//------------------------------// // Chapter 38 // Story: A Different Viewpoint of Equestria // by Christopher28 //------------------------------// Applejack woke up the next morning feeling stiff. Her feet dangled off the end of her bed, and they were cold as well, since her blankets didn't quite cover them. Grumbling lightly under her breath, she sat up, reaching for where she'd dropped her boots by the side of the bed the night before, and slowly tugged them on her feet, one after another. She reached over to her bedtable, grabbed her hat, and set it on her head as well. At least her hat still fit. Mostly. Applejack stood and walked to her door. She had to duck slightly to clear her bedroom entrance-way, earning another grumble, but it lacked heat. She was used to a hardship or two. It was part of being a farm pony. Aching hooves, stiff muscles... a knock to the head or two, these were really nothing serious to complain about. Still, she was getting a bit tired of hitting her head. Everything was just so short! She wondered how Johnathon managed, seeing as he was several hooves taller than she was, even now. Breakfast was warm on the table as she got downstairs. Big Mac and Applebloom were eating breakfast, and Granny Smith was putting a third bowl of warm oatmeal out for her as she wandered in. Applejack eyed the table with a frown. It was too short for her to stand next to and reach easily... and kneeling in this new form for any length of time was painful. She could sit on the floor like usual, but she'd be a lot lower than she liked. Applebloom was on a stool though... Applejack walked across the kitchen and grabbed a low stool for herself and carried it across the kitchen to her place. She sat it down and sat down upon it, then frowned at her food. Normally she'd just stick her muzzle in her bowl and eat, but as a human, her muzzle was so short, eating that way was... tricky. She tended to get more food on herself than inside herself. She picked up her bowl, noting that she was getting pretty darn good with her hands now, and lifted it to her face, tilting it back slowly and slurping it down a bit at a time. It was still a little messy, but it got the job done. "Mister Dwire uses silverware, like unicorns do," Applebloom noted helpfully. "On account of those hands being so... er... what's the word?" "Handy?" Applejack guessed. "No, that's not it." Applebloom frowned, trying to remember the word she was searching for. "Dex... dex..." "Dexterous," Big Mac helpfully supplied, earning a raised eyebrow from both his younger sisters. The large red stallion snorted. "Miss Twilight was explaining some stuff I might want to know about humans," he explained. "Seeing as AJ's going to be one awhile." Applejack shrugged and went back to her oatmeal. It tasted a bit off, but seeing how quickly her siblings had already wolfed theirs down, she expected it was alright. Just her strange human taste buds being different, just like the rest of her. She sighed. Even Granny's cooking was different. Was everything going to be like this? Finishing her oatmeal, Applejack wiped off her mouth with the back of her hand, then went to the sink to wash up. It was simplicity itself to use the sink with her new appendages. Not that it was difficult with hooves, really, but she had to admit, hands were... handy. She went back to the table, picked up all the bowls and returned to the sink to wash. It took her no time at all. She took the time to enjoy her new dexterity. It was the only real upside to the whole thing. Yesterday she'd done half a dozen minor repair jobs that she'd been putting off. She'd started out slow, but by the end of the day she'd been doing most of the repair tasks half again faster than she was used to doing in her old body. Unfortunately, there wasn't much left of that sort to do at the moment, and the rest of the day she was sure she'd be regretting the lack of her hooves. "Time for some applebucking, I reckon," she told her big brother, nodding toward the door before starting that way herself. "Eenope." Big Mac shook his head. "You've got human fighting lessons from Mister Dwire to get to, don't yah?" Applejack was torn between relief at not having to try and applebuck with this frail, uncoordinated body, and annoyance that her brother was telling her not to help with their chores. She wrinkled her nose, glaring at him while she tried to figure out what she wanted to say to that. Big Mac snorted lightly. "Don't get riled up, AJ. They're counting on you and Rainbow to protect them over there, ain't they? Ain't that more important than some apple trees?" Applejack sighed. "I suppose. I just... you're always taking over for me when stuff like this comes up. Ain't right." Big Mac shrugged. "You're an important pony now, Sis. I've got your back. Apples look out for each other, right?" Applejack nodded slowly. "Sure, but..." "Those girls. They're honorary Apples now too. You got to look out for them, don't ya?" Big Mac pointed out. Applejack's expression softened, and she nodded, finally smiling. "I suppose you're right, big brother. Don't let it go to your head now." "Eenope." Big Mac chuckled lightly and headed out the door. Applejack sighed and turned to go herself, but before she could get out the door, Applebloom spoke up. "Um... big sis?" Applejack turned around curiously. "Yeah? What's up Applebloom?" "Don't humans usually wear clothes all the time?" Applebloom pointed out helpfully. "I mean, Miss Cheerilee always does. She says it's part of their culture." Applejack glanced down at herself. Yup. Nothing but boots... and her hat, of course. "Darn it!" Sighing, she turned to head back upstairs to dress. *********************** Applejack came back downstairs wearing some of the new clothes that Rarity had dropped off the previous evening. The first outfit the fashionista had made for her had gotten dirty and sweaty during chores. Not that Applejack usually minded a little dirt, but she knew that Rarity would be upset if she didn't care for the new clothes properly. She'd dropped her original set of human clothing off with Granny Smith, feeling a bit guilty not to be taking care of washing them herself, but her Granny had insisted that she get going to meet with Mister Dwire and Rainbow Dash, just like her big brother had. When did her family start treating her like a filly again? "Probably because you're acting like a big baby, whining about everything," she told herself out loud. She sighed. It was true. She'd been complaining and sighing for the last two days, at least at home, where nobody but family could hear her. It was time to pony up and act like a grown mare. She'd adapt to her new body, and protect the others. She'd wallowed enough already. She broadened her stride as she walked into Ponyville, smiling and nodding at everypony. Some ponies startled a bit upon seeing her, but most everypony seemed to recognize her after a second glance, thankfully, and nopony, not even the flower trio, was panicking as she walked through town, which was nice for a change. She found herself enjoying her walk. Her new clothes let in the air better then the more restrictive outfit she'd been wearing before, and the breeze felt good. It was already shaping up to be a warm day, so she was doubly glad she'd made the switch. As she came around the corner to Miss Cheerilee and Johnathon's house she noticed with some surprise that Rainbow Dash had actually beaten her there! Johnathon and Miss Cheerilee were also outside, talking with Rainbow and Twilight... which explained why Rainbow Dash had arrived on time for once. She'd slept over at Twilight's last night, hadn't she? Applejack chuckled a bit to herself, imagining the ever punctual Twilight trying to wake up the notoriously heavy sleeper... and making some guesses as to what method she might have ended up using. "Hmm... dumped a bucket of water on her maybe? Or teleported her into the Ponyville pond?" Applejack muttered under her breath, picturing each possibility. Her eyes were twinkling as she made her way over to the others. They turned to greet her as she approached. Twilight and Rainbow Dash both waved cheerfully, but Johnathon and Cheerilee were acting a bit odd. The man had frozen... if only for a second, and was eying her form with an amused smile, while Cheerilee's smile was obviously a bit strained. Applejack frowned, stomping up to them now, a bit annoyed. "OK, I know that look. What did I do wrong?" Cheerilee gestured to her upper body. "Dear... I believe you should probably have at least a button or two fastened on that vest." "Really?" Applejack glanced down at the vest. She'd recognized it immediately when she'd seen it and the short skirt at the top of the pile of new clothes Rarity had brought her, which was one of the reasons she'd selected it. Vests could be worn open or closed, couldn't they? Cheerilee nodded. "Yes dear. It's a rather easy mistake to make, I suppose." Applejack glanced down at her chest curiously, then started to button one of the middle buttons, having to pull the vest almost uncomfortably tight over her breasts to manage. "Huh. I thought I was just supposed to cover my... er... udders, right? You and Rainbow Dash are wearing even less, aren't you?" Cheerilee and Rainbow Dash were wearing the "Sports bras" that Rarity had made for all three of them, which left their stomachs, necks, and arms exposed. What was the difference? The vest she was wearing covered more than that. Johnathon cleared his throat. "Your vest probably would fly open when you throw a punch or block," he explained helpfully. "And your breasts will throw off your aim and your balance if they're not restrained." Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Well, if you say so," she prodded her breasts thoughtfully with her hands, testing to see how freely they swung now. The vest was tight across them now that it was buttoned, and seemed to do an adequate job of keeping them from moving about too much now. She nodded thoughtfully, filing that away for the next time. She considered buttoning a second button, seeing as the garment was straining a bit, but quickly decided not to. It was warm, and likely to get a lot warmer if she was going to be practicing fighting. Something about his statement made her curious though. "Does it matter much if my vest flies open a bit though? I mean, it'd just be for a second or so." She nodded at Cheerilee. "Miss Cheerilee used to wear her vest open all the time, didn't she?" Johnathon chuckled slightly. "Well, aside from it being a bit of a fashion faux pa, as Rarity might say, it'd probably be a bit distracting for me..." he trailed off, glancing at Cheerilee before blushing slightly. "Not that I wouldn't deal, but..." "Distracting... sure." Applejack shrugged, then frowned, not quite getting it... before comprehension dawned. "Oh! Cause you're not supposed to see my whatchamacallits?" "They're called breasts, dear." Cheerilee corrected gently. "And yes, you can wear a vest open... but that's usually only if you're wearing something underneath it." Applejack blinked, then shrugged. "If you say so," she repeated, before turning back to Johnathon. "So... what's the the schedule today, teach?" Cheerilee opened her mouth to answer, then looked startled when she realized that the question had been directed at Johnathon and not her. Johnathon nodded thoughtfully. "Just the basics. I'm going to show you how to punch and how to block. You won't really learn either perfectly in a day, but it'll give you something you can practice at home." "Punching and blocking," Applejack repeated. "Sounds easy enough." And it did seem easy. At first. Johnathon demonstrated how he wanted her to stand... correcting her form a few times till she got it right, then demonstrated a punch. Applejack clenched her fist tight, and threw out her arm like he showed her. Or at least, she thought she did. "You need to move your hip with the punch," Johnathon corrected, then demonstrated again. "Like this. Watch my hips this time." Applejack watched, frowning, then nodded. It did seem like she'd get more force that way. She tried again, then frowned at herself. Something was off. "Better," Johnathon told her, "but you don't have the form quite right. Watch me again." Applejack concentrated as she watched him, then tried to imitate his movement again. And again, and again. "Darn it!" Applejack grimaced after the 10th try. "I'm just not getting it!" "You're getting closer." Johnathon said with a smile, then turned curious. "But I didn't correct you that time. How do you know you got it wrong?" Applejack frowned. How DID she know, she wondered. "It's like applebucking," she answered after a minute's contemplation. "You've got to put your whole body into it. When you do it right, you can feel it... like there's a... wave, coming out of ground into your front hooves, through your body, and into your back hooves again as you hit the tree. You know?" Johnathon nodded. "That sounds about right. And you're not feeling that." Applejack grimaced. "Yeah. I can see what you want me to do... I just can't seem to get it." Johnathon shrugged. "Well... keep trying. I'm going to work with Rainbow Dash and Cheerilee for awhile. You keep throwing punches till you think you've got it, then let me know, OK?" Applejack nodded. "Alright. I kin do that." Johnathon smiled at her and walked over to where Rainbow Dash was attempting to do some sort of mid air kick, hopping up on one leg and kicking forward with the other. It didn't look like she had quite gotten the move down either, but it was sure a lot more advanced looking than the simple punch she kept screwing up. She listened in for awhile as their instructor tried to reason with the ex-pegasus. "Rainbow Dash... why don't we just go back to that punch? We'll get to kicks later, but you really need to know the basics first. Besides, don't you think that's a bit advanced to try and teach Cheerilee on her first day?" Applejack tuned them out then, and got to work, throwing punch after punch after punch. She put effort into each one, grunting lightly from the effort, and she was already starting to sweat, but she ignored it. Her right arm was starting to ache now, but she ignored it. Punch, punch, punch. Just striking the air... what was she doing wrong? Then she felt it. It was subtle... so she did it again. She felt it again. The ground, solid under her boots... the pressure of her foot against the ground, rising up through her leg as she rotated her hips, moving through her back, into her arm, into her fist. There was a faint sound... very subtle, of her vest slapping against her skin that was just slightly different. A feeling in her body that was just subtly RIGHT for once. She punched a half dozen more times, making sure that she had the sensation down just so before calling Johnathon back. He trotted over to her, smiling. "How are you doing?" "I think I got it, you wanted to see, right?" He nodded. "Yes. Go ahead." She showed him. His grin told her before his words could. She'd gotten it right. "Now for the left," Johnathon told her, but she was grinning. She could DO this! ******************************* Rainbow Dash walked with Applejack and Twilight back toward the center of town, complaining all the way. "That was SOOO boring!" "Well, it did seem a little repetitious, but Johnathon says that it's important that you establish clear muscle memory..." Twilight started to say before Rainbow groaned. "I heard him say the same thing half a dozen times, Twilight. I don't need you repeating everything back to me," Rainbow Dash replied. "Well... it's important." "Sure sure..." Rainbow Dash agreed airily. "But I know how to punch already! I mean, sure, it's a bit different in this body, but I'll get it down in a day or so. We should be learning some cool new moves already! We didn't even get to kicks!" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "You think you've got a handle on this already, huh?" Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Sure. The basics. What's so hard about em?" Applejack frowned before responding. "They're important. It's like applebucking..." Rainbow Dash groaned. "Not you TOO AJ! Applebucking? Seriously? Come on. Don't tell me you want to spend another week just learning to punch, do you?" Applejack shrugged. "We don't need to know every move in the book, Rainbow Dash... but it'd be good to be good at the basics, don't ya think?" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'm going to practice some of my own moves tonight. By the end of the week, I'll be ready to kick ass." Applejack snorted. "Care to wager on that, partner?" Rainbow Dash looked interested. "Maybe. What do you have in mind?" "Sparring match," Applejack said firmly. "You and me. One week from today." Rainbow Dash grinned. "Oh, you're ON, cowpony! What are the stakes?" Applejack wrinkled her nose thoughtfully before answering. "Loser has to do whatever the winner says fer a day." Rainbow Dash grinned wider. "You are SO on! " Twilight looked worried. "Girls... I'm not so sure that this is a good idea." Applejack shrugged. "Johnathon's going to have us sparring sooner or later anyway, Twilight. Don't worry about it. It's all in good fun." Rainbow Dash nodded quickly. "Just a friendly contest. That I'm totally going to win." "We'll see," Applejack shot back, grinning back at Rainbow Dash with a glint in her eye. ************************** Pinkie Pie was waiting for them at the Library. "Hello Twilight! Hello Rainbow Dash! Hello Applejack!" she said cheerfully, waving as they approached. "My turn to be a human, right?" Twilight nodded. "Right. Are you ready?" Pinkie nodded, then reached into her mane and brought out her winter wrap up vest, her cheerleading skirt, and a pair of blue swim fins. "I even brought my own clothes, so I won't make Johnathon go all googly eyed!" She looked around curiously. "Where is he, anyway?" Twilight blinked. "Home, I think. He and Cheerilee were going to have lunch." Pinkie deflated a little. "Oh... but he's so funny when he's all flustered." Twilight blinked again. "Er... OK?" The pink party pony grinned, swinging right back to cheerful. "That's OK! I can always tease him later! So, lets get started with the zapping!" Twilight shook her head, grinning to herself. "Why don't we go inside the Library first. It's not exactly a public event." "Why not?" Pinkie asked curiously. "I'd think lots of ponies would like to watch. It's zapperific!" Twilight opened her mouth, then closed it, trying to think of a comeback to that. "I think Twilight just prefers to do her really difficult magic in private." Applejack explained. "She's all modest, and such." Pinkie nodded sagely. "Oh! Right!" she turned and promptly bounced into the Library. Twilight shot Applejack a grateful look, and followed Pinkie inside. "Now get with the ZAPPING!" Pinkie yelled loud enough to be heard across the street. ******************* "Whee!" Johnathon and Cheerilee had been relaxing on the sofa in their living room when they heard Pinkie's distinctive voice trilling in delight as it got closer and closer, although it seemed to fade in and out oddly. "Whee!" Pinkie exclaimed again, and once again her voice sounded strange, getting louder and softer and louder again. They both stood and looked out the window. Someone was indeed coming closer... a strawberry-blond-haired girl, spinning around and around in circles as she came. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood on either side of her, and occasionally one or the other would have to catch her as she would topple over in one direction or the other, although the girl (who, they realized, almost had to be Pinkie Pie) seemed to find herself nearly falling over to be hilarious. Johnathon and Cheerilee moved together, and he paused to open the door so Cheerilee could go first. She waited for him to follow, then they walked to greet the newly minted human together. "Whee!" Pinkie said again, coming to a stop by twirling straight into Johnathon, who caught her with a laugh and pushed her upright, his hands carefully on her shoulders. It was obvious Pinkie's pony clothes were a poor fit. The vest and skirt were too big... Pinkie had the vest closed in front, but it sagged on her, threatening to fall off her shoulders, and the skirt was low on her hips. On Rainbow Dash or even Applejack, the skirt would have probably failed to stay up at all, but Pinkie Pie was just wide enough in the hips to keep them up. She wasn't overweight. Far from it, but her hips and chest were quite generously proportioned, and she had a hint of pudge at her waist, visible between vest and skirt. "What is it with you girls and vests?" Johnathon wondered out loud. Applejack shrugged. "Just something we're more used to wearing, I reckon." Pinkie Pie gestured to her skirt. "It's my cheerleeding outfit!" She explained, then tried to do a high kick. "Go Wonderbolts!" Johnathon closed his eyes as she inadvertently flashed him. "Pinkie... you're supposed to wear underwear with a skirt." Applejack blinked. "Really?" He glanced at her incredulously. "Don't tell me you're not wearing any either." She wrinkled her nose. "Well, darn it, it's not like you told me that little detail earlier! You humans have way too many rules!" Johnathon sighed, then shrugged. "I can't deny it. Still, that one is kind of important." Applejack patted the sides of her skirt. "What's the big deal? You can't see nothing you shouldn't. Ain't that the point?" Johnathon shrugged. "What if you wanted to throw a kick? Or applebuck?" Applejack thought about that, raising one leg slowly off the ground as if considering trying to do just that, but wobbled and put it down before she got it up very high. "It'd be distracting?" Johnathon chuckled. "A bit, yes." Pinkie giggled, then blushed slightly as she noticed Cheerilee glaring at her. "Er... I guess I should go find Rarity, huh?" Cheerilee's glare softened. "That's a good idea." Pinkie's eyes dropped. "Sorry Cheerilee. I'll be good." Cheerilee gave her a genuine, if small, smile. "I know you don't mean any harm, Pinkamena." Pinkie simply nodded, although she seemed to cheer up at that. Applejack took Pinkie's arm and started help walk her toward Carousel Boutique. "Come on, Pinkie. Looks like we both need a Rarity to make us a thing or two." Rainbow Dash grinned and followed after. When they were out of earshot of the couple, Rainbow Dash moved in closer to Applejack, sandwiching Pinkie between them so that she could whisper in the cowgirl's ear. "Hey... something Johnathon said got me thinking." Applejack raised an eyebrow. "OK. What?" Rainbow Dash grinned. "Didn't he say that seeing your vest fly open... or seeing a skirt fly up would be distracting?" Applejack looked puzzled. "Er... yeah. Why?" Rainbow Dash grinned. "Don't you know anything about fighting, Applejack? Even being distracted for just a second is plenty of time to lose a fight." Applejack raised an eyebrow at this. "And your point is?" Pinkie Pie giggled. "She's saying we should let our clothes fly off if we want to beat Johnathon in a fight, silly." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Well, not off. Cheerilee might get mad. But you know... let him catch a peek when you want to catch him off guard... if you know what I mean." Applejack blinked. "Catch a peek?" Rainbow Dash nodded. "Sure... of these things," she grabbed one of Pinkie's breasts through her vest. "Or, you know..." she nodded at Pinkie's skirt. Applejack frowned. "That sounds like cheating to me." Rainbow Dash shrugged. "We'd be helping him! Got to suck, having a weakness like that. Anypony could get a free hit like that!" Applejack frowned deeper. "You mean any human. I don't think he cares if he sees under a pony's skirt that much." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes again. "You know what I mean." Applejack shook her head. "Why does it matter? It's not like he doesn't know about it. I mean, that it distracts him. What good does it do?" Rainbow Dash shrugged. Pinkie giggled. "I think it'd be funny," she started to frown slightly. "Unless it made Cheerilee mad. You don't think it'd make her mad, do you?" Applejack considered that. "Considering she'd know that you were doing it on purpose? Yeah, I'd think she might be a bit mad. I'm not exactly sure why... not one hundred percent, but I figure that it's got something to do with sex." Rainbow Dash looked startled. "Are you serious? Why do you think that?" "Because I've been courted by a colt or two," Applejack told her. "And they all get the same look in their eyes when they're thinking about it. Johnathon blushes just like them when he sees one of us without our clothes on." Rainbow Dash looked a bit disturbed by that. "Really? You mean he wants to...?" Applejack shrugged. "He's been a gentlecolt about it, so I reckon it don't matter to me none, but yup. I reckon he's liking what he's seeing quite a bit... which is why Cheerilee gets mad." Rainbow Dash frowned. "I'm not trying to steal him away or anything!" Applejack nodded. "I know that. But maybe we shouldn't pull a prank like that anyhow." Pinkie sighed. "Darn. It sounds like it would have been a really funny one too." ****************** Pinkie and Fluttershy had both shown up at his self defense lessons the following day with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy could barely walk, but unlike the others, was relatively modestly dressed when he first got a look at her human form. Wearing a thin, but slightly baggy yellow sweater and longish skirt over brown slippers, Fluttershy appeared to be about Applejack's height... a bit thinner overall, although like Pinkie, having fuller breasts and hips. Fluttershy's hair was blond as well, a lighter shade than either hers or Applejack's, but with just a hint of red in it. It went down past her waist... and was voluminous enough for her to practically hide behind it, which she seemed tempted to do. He wasn't surprised to see that, like the others, her face was recognizable to him. All of the girls looked quite a bit like their pony selves, at least in superficial ways that told you almost at once who they were. All were quite attractive, but he found himself staring at Fluttershy's face more often than he intended. She was stunning, and her shyness was certainly not a turn off, making her seem oddly more appealing. Still, he was well accustomed to controlling his gaze, although he'd gotten out of practice in Equestria. It wasn't like he hadn't seen beautiful women before. He forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand, training these ponies turned humans to fight. Or at least getting enough training in that they'd be able to defend themselves in a pinch. It didn't help tremendously that Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie were all wearing sports bras and shorts. Cheerilee was as well, of course, but it really wasn't fair to be among so many good looking girls after such a long dry spell. Still, the feeling he had for them was friendship. Down deep he felt protective of them, not lustful. Not really. They were attractive, sure. But Cheerilee was plenty. They WERE a bit young for him anyway. He kept telling himself that. It helped. Applejack was coming along nicely. Her form was rock solid, and every movement she made was strong. She wasn't as lightning quick as Rainbow Dash, but if she connected, she could do some serious damage. Her blocks were coming along well too. She'd obviously been practicing on her own, and while he had to correct her form on a few of the blocks, he could tell she put weight behind them. If she got her arms in the way in time, her blocks would hold. He left her to practicing, and moved on to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow's punches were quicker. She snapped them out in combinations like lightning bolts... but he kept having to correct her form. She put up with the corrections, but he could tell her patience was being tested. "When are we going to learn something new, teach?" She pressed him finally. "I've got this down!" Johnathon tested her on her blocks, and managed to tap her a couple times in the stomach with a couple light punches as her arms came in without enough force to stop him. "Your blocks are sloppy. You need to do them the way I showed you. You won't have enough force or speed if if you're wild like that." Rainbow Dash frowned, but nodded, glancing at her stomach thoughtfully. "Show me again." Johnathon jabbed her in the stomach again before she could react, then waited. "Ready now?" Rainbow Dash nodded, looking grim. "Yeah. Yeah. Hit me again." Johnathon feinted, then jabbed her twice more a second after her sloppy block. Rainbow Dash grunted, stepping back. "Guess I should practice those a bit more." He nodded. "A bit." Johnathon left her to it, although he could hear her muttering something about "borrowing a vest from Applejack" as he walked over to Pinkie. Pinkie had followed his instructions willingly enough, and was currently playing the role of Applejack's sparring partner, throwing light, if sloppy, punches at the farm girl. He came in long enough to correct her form, then had them continue, Pinkie throwing punches, and Applejack blocking them. Light contact only. Pinkie didn't need to be told to go easy... not that Applejack needed her to, really, and Johnathon certainly didn't want them throwing full strength punches in practice, but he was starting to get the impression that Pinkie might need some assistance in the other direction. Strength. After a while he stopped them, and heading into the house for a moment, brought out a sofa cushion. "Hey Pinkie. Why don't you try punching this?" Pinkie grinned, and squared up on the cushion, dancing on the balls of her feet like a boxer. He wasn't sure how... but one thing she had picked up remarkably quickly was the footwork. Without even being told how, she moved like a dancer. That part at least wouldn't be an issue for her. "Go ahead. Hit the cushion as hard as you can," he told her calmly. Pinkie wound up and punched. Then again. She jabbed at the cushion, then gave it a one two combination. Johnathon stood without moving, frowning slightly. "You can hit it harder, you know?" Pinkie tried, but her punches didn't have any force behind them. Johnathon hesitated, then handed the cushion to Applejack. "Why don't you hold this for me, so I can show Pinkie how it's done?" he looked thoughtful, then went into the house, and grabbed two more cushions, and handed them to her. "Actually, hold all three of these." Applejack looked a bit surprised, but nodded. Taking all three cushions, she clutched them to her chest, her hands holding the farthest one out by the sides. She glanced over her burden before nodding, schooling her expression into a determined one. Johnathon wrinkled his nose. "Hey, Pinkie? Why don't you stand behind Applejack. Put your hands on her shoulders, and keep her from falling over backward." Pinkie blinked. "Er... OK!" She did as instructed, although she was looking dubious. Johnathon squared up in front of the two girls, then punched, his whole weight going into it. Applejack rocked back on her heels, and Pinkie was shoved back behind her. Pinkie gave a little startled gasp, and Johnathon nodded. "Keep her steady Pinkie, don't let her fall." Pinkie nodded shakily back. "OK!" He stepped into the next punch, and the next, throwing combinations. Applejack's feet left the ground more than once, and he kept moving forward, following each punch with a step, and driving both girls backwards several feet with each blow. Applejack's arms were tight, and her neck showed the strain, but she never lost her grip on the cushions. After a dozen blows, Johnathon stopped. The girls had been driven backwards almost out of Cheerilee's back yard. Pinkie Pie was panting, and as he stepped back to give them some space, she fell over on her rear with a small yelp. Johnathon took a few deep, even breaths, and got out of his stance. "That's how hard you need to hit if you're going to stop someone," he told the girls. "I know you may find this hard to believe, Pinkie, but you're just as strong as I am. Maybe a bit stronger. I know you can hit harder. You can't defend yourself or your friends unless you do." Pinkie nodded slowly, looking a bit sad but at the same time nodding with a determined expression. There was a muffled sob from the side of the yard, and they turned to see Fluttershy staggering unsteadily away, looking upset. Johnathan grimaced, but Cheerilee, who had been partnering with Rainbow Dash in practicing her blocks, started after her first. "I'll talk to her." she said calmly. "I think this is a bit difficult for Fluttershy." Applejack hesitated, then followed after her. "I'm coming too." Rainbow Dash looked like she was going to follow, but Applejack put a hand up. "You stay here... I know what you're going to want to say, and that's not what Fluttershy needs to hear right now, I think." Rainbow Dash frowned, but didn't argue. Johnathon hesitated, looking from Pinkie to Rainbow Dash with a strange expression. "Why don't we fix lunch for everypony?" He finally suggested. "Don't you mean everyhuman?" Pinkie Pie said with a small smile. "Why don't we settle for everyone," Johnathon said. ************************ Fluttershy stopped just around the corner from Cheerilee and Johnathon's house and slowly sat down on the side of the road. Applejack and Cheerilee had caught up to her several yards before that, but simply followed and sat down on either side of her when she finally settled on a spot. "Want to talk about it?" Applejack asked her quietly. "I can't do it..." Fluttershy mumbled under her breath. "What was that, Sugarcube?" "I just can't do it!" Fluttershy said louder, putting her head on her knees. "I can't! I can't hurt anypony like that!" Applejack frowned. "Now, it's not so bad. Johnathon didn't hurt me none. I mean... my hands sting a bit from trying to hold those cushions, but I'm just fine, really." "I know that," Fluttershy said. "You're strong. And Johnathon wouldn't hurt you. I trust him... but. I can't... I couldn't hurt someone like that." Applejack frowned. "But I wasn't hurt..." Fluttershy grimaced. "I mean... hitting someone for real. Like Johnathon did. Except not a cushion. I couldn't DO that!" Applejack put her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. "You don't have to. Rainbow and I can handle that part. That's not what you're good at. We know that." Fluttershy moaned. "But what if you need me to help you? What if you're not there? Johnathon says his world is dangerous... like the Everfree Forest. Only the ones that are dangerous aren't animals... they're people, humans, like him. I'm not good with... with anything but animals." Applejack shook her head. "Now that's not true. What about that Dragon? You gave him what for, and he gathered up his treasure and flew away. You're the strongest pony I know, Fluttershy." Fluttershy shook her head. "That's different. He was being so mean! And..." she shook her head. "That was different." Cheerilee spoke then, sounding a bit sad. "You're a hero, Fluttershy. Oh, I know you're scared a lot. I know you don't believe you can help when your friends need you... but you can. You KNOW you can. You've had to before, and you've never failed them," she sighed. "You're an Element of Harmony. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is strong when it needs to be. But what am I? Just a school teacher. I'm not a hero. I've never had to fight monsters, or save the world. What right do I have to stand beside any of you?" Fluttershy looked up slowly, turning to Cheerilee, but the young school mistress hadn't finished. "I'm no good at Johnathon's self defense either. I'm not strong like Applejack, or quick like Rainbow Dash. All I know how to do is teach. And garden, a little... and cook... a little. I'm no adventurer. No warrior. No hero. I'm just..." "You're just Cheerilee." Fluttershy said softly. "But I think Cheerilee is a very brave pony. Cheerilee made friends with a strange alien when almost no-pony else would dare. Cheerilee dared to fall in love with a human... dared to become something different, because Cheerilee is a brave pony." "Cheerilee isn't used to hearing about herself in the third person," Cheerilee pointed out, and they all laughed. When the laughter had died, the mood had lifted. "You'll both do fine." Applejack assured them. "None of us were heroes before Twilight came to town. I was just a farmer. Rarity was nothing more than a dressmaker. Even Rainbow Dash was just district weather manager. None of us expected to save the world. But we did. I think everypony is a bit more capable than they think they are... especially if they're with their friends." ***************** The next morning, Twilight walked over to Carousel Boutique. Rarity had asked her to come over in the morning when she was ready to transform her, although she didn't explain why, exactly, she apparently wanted to be in her shop for the transformation. "Hello, Darling!" Rarity called out to her as Twilight entered. "Thank you so much for coming!" Twilight nodded, frowning slightly. "Well, I'm here. Did you want me to transform you now?" Rarity nodded. "Yes dear, although I do have a small request. I know that you're going to use a temporary version of the transformation spell on me, but for today could you use a very short one? An hour or two, no more?" Twilight blinked. "Well, that should be easy enough, Rarity, but why? You really need to get used to being human, so that you're ready for the trip." Rarity waved a hoof dismissively "Oh of course, of course, darling, but there is something much more important that I must do first!" Twilight looked confused. "And that is?" Rarity looked shocked at Twilight's lack of comprehension. "Why, design my ensemble, of course! I'll need half a dozen changes, at least! While I am sure that with some time and effort, I will be able to fashion clothing almost as well with hands as I do with my magic, it will take far too much time to do a proper job that way. Unless you are willing to wait weeks, I will need to be a unicorn long enough to finish my designs. Now, I already have some preliminary ideas, of course, but since we really have no idea what I'll look like as a human, I obviously could not make any final choices! So we'll have to take measurements... try out fabrics, look at colors, that sort of thing, while I'm human, and then when I change back I can get started on my masterpiece!" Twilight opened her mouth to speak, then paused, opened mouthed for a long moment before finally speaking. "Alright," she finally agreed. "Two hours as a human, right?" Rarity nodded. "Precisely, darling." Twilight did some mental calculations. She was growing quite expert at the spell by now, so it only took her a few moments. "Alright, ready. Are you ready?" Twilight asked. Rarity held up one hoof, then slowly stood up on her hind legs, balancing gracefully and holding her forelegs up over her head as if in a dancing pose. "Please... fire when ready." Twilight blinked, wondering if Rarity might not prefer a larger audience, then shrugged, and fired up her spell. Rarity transformed smoothly, her eyes closed. She wavered for a moment, but managed to stay on her feet, unlike any of the others so far. Her arms were still over her head, and her newly formed hands were extended skyward in a gentle pose, and she was apparently standing on her toes. She slowly lowered her hands, and relaxed the balls of her feet, and settled into a more natural posture, her arms just slightly bent at her sides. Twilight sat back on her hind legs and clapped. She couldn't help it. Rarity's poise, before and after the transformation spell, was remarkable. When Rarity wobbled and started to tip over, Twilight was so shocked that she was barely able to levitate her in time. "Oh gosh, Rarity!" Twilight started apologizing quickly. "You seemed so natural, I never expected you to fall!" Rarity sighed lightly, and smiled at Twilight winningly. "Not at all, darling. You were in the nick of time, as it were. No harm done." Twilight set Rarity upright with her magic and held on till it seemed like she had gotten her feet under her again. "I'm going to let go now... are you ready?" "Quite ready, darling." Rarity told her calmly, and indeed, she stayed upright with barely a wobble this time. Turning slowly, Rarity looked over at the full length triple mirror she just so happened to have placed in exactly the right light to catch her new form perfectly. She gazed at her nude body for several long minutes, turning and twisting slightly to be able to see herself from as many angles as possible. She made soft noises in her throat in turns, either satisfied, or unsatisfied at turns. It was a full five minutes later when she finally turned away from her reflection. Twilight did her best to pretend that she wasn't the slightest bit bored. "I have no complaints, Darling." Rarity assured her. "It's quite pleasant to find that even as a human, I can recognize myself... somewhat, at least, and, if I have Mister Johnathon's impressions so far to trust, you do seem to have transformed me into an appealing member of his species... although of course I won't know for sure until I get his reaction in person." She sighed dramatically. "It is truly unfortunate that it is not appropriate in his culture for a woman to show herself unclothed before a man she is not attached to. I would dearly love his opinion on how I look like this. Still, I suppose I must be satisfied with his appraisal while I'm fully attired," she smiled demurely. "Still, I'm sure I'll be able to impress, regardless. I do think I've picked up a trick or two regarding human fashion by now." Twilight frowned. "Is it really that important to appear attractive to Johnathon? He's going to be married soon, you know." "And I wish them nothing but happiness, of course!" Rarity said with a smile. "But soon, I may well be meeting others of his species, and I do so much want to make the very best impression!" Twilight nodded slowly. "Well... I'm glad to help, I suppose?" Rarity beamed at her. "Why thank you darling. Now... could you be so kind as to levitate my measuring tape over here?" It took nearly all of the two hours. Twilight dutifully measured every part of Rarity's new anatomy, and then floated over swatch after swatch of fabric for Rarity to try against her skin and hair. Rarity's skin was a shade paler, Twilight thought, then most of their friends or herself when transformed, and her hair, while black now instead of purple, contrasted quite nicely with it, even Twilight had to admit to herself. Rarity said as much herself as she experimented with different fabrics, testing how each felt against her skin, then how they looked in different lights against her skin, with her hair draped over or next to them. Several times she shivered, announcing that she had an "IDEA!" but somehow restrained herself, continuing her examination until her transformation had ended on its own. Rarity nearly fell as she transformed back into a unicorn, but managed to land on all four hooves. "My apologies darling, but could you see yourself out?" she asked politely, all but racing into her work room to get started. Twilight shook her head, laughed, then, as bid, let herself out, knowing that Rarity would be busy for at least rest of the day... if not for the next several days. **************************** It was two days later when Rarity, looking more than a little tired, knocked on the library door. Twilight let her in, expecting a request to transform Rarity again, but was surprised by a different request. "Twilight, Darling... how could we be so neglectful! You still need to turn yourself human, so I can make you your clothing for the trip as well! Now, no time like the present. I brought my measuring tape with me!" Twilight chuckled, then nodded. "Of course, Rarity. Seems like a silly thing to forget, huh?" She transformed herself, and patiently allowed Rarity to take her measurements. "It's funny. Now that I think about it. I didn't actually plan on turning myself into a human, even temporarily, until after we got to earth. I mean... I already know how to stand and everything..." she wobbled slightly, then straightened. "Well... mostly." Rarity chuckled politely, but continued working rather than answer her. Twilight continued to muse. "Why, I would have ended up not having any clothing at all!" she concluded, and shook her head, chuckling at her own thoughtlessness. Rarity gasped, picturing it. "Oh goodness, that would have been just awful!" she decided. "Simply unforgivable." Twilight blushed. "Well... it wouldn't be THAT bad, I'm sure I could..." Rarity continued speaking, continuing her own thought. "You would have to BORROW someone else's clothing!" Rarity shuddered lightly. "Dreadful." Twilight sighed. "Er... yes. That." **************************** No pony had seen Rarity in days for more than a minute or two, but Twilight had stopped by long enough to transform the fashionista just that morning, a spell meant to last nearly a week this time, and Rarity had promised to show up at Johnathon and Cheerilee's home in her new form, properly attired of course, in time to see Rainbow Dash and Applejack's sparring match. The two athletes had been training hard. After seeing how quickly Applejack was progressing at "the basics", Rainbow Dash had stepped up her own training in response. They trained six hours a day now under Johnathon's instruction. Three hours in the morning, and three in the afternoon. It was grueling, exhausting work, and worst of all for Rainbow Dash... most of it was rather boring. But the thought of the contest kept her motivated, and she persevered. She even convinced Johnathon to train her one on one for a few hours... teaching her some moves outside of the limited set of techniques that Johnathon had been training everyone in. He had given Applejack the benefit of a few extra hours of training herself, although he promised both girls that he hadn't revealed either's plans to the other. Rarity arrived at a slow walk, holding a parasol over her head and wearing a long white dress with black trim. It looked like it was made from silk, and clung to her form, leaving her arms bare, and revealing one long slender leg through a slit that came up to the knee. She wore elbow length black gloves, and a thin black scarf, and soft black slippers that matched the trim of her dress exactly. Her makeup was very light... she hadn't wanted to experiment TOO much, but she thought she'd managed to highlight her best features while minimizing any flaws that might be perceived. Johnathon's rather stunned look when he good a good glimpse of her warmed her cheeks slightly. It was SO good to be appreciated! At Johnathon's request, she had made up a pair of what he called "sparring gloves" and padded footwear for the two combatants, vulgar, bulbous things that were garish and not at ALL flattering... but she had done her best work on them, not wanting her friends to injure themselves if her efforts could prevent it. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood restlessly across from each other, each wearing a just a sports bra and shorts -- Applejack white and green, Rainbow Dash blue, and the gloves and padded footwear Rarity had provided just yesterday. Applejack kept glancing nervously at the small crowd that had gathered. Apparently Rainbow Dash hadn't exactly kept their bet quiet, and several dozen ponies had gathered. Shining Star grinned at her. He was out of his armor, but she'd gotten to know him well enough to recognize him, despite the fact that apparently his fur was actually a dark blue when he wasn't wearing his enchanted gear. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were there, as were a few of their friends. Her brother was sitting with Pinkie and Fluttershy. Pinkie was waving pom poms, although Applejack wasn't quite sure which one of them she was rooting for. Both of them, she guessed. There were a surprising number of unattached male ponies there as well. Why, she wasn't completely sure, but they seem to be enjoying the anticipation before the fight quite a bit, chatting and making bets on who'd win. For some strange reason, the Flower Trio was even there, sitting with Cheerilee, Lyra, and Bon-Bon. Bon-Bon yelled something encouraging to her. Lyra kept getting up on her hind legs and practicing combos with her forehooves. No doubt she'd be asking Twlight, AGAIN, if she could change her into a human for awhile. Spike was back behind the crowd a ways... and most intimidatingly, he was sitting on Princess Luna's back in order to get a better view. Indeed the Princess of the Night herself had showed up for the match, looking animated and interested in the outcome. Officially, she was here to discuss the wedding with Johnathon and Cheerilee. It was set for next week, and they were due to go through the portal a few days after that... but Luna had seemed to think that the timing was "most fortuitous!" and had stayed for their match. Applejack swallowed down her nervousness, and turned to look at Rainbow Dash with mild irritation. Naturally, the red-haired speedster was soaking in the attention, striding back and forth, getting into poses, and mugging like mad for the crowd. Applejack decided that she'd had enough. "Let's get this thing over with," she told Rainbow Dash sternly. "You ready?" "You know I am," Rainbow Dash enthused, moving quickly over to her side of the big circle Johnathon had marked in the grass with chalk. "You're going down, AJ!" "Like Tartarus I am," Applejack muttered under her breath, moving into place opposite her. Johnathon stood on one side of the circle, opposite the crowd. He raised his hands for silence, and before long the noise from the crowd died away. "Alright, do you remember the rules?" he asked. "Yup." "No problem." "Just to be sure," he continued, "I'll repeat them. This match is light contact only. Blows to the head are off limits... stop any head shots before you hit. If you get within a couple inches and hold it, I'll count it as a point. Otherwise, go easy. No full contact. Pretty much the same rules as the King of the Horde matches at the old Castle, OK?" Both girls nodded, their eyes firmly on each other. The crowd started to murmur quietly again. Johnathon raised his hand, then snapped it down. "Fight!"