A New Perspective Ch. 2
We left Rarity's place at half past 3, and my stomach was growling, having only eaten earlier that morning. Fortunately, my stomach growls were muffled by my new green button down vest with a light brown trim, which she says really brings out my eyes. I took her word for it, if only so that I could take off and get something to eat with Fluttershy.
"So, um, what would you like to do next?" she asked, as if on cue.
"Well, I was getting kinda hungry. Being in that boutique really takes it out of you."
"Don't I know it. I once had to model for Rarity."
"Oh, really? What was it for?"
"Well, this really famous fashion photographer was in town, and Rarity needed somepony to model for her. Naturally, she turned to me, because she said I had 'elegance and poise'. However, I'm uncomfortable in front of the camera, but I was too afraid to tell her, thinking that I would hurt her feelings."
"Ya know, I'd like to hear that story someday. Sounds like it was a bit hard on both of you."
"Oh, it was. You see, she was jealous of all of the attention that I was getting, but SHE didn't want to tell me for the same reasons."
"Wow, that sounds like quite the conundr-"
I never got to finish that sentence, because of what felt like about 80 pounds crashing into my side at 150 miles per hour. Thankfully, whatever it was didn't hit my injured wing, or I would've been really mad. Instead, I was just the slightest bit miffed, ready to chew out whatever had done that.
I was still attempting to scramble to my hooves when a concerned voice piped up.
"Oh man, I'm SO sorry! Are you alright?"
I looked up, and standing over me was a sky blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, looking at me with concern, but barely masking a sort of mirth at the whole situation. Fluttershy was with her, looking on with genuine concern.
"I'll be fine, but may I ask what that was for?"
"Just a new trick I was trying out."
"Let me guess, it didn't go as planned?" I said, getting to my hooves, being careful of my wing.
"Pretty much. Name's Rainbow Dash. You might have heard of me."
Thinking back to what Fluttershy had told me, I could only assume that this was THE Rainbow Dash. The one who had defended her from bullies in Cloudsdale, as well as being one of the best athletes in Equestria.
"Only from what Fluttershy has told me. I'm kinda new in town." Yeah, about a day and a half new.
"Really? Well, much as I'd love to stay and chat, I have to go practice. The Wonderbolts are holding open tryouts next week, and I'm gonna show 'em what I'm made of!"
"Well, best of luck to you. See ya around."
"Catch ya later!" she said, flying away without a backwards glance.
As soon as she was out of range, I said to Fluttershy, "They ought to call her Rainbow Crash."
"Trust me, they have."
My rumbling stomach brought me back to my original topic of conversation. "So, we were going to get something to eat?"
"Oh, right. Well, we could go down to Sugarcube Corner. They aren't exactly typical lunch fare, but they have some great pastries. Plus, if we're lucky, you could meet Pinkie Pie."
"Well, lead the way."
===============
Oh, I met Pinkie Pie alright. Fluttershy and I walked into Sugarcube Corner, only with me to be met at the door with another tackling. I'm starting to think that this might be divine judgement for how I... intercepted Fluttershy when we first met.
Anyway, I was just waltzing on in when another 80 pounds came hurtling towards me, only this particular 80 pounds was bright pink, and extremely happy to see me.
"HI!" said the overly energetic pink pony as she clambered off of me.
"Uh, hi," I responded feebly as I got up. "Care to explain why you tackled me before I got two hooves in the door?"
"Well, I was busy getting some cupcakes ready for a party that we're catering, when I looked out the window and saw Fluttershy walking up with somepony I'd never met before, and if I hadn't met you, then that means you're new, and if you're new, then you must not have many friends, and that made me SO sad, so I decided that I was just going to give you a great big welcome hug!"
Wow. That many emotions in about 30 seconds. And I thought I was energetic at times.
"So, I take it that you're Pinkie Pie?"
"Yep! The Patron Pony of Parties! What's your name?"
"I'm Evan. I just moved here from Fillydelphia, and was told that this would be the place to get some good sweets."
"Only the best in Ponyville! We have everything, from candies and cookies to cakes and muffins, with everything in between!"
Just the thought of all that made my stomach practically scream in protest.
"Well, I think I'll take one of each. I am absolutely famished."
"Right this way," Pinkie offered, holding up a hoof in the direction of the door, which still hung ajar.
The three of us walked into what I can only describe as nirvana. Everywhere I looked, there was some sort of sweet or confectionery, with no vegetable or other health food to offend the eye.
"Feel free to look around," piped up Pinkie, "I just need to get these cupcakes to the wagon out back, and then I'll be with you in a jiffy!"
Pinkie gathered up the cupcakes and bounced to the back room. I mean, she was literally bouncing, as if she had so much stored up energy that she couldn't simply walk.
"So, is she ALWAYS like that?" I asked, turning to Fluttershy.
"Pretty much. Don't feel bad if she seems a little over the top at times, you'll get used to her."
"I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
"There, all taken care of," said Pinkie as she walked back into the room. "Now, what can I get you?"
"I really have a hankering for some of that cake over there," I said, motioning to the chocolate cake on the rounder.
"Wow, you have a great eye for snacks! That's one of our most popular items. Let me cut all three of us a slice! Since your new, it's on the house!"
With that, Pinkie picked up the nearby cake server and started getting three big slices out onto some nearby plates.
As she brought them over, Fluttershy asked, "So, who's party are you catering?"
"Oh, did I forget to tell you? I'm such a forgety-forgetterson! Anyway, it's Twilight Sparkle's birthday!"
"Oh dear, that was TODAY? I completely forgot! Oh no, now I have to go all the way home and get her present."
"I'll go get it," I said. Whoever said that chivalry is dead obviously never met me.
"Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that."
"You fixed up my wing and gave me a place to stay. It's the least I could do."
"Well... if you really want to. It's in the drawer of my nightstand, in a dark blue box with a purple ribbon."
"Dark blue box, purple ribbon," I said, eating the last of my cake. "Got it. Where's the party going to be?"
"At the library," interjected Pinkie. "It's only a couple of blocks away from here, in a big tree. You can't miss it."
"Cool. I'll meet you there. Don't have too much fun without me!"
And with that, we went our separate ways, Fluttershy and Pinkie to the party, and me back to the cottage.
=================
The trip back to the cottage wasn't too bad, although I nearly got lost trying to navigate through the back roads to the cottage. Nevertheless, I finally made it at around 4:30, and set to finding that box.
However, this was going to prove more difficult than I thought. I searched every nook and cranny of that nightstand, but couldn't find the blue box. Undaunted, I set to searching the rest of the room, leaving no stone unturned.
Just when I started to resign myself to the fact that it wasn't there, I heard a gentle thrumming sound coming from under the bed. Poking my head down there, I saw the box, with a peculiar blue glow coming out from it.
"Hmmmm," If there is one thing that I've learned in my life, it's that when something is glowing and making noise, it would be best to just leave it alone. However, I didn't want to upset Fluttershy, or lie to her and say that I hadn't found it, so I grabbed it out from under there.
I was turning to leave when I got the strangest feeling. I had this inexorable desire to open the box, to take a peek at what was inside. At first, I drove these thoughts from my head. This was Twilight's gift, after all, and I had no right.
However, the harder I tried to force these thoughts out, the harder they pushed to make me. I finally snapped under the strain, decided what the heck, and opened it.
Inside was a small necklace, with just enough chain to fit over my neck. It glowed with a soft blue light, pulsating every now and then. The pendant had an odd shape, with several concentric circles, each connected to the other through very thin lines. In between the lines of the outer two circles were six shapes, but I couldn't decipher their meaning. There was also a seventh in the middle, whose nature also eluded me.
The shape seemed oddly familiar, like a memory long since past. I knew I had seen it before, but I couldn't quite place my hoof on it. Rather than try and riddle it out now, I resolved to simply give it to Twilight, then maybe ask her if I could see it sometime.
Okay, so it's not the most bulletproof plan I've ever come up with, but it was still a plan. That, plus it got me to the party on time, and I didn't want to make Fluttershy think I ditched out on it. If Fluttershy told me one thing about Pinkie's parties, it's that you didn't miss them for the world.
===============
"Hey, Fluttershy," asked Rainbow Dash, "Where's your friend, uh, what's-his-face..."
"Evan?" she responded curtly.
"Yeah, him. You said he was on his way, but that was about an hour ago. You don't think he skipped out, do you?"
"Oh goodness, no. He just needed to pick up my gift for Twilight from the cottage, and then he was going to come over."
"Right, just as long as you know. It'd be a real shame to miss out on this rockin' party, especially since he's new to town."
"Aww, and I thought you didn't care," said a new voice. Mine, to be specific.
Fluttershy let out a yelp and fell flat on her back, legs stuck straight into the air. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but snicker a little at her friends reaction, then turned in greeting.
"Well, glad to see you could make it."
"Glad I could," I said, taking the present off of my back and placing it on the gift table. "I wouldn't want to miss this for anything. Is she gonna be okay?" I asked, motioning towards Fluttershy, still stiff as a board.
"Oh, she'll be fine, she's always been a little jumpy. C'mon, let me introduce you to the birthday girl. Fluttershy's been saying good things about you, so Twi's real excited to meet you."
We walked upstairs to Twilight's room, and saw that the party was in full swing. The music was blasting, everypony was chatting or dancing, and everypony looked like they were having a good time. Pinkie and Rarity were there, just chatting it up, and there were even a few ponies I had seen around town while I was out and about with Fluttershy.
We walked over to the far side of the room, over by the refreshments table, where a purple unicorn and an orange mare in a wide-brimmed Stetson were having a lively conversation.
"Oo-ee, this sure is one swingin' party you got goin' on here."
"Oh, don't thank me, Applejack. It was really Pinkie that threw all this together. When I told her about it last week, she insisted that I let her plan it. Knowing how good she is with parties, what else could I say but yes?"
"Well, either way, it sure is a hoot! I think this is the best party she's put together. Oh hey," said Applejack, turning towards us, "here comes Rainbow."
"Ooh, and that must be Fluttershy's friend that she's said so much about," said the purple unicorn who I assumed was Twilight Sparkle, motioning towards me.
"Hey guys, guess who finally showed up?," said Rainbow Dash.
"Well howdy!" said the orange mare, giving my hoof a vigorous shaking. "Name's Applejack. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to come find me. I know that you and I are gonna be thick as thieves, if what Fluttershy's said is any indication."
"Nice to meet you too," I said, turning to Twilight and stretching my aching leg out. "And you must be the birthday girl."
"That's me. Fluttershy has said so many good things about you, it's nice to finally meet."
"Same here. From what she's told me, you're new to town as well."
"Well, not that new, but I grew up in Canterlot. Still, everypony here was welcoming, and I'm sure that you'll fit in just as well as I have."
I was going to respond, but Pinkie decided to kick the party up a notch before I could.
"Well, everypony," she announced from on top of a table, "do you know what time it is?"
"Time for you to get a watch?" I shouted back, which drew some chuckles from the crowd.
"No, silly, it's time to sing 'Happy Birthday' to the bestest pony in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle! And after that, it'll be time to open presents! Everypony ready? A-one, a-two, a-one, two, three, four..."
After a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday", we all troopped downstairs
to where the present table was set up, Twilight heading up the pack. There were more gifts set up there than I think were at my last three birthdays, if I could even remember. They really don't skimp out on celebrations here, apparently.
"Ooh, ooh, open mine first!" said Pinkie Pie, practically boiling over with anticipation. "It's the big one on top!"
Twilight levitated the gift down, saying, "Knowing how seriously you take parties, this should be great."
She carefully undid the ribbon, peeled back the wrapping, opened it, and was met with a face full of confetti. She was so startled that she backed straight into Pinkie, and they both fell into a big giggling pile.
"Wow," said Twilight, composing herself, "that was quite the surprise."
"Oh, that's not all of it. Look inside!"
"Okay," said Twilight hesitantly. She walked back over to the present and started opening it again. Everypony drew closer, but not to close lest they be met with more ballistic party favors. Fluttershy, having recovered when everypony came downstairs, was all but hiding under the table.
However, instead of screams of shock, there were oohs and aahs coming from the crowd. I drew up next to Twilight to get a peek, and my jaw practically hit the floor.
Inside was a hoof drawn painting of Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack, all in one big, happy, smiling group. The artistry on it was truly sublime. This is something that you could probably hang in a museum.
"Oh, wow Pinkie, this is incredible! How did you do it?"
"Oh it wasn't me, silly! I had it commissioned a few weeks ago from an artist in town. He was more than happy to do it, and he even threw in a frame for free!"
"Thank you so much, Pinkie! I'm going to hang it up in my room right now!" She quickly grabbed up the frame and the painting in her magic and ran upstairs, smiling big as life.
"Pinkie always knows how to pick a gift that will make a pony feel just right," said Fluttershy, a small smile creeping onto her face as she turned to me. "I remember for my last birthday, she got me some beautiful orchids, complete with a hoof made vase. I still use that vase for flowers that my little animal friends bring me."
Well, I know who to have plan my next party.
===============
The evening grew into night, and Twilight was still going through her presents, taking time to thank everypony for remembering her, and for their wonderful gifts. There had been some really good ones, including home made apple cider from Applejack, a home spa kit from Rarity, and a copy of the Equestria Encyclopedia from Rainbow Dash.
She had just gotten through thanking a gray pegasus pony with oddly crossed eyes for a box of muffins when she noticed the box I had retrieved from Fluttershy's place, which also happened to be the last one. She quickly undid the ribbon (which I had made sure to put back into place) and levitated the necklace out.
"Wow Fluttershy, this necklace is amazing! Where did you get it?"
"A jewelry vendor during the last Summer Sun Celebration. He was more than eager to sell it, and I got it for a huge discount. He said that it had magical ties, or so he thought, and I thought you could take a chance to study it."
"Well, you know how much I love magical artifacts," she said, putting the necklace back into the box. "I'll be sure to check it out when I have the time."
Pinkie seemed to take notice that the present table was depleted, and so leaped up onto the table with another announcement.
"Alright everypony, now that that's taken care of, let's get this party STARTED! Vinyl Scratch, if you please," she said gesturing to the DJ pony behind the turntables that had been set up during the present opening. Scratch loaded up the tables, started busting out the tunes, and everypony got pumping.
While Twilight had been opening her presents, Pinkie and Applejack had taken to laying out a movable dance floor, which was now jammed to bursting with ponies rocking to the beats. They had also gotten some local stage unicorns to provide special effects and lighting.
"Is this a great party or what?" I shouted over the din. Fluttershy and I had opted to stay by the presents table, mainly because of her fragile nerves.
"It's... nice," she said hesitantly, obviously disquieted by all of the noise and lights. The poor thing was practically hiding in her mane.
I almost felt bad for what I was about to do. But 'almost' and 'did' are two very different words, now aren't they?
"Yeah, it is really nice," I said, while discreetly wrapping one hoof around Fluttershy's waist. I proceeded to lift her off her hooves and carried her out onto the dance floor. Everypony made room for us in the middle, and I started twirling her around like a rag doll. At first her face showed abject terror at being in front of so many ponies, but she eventually let it pass and started enjoying herself.
We were tearing up the dance floor, her with flowing, graceful moves, and me with improv breakdancing, all the while being careful of my wing. Everypony was cheering us on, and I even heard an especially loud "YEE-HAW!" coming from Applejack. I had never had so much fun, and frankly, I don't think she had either.
We eventually wound up back in each others hooves, and looking down, I noticed how beautiful she really was. Her mane, her coat, and especially her eyes, deep and encompassing, like the endless ocean. She looked up at me, and I think that we really connected there, out on that dance floor in front of half the town. Not necessarily the most romantic of spots, but still good.
"Sorry about that," I said softly, still gazing deep into those turquoise orbs, "but I couldn't let everypony else have all the fun,"
"Don't be. Let's just enjoy ourselves," she replied with a wink.
"Fine by me," I said, turning to the crowd, staring excitedly at us. "Well, don't be shy. Let's PARTY!" the crowd went nuts, and coalesced back into the amorphous blob of dancing ponies, with Fluttershy and I stuck smack dab in the middle.
And even though there were dozens of ponies there to distract us, along with the thumping music and the dancing lights, all we could focus on was each other.
I couldn't have come up with a better way to end my first day in Ponyville even if I had tried.
===============
The party ended at around 11:00, and by the end even Pinkie looked worn out, choosing to walk home instead of her usual bounce. I had opted to stay behind and help clean up, as well as help Vinyl Scratch get her turntables loaded up into the waiting wagon. Fluttershy stayed to wait for me, so we didn't leave until about 11:30.
"Thanks again for the help," said Twilight as we were leaving. "Feel free to drop by anytime."
"See ya around," I called back, "and happy birthday!"
"That was the best birthday party I can remember," I said to Fluttershy, attempting to strike up conversation. She had been a bit quieter than usual after I dragged her out onto the dance floor, and I was hoping she hadn't taken it the wrong way.
"It was a lovely time. It really went off without a hitch. By the way, thanks."
"For what?" I can already see where this is going.
"For getting Twilight's gift, for coming to the party, for everything. You are a really good friend, and I couldn't ask for a better one."
"It was nothing, really. Just think of it as repayment for the fact that you took me in at the drop of a hat. And took care of my wing. And took me around town. And..."
"I think I get the picture," she replied with a giggle.
"Do you really consider us friends?" I asked, getting the conversation back on track. "I mean, we only met yesterday."
"Well, sure. You're a nice stallion, and everypony else seems to like you well enough. Still though, if there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Well, since I'll probably be staying here a while, it would be nice if I could maybe get a job, just so I didn't have to rely on you for everything."
"Well, maybe when your wing heals up, you could get a job on the weather patrol for the town."
"Weather patrol?"
"It's the team of pegasus ponies that helps maintain the weather in town. They do everything from clearing away clouds to scheduling rainstorms. And judging by how fast you caught up to me when we first met, you would probably be a shoo-in."
"Wait, let me get this straight. There is a team of pegasi that actually controls the WEATHER?"
"Of course. Didn't they have something like that where you come from?"
"Nah, we just let nature do what it pleases," I lied. I honestly had no clue. "That, plus we didn't have a way to control it like you do."
"Wow. It must be really weird, not knowing what the weather will be like in the morning."
"Well, it adds a little bit of excitement to the day."
"I would love to hear about it someday. It sounds really interesting where you come from."
"Maybe another time. In the meantime, we need to get home. It's probably nearly midnight, and I don't know about you, but I am flat tired."
"Me too," said Fluttershy with a yawn. She leaned her head against my shoulder, and we continued down the dirt road to her house. Her weight was comforting, and I let my mind wander. Maybe Equestria isn't so bad, I thought. There were plenty of good ponies, the countryside was beautiful, everypony got along with everypony else...
No, I can't let myself think this way. I need to get home. I need to return to my life, whatever it may have been.
Thinking back to all the ponies I had met, though, back to Fluttershy, who was barely keeping herself conscious as we neared the cottage, and to all I had seen and done, it made me think that maybe this wasn't so bad as I had made it out to be. Like I said before, I could get used to this.
When we finally got inside, it was all Fluttershy could do to stay standing. I saw that she was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion, and I quickly caught her and put her onto my back. I carried her all the way upstairs and placed her gently into bed, pulling the blankets up to her chin. As I was turning to leave, I heard her stir. I turned around, hoping I hadn't woken her. Her eyes were barely open, and in her soft, sweet voice she said, "Thanks."
"Hey, I'd do it for anypony," I said, adding an affectionate head nuzzle. "You get some sleep."
And without another word, she drifted off, the slightest of smiles touching her face. She looked like an angel that had flown a little too low.
I quietly closed the door and trotted downstairs, being careful to avoid making any excess noise. I got up onto my little couch, drew the blanket up over myself, and fell into that peaceful dream state known as sleep, my dreams populated with visions of all I had seen and done that day. And everywhere I looked, Fluttershy was right there with me.
Happiness can barely describe how I felt.