//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Something New // by KingNyroc15 //------------------------------// Ponies in Ponyville don't tend to go camping very often in fear of what might lurk out of the Everfree to get them. Some ponies just like the comfort of their own homes as compared to a tent. Others don't care about what might happen; they simply want to have fun with their friends and/or family. One such group decided to spend a few days camping in the Everfree. With how many of them there were, they felt confident against any animal but hoped they wouldn't find anything hostile. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Chroma, Soren, Shayden, and Nyra found a small clearing inside the forest to set up camp for the night. Rarity and Fluttershy would have accompanied them, but the former had projects to work on and the latter was afraid of the Everfree in general. After setting up in the clearing, the group sat around a made fire and told stories. Rainbow told a ghost story that scared only Twilight and Pinkie, then Shayden spoke of an urban legend in his version of Equestria that involved the dead body of a mare roaming a town, wanting her daughter back. Soren kept quiet because he knew 'the mare' was Nightingale and 'the daughter' was Ruby. "Soren, do you have any stories?" Twilight asked. "As a matter of fact, I do. I could tell you all about the trip Rainbow, Shayden, and I went on recently." "You all explored the country, didn't you?" "Yep. Some interesting things happened. Anyone wanna hear it?" With no objections heard, Soren began his tale of their double date. "It all started when I met Shayden's marefriend for the first time..." -------------- Ponyville can have boring days just like any other town. Sometimes ponies trot about town looking for those select few they have heard about; the few that usually have something happening that day. The Elements of Harmony are one example. There's also the white alicorn that hangs out with them. Recently, that alicorn also brought a dark-colored unicorn, who has a prosthetic, into Ponyville. Very few will give him strange looks as if he doesn't fit in. The unicorn either doesn't notice the looks or simply doesn't care. He has a pretty normal life now compared to his old one in his Equestria. He studies, has friends, has hobbies, and recently got a marefriend. They have been dating for almost two months now, and today she was visiting him yet again. Shayden and his beloved made their way from the train station towards his house to spend the day together, maybe even the night. It is a little inconvenient that they have to take a train just so they can see each other, but she has yet to complain. Therefore, why should Shayden? He smiled as he glanced at his happy earth pony marefriend. Her deep blue coat in combination with her white mane that had a single black stripe made his heart melt. She was gorgeous. He would have to thank Soren again for giving him this second chance at life. "Hey Shayden!" Speak and he shall appear, Shayden thought as he turned to his left. Soren trotted up to them. His smile grew bigger upon seeing the mare next to Shayden. "Not to be quick to judge, but is this your marefriend? I saw the way you were smiling at her," he slightly teased. "Yes, Soren. We're a couple. Is there anything you—" "Shayden," Soren interrupted while sounding disappointed in his friend. "How long have you been keeping this pretty mare a secret?" Soren nudged Shayden's side, receiving a giggle from the mare. "Months away from you. From what Chroma says, I can't trust you near mares." "I don't flirt that much." "I trust Chroma's word more than yours." "You need to lighten up." "I'm light enough. I do not need my coat turning as white as yours." Soren rolled his eyes then turned to the mare and extended a hoof. "Hello. My name is Soren Melody, friend of Shayden's who convinced him to live in Ponyville. What's your name?" "Winter Solstice, astrologer and astronomer. I can be as serious as Shayden when I need to be, but I don't mind having a little fun." Soren was happily surprised. She sounded well-educated like she could be from Canterlot. "Astrologer, huh? Makes sense with your constellation cutie mark." That got a look from Shayden. "So you can predict the future?" "I can take an estimated guess based on the information I am given." "Are you familiar with star sight?" "Yes. 'When the stars open themselves to open-minded,'" she recited. "Do you have this gift?" "Yep, although it hasn't happened in quite a long—" Shayden slightly leaned in between them. "Ahem. I hate to interrupt your conversation, Winter, but there is something I wanted to show you." Winter apologized and said goodbye to Soren. The couple turned around and began to leave, but Soren wasn't done. Before the couple got too far out of earshot, he said one last thing. "Shayden, you should have accepted the invitation to travel Equestria with Rainbow and I. I bet you would have a great time." Winter looked at Shayden. "You refused to travel with your friends? Why?" "Mostly because you were scheduled to show up today." "We didn't know that," Soren added to Winter. "He decided to keep you a secret from me and probably the others. I wouldn't get mad at him for that though. I just want him to open up more." "I am open enough for Winter, and—" "I think a traveling vacation is a great idea," Winter interrupted. Shayden looked surprised. "But..." "Come now, Shayden. This could be a great experience for you. Plus, it would give me the chance to get to know your friends." "Yeah, Shayden," Soren said. "It could be a double date." "Oh? This Rainbow is your marefriend? Wait...is she Rainbow Dash?" Soren answered yes to both questions. "I know her and the other Elements of Harmony live in Ponyville, and I heard about her winning the Young Fliers Competition. I would love to meet her." "We could go see her now if you want. We could talk about the trip too." "But I haven't agreed to going on the trip!" Shayden exclaimed. Winter Solstice smiled at him then grabbed one of his hooves. "Please?" She kissed him on the cheek. "It could be fun." Shayden had to consider this. He wanted to spend time with Winter alone, but she was looking at him hoping for a yes. However, if his first meeting with Soren showed him anything, it's that nothing is ever normal around that alicorn. "One question for Soren before I answer." "Ok?" Soren raised an eyebrow. "Has anything bad happened to you or your friends recently?" "Oh, you're only worried about that? Ha, if anything were to happen, I could teleport you and Winter away. No, nothing has happened recently. What's your answer?" "Guess I don't have a choice. Winter and I would like to accompany you and Rainbow on your trip." Soren beamed. Shayden only wanted to do this for Winter, not because he wanted to go. "Awesome! Let's go tell Rainbow!" Soren trotted toward the Ponvyille Library with a smile, getting a smile from Winter and a sigh from Shayden in return. It didn't take them long to reach the giant tree. The front door was open, so the trio entered and saw Rainbow hovering over a map that Twilight was pointing to on the center table. "Are those three fine?" Twilight asked Rainbow, who looked at the entrance upon hearing hooves. "Yep. I'd say those three ponies are fine alright. Good thing I'm already dating one." "What?" She looked up at Rainbow, but the pegasus had already flown over to the doorway to greet Soren with a hug and kiss. "What are two girls doing?" Soren asked her. "Just picking out spots for the trip. Twilight showed me three good ones. We'll take the map with us." "Good. Also, Shayden and his marefriend would like to join us." "Now he wants to come with? What changed his mind?" "That would be me," Winter replied. "Hello, Rainbow Dash. My name is Winter Solstice. I've heard quite a lot about you." "Yeah. I'm kind of a big deal around here." Soren, Twilight, and Shayden simultaneously rolled their eyes, but Shayden was the only one who didn't smile. "So you two are dating?" The earth pony nodded. Rainbow pulled her in close. "Not to be rude but...what's it like dating someone who's so boring?" "Hmph, well that was rude, Rainbow Dash, even if you didn't mean it to be." "Rainbow, quite antagonizing the mare," Soren interrupted. "So sorry about that. Just ignore any negative comments from her, Winter." "I'll forgive it this time, but I won't stand by and let someone insult my coltfriend." "Really, Rainbow? That's what you said?" Soren was unimpressed. He knew she liked to joke about Shayden, but saying it to his marefriend, whom she just met? Really? "What? I was curious." "Just try not to be rude. They want to come with us. No sense in creating tension. This trip is supposed to be relaxing and fun." "Maybe for the three of you," Shayden muttered. "Shayden, please. At least try to have fun." Soren walked over to the map and Twilight, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. "So, Twilight, what's the plan?" "Well Rainbow insisted that you guys go to Manehattan first, but I told her that Fillydelphia has great things to see as well. That'll be the first stop before Manehattan. Also, for your last stop, I suggested Neighagra Falls. From there, you could catch a train ride to Canterlot then back home." "Sounds great. What do you two think?" He looked at Winter and Shayden, the former speaking first. "I personally haven't been to Manehattan or Neighagra Falls, so I'm up for it. Shayden?" "Neighagra Falls sounds peaceful. About how long will this trip be? Winter, are you sure you aren't missing anything back home if you leave for at least a week." She grabbed his hoof. "Nope. I have everything I need right here." Shayden slightly smiled then Winter kissed his cheek. "Do you want to go? We don't have to." "I have already made up my mind. We're going." She nodded. "Ok then," Soren continued. "We're not leaving today; we actually don't have a set date. Just bring whatever you can carry, but carry lightly. We aren't spending more than a day or two at each stop. We can meet at the train station tomorrow morning if that's fine." "I'm not needed for anything important for about a month. The semester at the university ended." "You're a student? Where?" Twilight asked. "I'm actually a professor at Fillydelphia University. The semester ended, so the students have a month break." "Wow. What's your specialty?" "Astronomy. Judging by the library and your curiosity, I take it your a scholar, or at least someone who loves to read?" "Yes to both! Actually, earlier today I was—" Soren tuned out the two mares and walked over to Shayden. "This is already going swimmingly. Come on, crack a smile!" "I am smiling," Shayden said with a neutral expression. "On the inside." "Oookay. Winter..." The mare turned around. "How about you and Shayden get ready for tomorrow? I'm sure Rainbow and I have to do the same." "Oh we have much more to do~" the pegasus grinned. "Oh, Luna help me," Twilight groaned. "I'm sure Soren would love if Luna 'helped' us." "Stop it. Just go. Go. Shoo." Soren and Rainbow laughed as the four of them were rushed out of the library. They then parted ways to prepare for tomorrow.