The rest of the party went without a hitch once we returned from our foray into the basement to acquire the snacks and drinks we needed to restock after my ' smoke out Pinkie' plan worked so epically. Twilight used used her magic to carry all the supplies back upstairs, despite my offer to help carry some. I guess when you're a little filly most ponies find such an offer cute and simply appreciate the sentiment, but don't think too seriously about it. Though to be fair, I didn't really fight for my right to be treated like a capable adult, as my mind was drawn to recent discoveries about myself.
What the heck was up with that book thing back there? Why did the letters dance about the page and taunt me so? Even just trying to remember what was on each page brought back the ghost of a migraine, centered right behind my eyes. This was a dilemma that really bothered me. If there was one thing I could pride myself on growing up, it would be my reading ability. From an early age, I was able to read things well behind the level of my peers and classmates, and it was one of the few things that made my parents happy and proud of me. I felt such joy at the attention and praise they'd give me when I was a little tyke, and it just kind of stuck with me as I grew up. I lived my life with a passion for reading, and I had collected quite of a nice library by the time I had moved out on my own. Reading was a big part of me, something I identified about myself, what made me the awesome hunk of a man turned adorable lime green pegasus filly that I was today. And why should problems reading the Equestrian script be a thing anyway? I mean, I had no trouble with any of the other things this body could do. It only took me a few seconds to master walking, and after giving it a try I had found how to move my big feather dusters I called wings( though I'll admit that was a little harder to do), and I understood and spoke the local dialect flawlessly! One would think that as an extension of the language thing that a filly of my age would be able to read, so why couldn't I?
And I was looking forward to reading 'Daring Do', too... If you are a fan of show, at one poitn or another you wondered about just how good of a story those books were...
But rather then being left to mope and fry my brain trying to figure out why I seemed to have such a horrendous handicap in the world of my dreams, I was pleasantly drawn from my inner turmoils by introduction time! Turned out, like the loyal trooper I knew she was, Pinkie Pie had rounded up the rest of the Mane Six for me to meet. And God My Oh! Did I have a TIME resisting the urge to squeal like a little girl. Because that would have been embarrassing. Because despite all appearances, I was a man! And men don't squeal like little school girls.
...though that mostly because I was too star struck at first to form coherent sentences.
The first mare to grace me with her pleasantries was the divine Rarity, and oh my, was she divine! I was beginning to wonder why Twilight and the gang weren't beating of what stallions there was with a stick, because with all six of them gathered around my, I noticed a trend of just how mind-blowingly gorgeous they all were. Rarity stood with poise and confidence that the show just didn't have the capability of portraying, her elegant purple mane seemed to glitter and shine in the dim party lights like a beacon in a rainstorm. Her eyes were crystal pools of intelligent blue, the kind of eyes that expressed just so much of her soul and heart that it was a wonder you didn't fall victim to Cupid's arrow every time your gaze met with hers. Her body was covered with a pristine white coat, like the color of virgin snow embracing the ground in a blanket of purity, adding to the appeal of the voluptuous curves of the mare's womanly form. Similar to Pinkie Pie, Rarity had generous proportions in all the right places, but unlike the party pony's form, Rarity's body had a tight, controlled look to it, like you could just imagine that she spends a lot of time maintaining her figure with exercise and diet. She looked much less pudgy than my favorite cuddle buddy in the pink fur, but was just as full-figured. A beautiful contrast formed between the two as the stood near one another, and I was A-okay with it!
Don't judge me, they ARE that hot!
...okay, it still feels a little weird to think that, but I stand by my weirdness!
“Oh, and this lovely young lady must be Kiwi Blitz. I have heard just ever so much about you, darling! My name is Rarity, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you,' Rarity introduced herself and I couldn't help but smile wide at the novelty of meeting one of my favorite cartoon characters of all time in the flesh. My small muzzle must have been curled upwards into quite a happy grin, as I could still feel my cheeks hurt hours later. The fashionista gave me a brief summary of what it was she did, how she was happy to meet me and glad I seemed to be such a kind, sweet filly( still a little weird to hear somepony call me that, and I don't think that will change anytime soon). What surprised me, however, was mid-way through our little chat, Rarity began to look me over... reaaaaaaally closely.
“Hm...' she hummed to herself, sounding thoughtful. She circled me for the third time, gently poking and prodding my body in place here and there, making me shiver at the gentle touch of her hoof. “ I must say, you have quite the body...”
“Uhhh....' I replied, feeling a strange sensation in my chest, and a warmth in my cheeks. “...Do I need an adult?”
Rarity blinked, and quickly waved a hoof in dismissal, an embarrassed blush tinting her cheeks. “What?! No! Oh, no, dear! I didn't mean anything like that! I'm not that kind of mare! I'm so sorry if I scared you, really I am! I don't find you attractive in the slightest! Not that you aren't a beautiful young filly! I mean-' she paused from her startled rambling, and took a deep breath and cleared her throat, gathering herself up and becoming calm once more. “What I mean to say, darling, is that you have the look I've been wanting for an upcoming filly fashion line I have in the works, and you would be just PERFECT to model my wares! Would you be interested, Kiwi dear? I'd be sure to reward you for your participation.”
I blinked twice. Modeling? I didn't really see that coming! I mean, from what knowledge of pony standards of beauty I've seemingly inherited from my OC once I took over her body, I knew I was considered pretty, but a model? Did I really have the look for that kind of flaunting? Was I elegant enough to strut down a runway and have lots of ponies watching me, taking pictures and judging me? ...was I comfortable enough in my masculinity to do such a thing?
“Um...wow, I uh...I don't know what to say, Ms. Rarity' I said honestly. I looked up at that gorgeous unicorn, uncertainty in my eyes. “I'm really flattered you think so, but...”
Rarity's expression softened with understanding. She smiled down at me and nodded. “I understand, dear. You don't have to give me an answer right now, you take the time you need an think it over.' she said, cupping my face with a soft hoof. “And if your answer is 'no', I won't be upset in the least. So, don't be afraid to give it to me straight once you've decided, mmm?”
I smiled back at her and couldn't help but lean a little into her caress. Dang, who knew ponies felt so good?
“Thanks, Ms. Rarity' I blushed ever so slightly, and nodded to the older mare.
Rarity patted me on the cheek in an affectionate manner, an winked. “Think nothing of it, dear,' she said, stepping back and turning to chat with Pinkie.
Man, I can't fathom why there are some bronies that despise Rarity! She is just so generous and understanding...and kind!
Speaking of “Kindness”...
Fluttershy was much the same as her friends when it came to the looks department. I don't think there was single one of them with a Charisma under 18, not even my 'big sis' Rainbow Dash! If Pinkie Pie has an outgoing sort of energy to her beauty, and Rarity gave off a mature, adult feel to her visage, Fluttershy had a 'Motherly' aura. Her smile made all your bad feelings and doubts melt away, leaving you feeling secure and loved. Her pale pink mane trailed down her in a cascade of softness that made you envy her shoulders for it's touch. She was thin and petite but not overly so, and had an aura of naïve grace about her, like she was oblivious to how well she moved and how eye-catching a movement she could muster.
She was wonder to behold!
She was beautiful!
She was adorable!
She was-!
...not here?
I frowned in confusion as I looked back and forth amongst those circled around me, blinking twice in confusion. I could have sworn she was here a minute ago...
“What's wrong, Ki?” my radical older sister inquired.
“I...don't see your friend Fluttershy.' I turned my gaze upwards to the hovering embodiment of loyalty.
“Hm.' Rainbow Dash hummed to herself, as she looked around her to find the butter pegasus in question. “Hey yeah...It's like she just disappeared. Pinkie, I thought you gathered all of us?”
A curtain of pink filled my vision as the party planner seemingly appeared out of thin air, an oblivious smile adorning her face. “Yepparooni! I indeedily doodily brought each one of our friends here to meet this cute li'l patootie!' Pinkie chirped, and I quickly found myself in an affectionate yet bone-crushing hug that made me wonder if the blush on my cheeks was from her closeness or her force. “Just like Commander Kiwi ordered!”
I cleared my throat nonchalantly, and relaxed into the hug a bit. “I don't doubt you, Pinkie Pie, it's just that I thought she'd be willing to meet me...' I felt my body slump in visible disappointment. “I guess it's okay if she didn't want to be my friend...”
As hard to swallow as the idea of a pony like Fluttershy, the ELEMENT OF KINDNESS, doing something as mean as ditching a child like me was, for some reason my mind seemed to doubt itself and I feared that that was exactly the reason why she no longer stood in our presence. I began to wonder what was wrong with me? Am I just not likeable? Did the idea of humoring her best friends little sister seem like a hassle to her? My self-esteem started to take a nosedive as all these childish thoughts of unworth and self-doubt invaded my mind, but was interrupted by the laughter of the adults around me.
I blinked and looked around me as Rainbow Dash laughed her flank off, Twilight chuckled and rolled her eyes lightly, Rarity hid a titter behind one hoof, Pinkie Pie giggled uncontrollably into my mane and nuzzled my neck in mirth, while Applejack grinned and shook her head. My frown returned, though it was decidedly more bemused than before.
“What's so funny?” I looked to each of the Mane Six in turn, searchingly.
“Ah, sorry there sugarcube,' the farmpony Applejack reassured me. “We ain't laughin' at you or anythin', it's just the idea of Fluttershy not wanting to meet you...Trust me, darlin', I think the only pony that might've been more excited about your visit than RD over there is Fluttershy.”
My ears perked up at that. “R-really?' I asked.
“Yeah, no worries sis!' Rainbow managed to say between deep breaths and wiping tears from her eyes. The older pony hovered over and ruffled my mane in an affectionate manner. “ I know she'll love you, and she's been waiting to meet you ever since I told her about ya.”
Wow...nobody has ever been excited to meet me before...The idea that a mare like Fluttershy was anticipating meeting me made my heart warm up considerably. It was a tingly feeling, being the recipient of such affection and good nature. I looked up at the ponies about me and couldn't help but feel that I had been missing something my whole life before this moment, and I was just too blind to see it...
Though I may not be able to put my finger on it (mostly because I don't have them anymore haha!~), I felt like whatever I was missing in my life had finally made itself available to me here and now, in this world of talking technicolor ponies. The smiles I was receiving from my new friends and family told me that much. I quickly lost the fight against an enormous, toothy smile covering my face.
“Awesome...” I whispered happily, diverting my gaze to the floor in a sudden impulsed of bashfulness.
“Heh. Yeah, and I know she'll say the same thing and you'll get along just fine Kiwi,' my sister grinned at me before sighing and looking around the party. “...we juuuuuust gotta find her again...”
Pinkie bolted upright and gasped in delight. “Ooo! I love playing Hide and Seek with Fluttershy!' she declared to the heavens, by her enthusiastic volume. She flashed me a determined grin. “She's actually a challenge...”
She giggled, as she directed a pointed glance at Rainbow Dash, before taking off into the crowd.
“Hey! I'll have you know I'm an incredible hider!' Rainbow Dash protested after the pink pony quickly being swallowed up by the crowd, before sending a wink my way and taking off. “Good luck! Meet you back here once we find her.”
An in the aftermath of a rainbow colored contrail made sparkling by the strobe lights hanging from the ceiling, the group of me, Twilight, Rarity and Applejack were all that was left. Our eyes meet simultaneously, and as one we nodded in an unspoken agreement before turning on our hooves and taking different directions to find our wayward friend.
...you know, I was beginning to see a pattern in my introductions tonight, and hoped that for the remainder of my stay in Ponyville that I wouldn't have to out as much effort into future meetings and greetings.
And while I may have been growing tired of having to search for semi-familiar faces in a world just as semi-familiar and yet oh so new, I had to admit I was having a blast. Maybe it was the kid in me? Maybe it was just the novelty of the situation I found myself, and finding that I was in a fictional world as a fictional character. Maybe I was only riding the high of the pleasurable side of my being sucked into the world of Equestria, and had yet the chance to stop long enough to deal with and internalize that I had been forcibly made a female.
I can promise you I wasn't looking forward to such an ordeal...
In the meantime, I did have another reason to find Fluttershy than just getting to be friends with one of my favorite cartoon characters. I had questions I needed answered. Questions that could only be asked to one creature in this world. One creature who nobody knew how to keep track of, except for maybe the soft spoken winged horse I currently was searching for.
While I may not be vehemently upset about being sent to the one place I've always wanted to be, I was a little irked that I had been sent here in a way other than what was promised to me.
'Discord, you and me are gonna have a little chat...'