rarity.
"Wh-what is this?"
Pinkie Pie gave it a close examination. "Looks like a diaper."
"It's not a diaper. Those are underpants."
"Underpants? Why would yah have underpants if yah already wear pants?"
"To wear underneath my pants."
Gingerly, Rarity levitated the final article in front of her. "They look a bit stained."
From behind the dividers, Ash turned bright red.
"If you like, I can wash them."
"If it's no problem, I'd appreciate that very much."
"Well, if that's it," an increasingly impatient Unicorn said, "I still have some questions that need answering."
As Twilight began to take out her notes, Applejack walked over to Rarity, whom had just begun to repair a small hole in Ash's pair of pants.
"Are yah sure yah want tah do all this? Yah know yah don't have to."
"Applejack, what are you trying to say? Do you really distrust Ash this much?"
The orange pony shook her head. "It's not that. It's jus' seems mightly generous of yah tah be doin' all this. Ah jus' don' want yah tah exhaust yah self, yah hear?"
Rarity smiled, touched by her friend's concern. "You have nothing to fear. This sort of thing is very easy, even if Ash' anatomy is different from our own. Besides, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to help."
"If you say so." Applejack turned to join her friends, whom were once again grilling the Human with questions. "Yah really are tha Element of Generosity, yah know."
*****
"Can all Humans use magic?"
"No, just a few."
"How do you use magic?"
"What do you mean?" Ash asked, puzzled.
"Well, Unicorns use magic by directing it through our horns. I can see you don't have a horn so how do you use magic?"
"Well..."
"Hold up, Twilight," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Fluttershy hasn't got a turn yet."
"Oh, it's quite all right. I really don't have anything to say."
"Ah, come on. You can't say you aren't curious."
"Well..."
"Yeah," exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "After all, you love learning about animals! Or was it taking care of them? Or talking to them? Or all of the above?"
"Oh, I don't know, Twilight has so much ask too."
The purple Unicorn sighed and put down her notes. "It's fine. I remember how you first reacted to Spike. I bet you're all curious about Ash's, well his everything, really."
"The least I can do after I was in your care for so long is to answer some questions," Ash said behind the dividers.
"Well..." Fluttershy took a deep breath.
"I'd love to know where you came from and how you live and if you live with any other Humans and if you're close to any of them. I want to know why they wear clothes all the time instead of having fur. I want to know if they can sing like they can talk. Oh, I'd love to hear a Human sing. I can't even imagine what it would sound like. I'd love to know what type of habitats you live in and how you interact with other animals. I want to know how you are born and how you're raised and how old you get and how big you get and how small you begin. Oh, how I'd love to see a baby Human. I want to learn how you got to Equestria and why you're in Equestria and if you're part tree. Oh, I just want to know absolutely everything!"
Fluttershy stopped to catch her breath. In her excitement, the Pegasus had taken flight and was now several feet in the air. It took her few moments to realize that everypony's eye was upon her. Even Pinkie Pie was amazed by the normally reserved Pegasus' sudden display, her mouth stood agape. Ash had a similar reaction, blinking several times before he could process all of Fluttershy's inquiries.
Fluttershy became self-conscious and quickly landed, digging softly at the floor. "Th-that, that is, if it's okay with you..."
Ash sat himself up, leaning his head on his fist, considering which questions he could answer. While the Human was positive that the ponies he had met were peaceful, he couldn't be sure if they were a fair representation of the entire nation. Information about his home needed to be kept a secret for the time being. As for how he got here, well, Ash had the same question.
Before Ash could collect his final thoughts together, the boutique door swung wide open. Ash got to his knees and peeked over at the intruder.
At the threshold stood a scaly creature, panting and sweating. Dull spikes adorned its head,traveling all the way down to the end of its tail. With one clawed hand, the creature held a scroll and with the other it braced itself against its own knee.
"Tw-Twilight!" the reptilian managed to wheeze. Its voice was full of youth and obviously masculine.
Twilight immediately recognized the creature, who ran to his side and let him lean on her back.
"Spike, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay in the library?"
Spike waved the parchment in the air. "This is important! I looked everywhere for you guys!"
"What could be so urgent that got you to drive yourself into this condition?"
"The Princesses! Princess Celestia and Nigh- I mean Princess Luna. Th-they, they..."
"Spike, take some deep breaths first." Spike obeyed his guardian, breathing in and out slowly. "Now, what about the Princesses?"
"They're coming Twilight!" Spike's relaxed state shattered and he began to hyperventilate.
"The Princesses are coming!"