Twilight Sparkle and her new friend Alex Cosmos, soon came over the hill that overlooked the town of Ponyville.
As this was the first time Alex had even seen it, he was quite astounded at the sight that lay before him. The town was larger than he originally thought.
"Wow...so, That's Ponyville," said Alex at last. "It's a lot bigger than I expected."
Twilight smiled. "Yeah, I felt the same way when I first moved here. But, given time...you'll grow used to it." Twilight and Alex then continued onward towards the town, pulling their single cart behind them.
"Sure glad you are showing me the way, Twilight," began Alex. "I'm not sure I could have found this Carrot Top in all of this by myself."
"Oh, think nothing of it. I am just happy to help out a friend in need."
The two soon entered the town, and both trotted at a steady pace through the town square. Alex took some time to look around, gazing at the small buildings and the many ponies that went about their business.
"Wow...this place is almost as big as Manehatten," began Alex "only a lot friendlier."
Twilight glanced over at Alex with curiosity. "You've lived in Manehatten?"
"Once...for a short while."
Twilight smiled. "Well, I think you'll find Ponyville to be a lot more peaceful. Ponyville is a tightly knit community where nearly everypony are like next door neighbors."
"That sounds...wonderful," said Alex, amazement in his blue eyes.
"Yep. And, I tell you what, before we head back to your house, I'll give you a grand tour of the town."
Alex looked at Twilight and smiled at her. "I'd like that a lot. Thank you, Twilight."
"No problem. I want to introduce you to my friends, and show you All the important places anyways. I'll even show you my home and place of business: The Golden Oak Library."
Alex looked puzzled. "You live in a Library?"
Twilight blushed bright red. "Y-yeah...I do, with my dragon friend, Spike."
A bright expression showed on Alex's face. "Spike, yes...you did say something about hatching a Dragon. I sure would like to see one up close."
"Well don't worry, he isn't 'ferocious' like most dragons are."
It wasn't long until Twilight spotted a familiar house in the distance, and motioned at Alex. "There, that's Carrot Top's house."
Alex looked to where Twilight was pointing and saw a quaint looking house that looked like a generic cover from Better Homes and Gardens. As they got closer, Alex saw a sign that read: "The Golden Harvest."
"Golden Harvest?" exclaimed Alex, puzzled.
"That's what Carrot Top calls her business," explained Twilight. "She sells all kinds of produce from her personal garden."
"I thought you said Carrots are her thing?" inquired Alex
"They Are...among other things," replied Twilight rather bluntly
Alex pondered this briefly, then shrugged. "Well...okay, then."
The two finally came to a stop at the building. Unlatching themselves from their cart's harness, Twilight began to walk towards the door. She stopped when she noticed that Alex was just standing at the cart. "Come on, Alex," said Twilight.
"But...sh-shouldn't somepony mind the cart? You know...just in case?"
Twilight was half amused and half annoyed at this. "Alex, this is Ponyville, not Manehatten. We don't have to worry about thieves, especially not in broad daylight in a crowd like this."
"But-!" Alex was cut off by Twilight enveloping his body in violet magic, and dragging him towards her. "Come On, I want you to meet Carrot Top." For some reason Alex looked a bit shaky, but he got over it and followed Twilight to the front door of the house-turned shop.
KNOCK!!
KNOCK!!
KNOCK!!
Twilight knocked the front door lightly with her front hoof. In no time at all, the door opened, and she and Alex were greeted by an earth pony mare with a golden yellow coat and a curly mane that was just as red as Alex.
"Twilight! How nice," began Carrot Top, her tone sweet and friendly.
Twilight smiled as she spoke. "Hi, Carrot Top. I have a new friend here who wants to do business with you."
"Oh?" Carrot Top looked to Alex..who had a very shy look on his face. "Oh, I see," said the mare, blushing a little.
"H-Hello, Ms. Top-"
"It's just Carrot Top, hon," corrected Carrot Top.
"Uhh...r-right. Well, I need a load of some carrots to take back home," began Alex, calmly. "See, me and my mom just set up a place near the Everfree Forest. My mom just planted a garden, but it'll be a while until we grow anything. So, we need some-YIPE!!"
Before Alex could finish, the curly maned mare had dragged him (and Twilight) inside her house/store, and shut the door loudly.
"Darling, You are going to need More than mere Carrots to get by if you've just settled!" began Carrot Top. "You are going to need the whole 'Kit and Kaboodle.'"
Alex was stunned and confused. "Uhhhh..."
"You are going to need Cabbages, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Artichokes, Corn-on-the-Cobs, Celery, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Beans, Berries, Beets, Turnips, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Pumpkins, and...Great. Big. Watermelons!"
Alex eyes were as wide as dinner plates, now. "You have All that?"
Carrot Top smirked. "Gardening is my specialty, hon. And besides, when I was just a young filly, my grandmother 'Goldie Harvest' always used to say to me: 'If it's worth doing at all, do It All!'"
"True," said Twilight in full agreement.
Alex looked at each of the mares, then breathed out softly. "Okay, then. I guess you are going to be busy, so I'll just come back later, then?"
"Sure!" said Carrot Top "Should take me five hours, Tops."
Twilight smiled as she walked next to Alex. "Plenty of time for me to give him the grand tour of Ponyville."
Alex smiled weakly. "Uhh...o-okay, then. Guess the first place you can take me is the Town Hall to get my house registered."
"Great, let's go."
Twilight led Alex back to the door. Suddenly, it was blown clear off it's hinges by a loud crash. When the dust settled, a very rattled Alex saw a grey pegasi mare with a messy blonde mane and noticeably crossed eyes walk into the shop.
"Hey, CARROOOOT!" exclaimed the strange mare. "I'm here for the Blueberries!!!"
"I have four bags waiting for you on the counter, Derpy."
Derpy smiled as she happily trotted over to the counter. Placing the bags in her saddlebag, she turned right around and walked towards the door. She then looked at the entryway doorjamb, now conspicuously lacking of an actual door, then looked back at Carrot Top. "Carrot...I think somepony stole your front door. You need a new one."
Carrot Top smiled sheepishly. "I'll...keep that in mind, Derpy."
Derpy smiled, then took off like a rocket, shaking the building and shattering the windows in her wake. Alex looked at Carrot Top. The expression on his face said it all.
"She's a friend," said Carrot Top. "She likes to make Blueberry Muffins."
Alex then looked at Twilight. "Don't say anything. just keep on walking, and don't think about it too much."
Alex decided to take Twilight's word for it, and followed her out of the house.
Twilight and Alex trotted down one of the dirt roads through Ponyville, taking in the many sights, sounds, and smells the town had to offer while on their way to the Town Hall. Along the way, Alex saw pony after pony smile, wave, and greet Twilight in a friendly matter.
"Wow. Ponies sure do like you," said Alex, finally.
Twilight looked at Alex and smiled. "Yeah, well being the Element of Harmony tends to earn you some fans. But, Ponies Also know that I am dependable, and can be counted on to help them with anything."
Alex smiled. "Must be nice to be loved by everypony."
"Oh, just you wait: you'll get the same treatment one of these days."
Alex looked at the ground doubtfully. "I'm n-not so sure about that..."
"Nonsense! You are a very likable pony, Alex. Who in this wide world wouldn't like you?"
Alex fell silent, a solemn look on his face. "I can think of One." thought Alex to himself.
Twilight began to eye Alex with concerned suspicion. Alex noted this, and quickly brought up another topic to change the course of the conversation. "So...I-I noticed quite a variety of Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns in town."
"Uhh...yeah, so?" began Twilight, wondering what Alex meant
"Well, I don't think I've ever seen such a variety of pony types," continued Alex. "I mean...in all the cities and towns that me and my mom have been, they'd either been Earth, Pegasi or Unicorn-centric with just a few of the other types."
Alex looked around again, spotting two random ponies sitting at a nearby bench. One being a mint green unicorn mare who was sitting rather oddly, and a cream colored earth pony mare with a blue-and-pink mane. He took another look around, and saw a grey earth pony mare carrying what looked like a huge case, with a snow white unicorn mare with a spiky blue mane who was "riding" atop the case.
Alex looked one last time, and saw the grey pegasus that he knew to be Derpy, meeting with a brown earth pony stallion wearing a green tie, and with him was a unicorn filly who resembled Derpy, somewhat.
"But, This place..." continued Alex, mesmerized. "This place is different. Like, all three pony races are living together in Harmony."
Twilight smiled. "That's one reason why so many ponies come here to live, Alex, equality. There is no such thing as 'superior' or 'inferior,' just brother-and-sisterhood. family."
Alex smiled weakly. "Amazing. R-remarkable."
Twilight eyed Alex once again, finding the stallion's misty eyes rather odd. "Alex? Is...something wrong?"
Alex exhaled sharply, wiping his eyes clean. "No...nothing. J-just thinking out loud, is all."
Twilight continued to look at Alex, but shrugged and smiled at him. She then looked ahead, and stopped short. "Well, here we are."
Alex stopped as well, and looked at what looked like a really big Gazebo standing in front of him. "And...where is here?"
"The Ponyville Town Hall," replied Twilight.
Alex looked surprised. "That's the town hall?"
Twilight nodded. "Yep. That's where Mayor Mare works."
Alex eyed Twilight. "Mayor...Mare?!"
Twilight blushed as she smiled sheepishly. "Uhh...yeah. I guess that is a rather odd combination of title and name."
Alex decided to push all this out of his mind, and approached the circular building before him. Twilight followed close behind. Upon entering the building, Alex found himself and Twilight in the lobby, where a unicorn mare was at a desk, her mane wrapped in a bun and wearing secretary glasses.
Alex calmly approached the secretary pony. "Uhh..excuse me, but I'd like to-"
"Name," said the secretary, suddenly catching Alex off guard.
"Uh, wha-what?"
"Your Name, please," repeated the unicorn.
"Um...A-Alex Cosmos."
The mare magically typed some keys into her typewriter. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Uh..No, but I need to-"
"If you don't have an appointment, then I'll have to schedule you one," said the secretary, cutting Alex off.
"B-But, I really need to-!" the secretary typed into her typewriter, completely ignoring Alex. Finally, she looked up at him, and said: "I think I can squeeze you in for eight o'clock AM next week."
"NEXT WEEK?!" exclaimed Alex. "I have to see the Mayor Right Now!"
"Sorry, hon. Mayor Mare's schedule is tighter than a crab's but-"
"Hold On," began Twilight, walking right up to the secretary. "Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle. You know, the Element of Magic, Princess Celestia's Apprentice, And the town librarian."
The secretary nodded. "Mm-Hmm. Everypony knows who you are, Ms. Sparkle."
"Yes, well...my new friend Really needs to see the mayor Today. And, given all that I've done for this town, not to mention All of Equestria, I think this office can afford to put aside the schedule juuuust this once." The secretary eyed Twilight, who eyed her right back. "Ponyville Owes me a great deal after all I've done for its citizens," said Twilight, sternly.
The secretary exhaled, rolling her eyes. "Fine. I'll notify the Mayor that a 'special case' is here to see her."
Twilight smiled a brightly. "Thank you, mis-"
"But, Don't take too much advantage over your status as an Element and Heroine of the Town." began the secretary, sternly. "Gratitude only goes so far."
Twilight smirked as she stood near Alex. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The secretary exhaled once again as she stood up, and walked off. Alex then looked to Twilight. "You didn't have to-"
"Yes, I did," interjected Twilight, cutting him off. "Friends help friends, no matter what."
Alex smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry...I-I'm just not used to other ponies being so nice to me. I mean, my mom is...but, she's my mom, an-"
"Alex...stop," said Twilight, sternly, (which Alex abruptly did.) "I may not know all about what you've had to go through Before you came to Ponyville...but, that's all in the past now. You have friends here...family, and you shouldn't have to feel afraid of others wanting to help you."
Alex looked down. "Sorr-"
"And, stop apologizing." Alex and Twilight looked at one another, then they both chuckled at the same time, the irony of the moment readily apparent. "We really Are friends, aren't we?" chuckled Alex.
Before Twilight could say anything, a door suddenly opened and the secretary emerged. "Mayor Mare will see you, now. Do be brief, won't you?"
"We'll try not to take too much of her time." said Alex, as he and Twilight walked pass her into the door.
The two ponies walked down a long hallway, until they eventually reached an office door that read:
MAYOR MARE
MAYOR OF PONYVILLE
Ever polite, Alex knocked gently upon the glass of the door. ("COME IN!") called a female voice.
Alex and Twilight entered an office, where they saw a grey-maned (but oddly young looking,) earth pony mare seated at a desk.
"Uhh..h-hi." stuttered Alex, nervously. "Y-you must be the Mayor."
Mayor Mare grinned at the green stallion. "That's what it says on my door, and my desk." Mayor Mare gestured at a name plate that sat atop her desktop which, surely enough, stated her name.
Twilight then walked up to the desk. "Greetings, Miss Mayor. We will try not to take up too much of your tim-"
"Oh, think nothing of it. That secretary of mine can get real 'stuffy' sometimes."The Mayor arose from her seat and approached the two ponies. "So, what can I do for you two?"
"Actually, Alex is the only one who needs your help, Miss Mayor," began Twilight. "See, he and his mother just finished building a house near the Everfree Forest, and want to get registered as town citizens."
Surprisingly, Mayor Mare looked quite excited at this. "Splendid! I'm always all-too-happy to welcome new vot...err...Citizens, to this wonderful town." The Mayor faced Alex. "And what is your name, my good stallion?"
Alex stammered a bit. "Uhhh...A-Alex. Alex Cosmos, Ma'am. A-and, my mother's name is Jessica Cosmos."
Mayor Mare frowned. "Well...if there are Two living in your household, and she is not present, then I can't get you properly registered right this minute. BUT, I can supply you with some registration forms that you can fill out at home."
Mayor Mare walked over to a filing cabinet, opened one of the long drawers, and pulled out a folder with some papers. "Ere ou arr..." said Mayor Mare, while holding the folder in her mouth. "effrythhhing ou eed oo gek shharched."
Twilight took the folder herself and placed it in her saddle bag.
"Thanks," said Alex.
Mayor Mare smiled. "I know you aren't yet an official citizen of Ponyville, but let me give you a warm welcome to this fair town of ours."
"Thank you," repeated Alex. He then eyed her inquisitively. "One question, though."
"What?"
"Is 'Mare' Really your name?"
The Mayor chuckled at this. "Oh, my lord, no. That was just something my campaign manager came up with to boost my approval rating."
"Then...what Is your real name?" asked Alex.
"Mayflower. 'May,' for short."
Alex raised a brow. "Mayor May?"
"My campaign manager isn't very creative when it comes to names," said Mayor Mare with a light chuckle. "All the same, I hope you and your mother have a very happy and fun-filled life here in Ponyville...and don't forget to vote for me, come the next election."
Alex looked puzzled, but shrugged and smiled. "Uhh...sure." Alex then turned, and began to walk off. Twilight quickly moved near the Mayor. "Thank you for this," said Twilight
Mayor Mare smiled. "no problem."
Twilight joined Alex, and the two soon left the Mayor's office.
Alex and Twilight were back in the town square. They stopped at a nearby pony statue, and paused for thought. "Well...so far, so good, I guess." said Alex.
Twilight looked at Alex. "Details aside, you've gotten all your chores done, which means you have some free time to spare."
Alex looked at her. "Okay, you have anything in mind?"
Twilight smiled. "Yep! I sure do." Twilight nudged at Alex with her hoof. "Come on, just follow me!"
Twilight began to trot away, so Alex followed her.
Once again, Alex took some time to examine the town, and it's many ponies, while he followed Twilight to wherever she was taking him. But. he soon found himself focusing on just Twilight, and wondering all sorts of things about this mare that fate apparently decided he could never escape from.
He finally took some time to examine her features. Her lavender coat remind him of Lilacs, his mother's favorite flower.
Twilight's mane was as blue as the night sky, and the pink and purple highlight reminded him of shooting stars. Alex then thought back to all the times he had looked at her face. How her eyes shined like amethyst gems, and her voice...so soothing. So sweet, and so full of kindness and compassion, like some angel made flesh...
Alex finally caught himself, realizing his mind was drifting into some dangerous territory.
"Get ahold of yourself, Alex. You only just met this mare," he thought to himself. "So what if she's pretty, and nice, you can't possibly be crushing on her. I mean...sh-she probably doesn't even like you in that way, so stop being so stupid."
Unknown to Alex, Twilight was glancing back at him, also having deep thoughts about him, as well.
Twilight blushed bright red as her mind wandered onto her new companion. For one thing, Twilight had never seen a coat and mane that looks so perfectly matched. like somepony had put some oranges with some limes, and his eyes...his pretty eyes were as blue as the sky itself on a clear summer day.
Twilight quickly looked away, catching herself. "Stop it, Twilight. Alex is just a friend, he isn't a 'hottie,' or...is he?" thought Twilight, her face red like a beet. "D'OH, stop it! You only just met the guy, for Celestia's sake! And love at first sight is for Breezie Tales...right?"
At last, Twilight saw a familiar oak tree come into view, and was quite relieved, at that. "We're Here!" exclaimed Twilight.
Alex looked to where Twilight was pointing. "An...oak tree?"
Twilight looked at Alex. "No, it's the Golden Oak Library. My home."
Alex looked at the tree again, and indeed saw that it was more of a house than a tree, as it bore a door, windows, some balconies, and a visible telescope.
"Oh...I see." said Alex, in awe.
"Come On!" exclaimed Twilight, as she galloped toward her home and place of business. Alex shrugged, then galloped after her.
The two soon came to the front door. Twilight happily opened the wooden door, and entered the tree house with Alex close behind.
Inside, Alex found that the whole area was hoof-carved with upper and lower levels. Twilight could barely contain herself as she gave Alex the grand tour of the place.
"Well, here we are, The Library, which is all found here on the ground floor level. The upper level is where me and Spike sleep. Aaaand, there is also a basement laboratory where I conduct magical experiments."
Alex walked around slowly, examining the place carefully. "So...you live in a tree."
"Mm-hm," nodded Twilight. "Oh, and don't worry. I am perfectly safe during thunderstorms. I have a lightning rod that protects me." Twilight then began to walk up a staircase to the upper level. "Come on!" called Twilight to Alex. "I want to show you something."
Alex did as he was asked, and followed Twilight up the stairs. Once up-top, he saw a large bed, a dresser with a mirror, and a small basket.
"So, I guess this is technically your room," said Alex, who then noted the small basket at the foot of the bed. "You have a pet?"
"An owl," corrected Twilight. "That's Spike's bed."
Alex looked wide eyed. "The Dragon?" Twilight nodded. "Well...he certainly isn't what I expected, at all." He looked around. "Say...where Is this Spike?"
"Oh, he's at my friend Rarity's house, taking part in the anniversary party for her parents," explained Twilight. "He shouldn't be back until later, sorry."
"Oh, I see."
Twilight nudged at Alex. "Come on. I want to show you something."
Alex breathed out as he followed Twilight to some doors. She opened them, revealing a rather large balcony. The two walked out onto it and looked out at the view that lay before them. Alex lost his breath upon seeing the wondrous sight before him. From the balcony, he could see nearly all of Ponyville.
Every house on every hill could be seen, as well as grassy, flower covered meadows. He could even see the great big barn on Sweet Apple Acres far off over the horizon.
It was a beautiful sight to behold. almost like a living painting.
"This...this is...wow!" stuttered Alex, unable to find the right words.
Twilight smiled at him. "I thought you might want to have a good look at your new home."
Alex chuckled lightly, then looked at Twilight. "You have the best view in the whole town, Twilight. This place is almost like a castle."
Twilight chuckled at that. "Well, it's no Canterlot, but I love this place."
Alex smiled, as did Twilight. The two then took a moment to look at one another, enjoying each other's company. Awkwardness finally took over, and they both turned their blushing faces away.
"W-well.." began Alex, breaking the silence. "Thank you for showing me your home, it's quite nice."
Twilight smirked. "I haven't shown you everything, yet."
Alex eyed her. "Huh?"
"I still haven't shown you my personal laboratory, yet."
"Oh."
Twilight then walked off, prompting Alex to follow her to the subbasement, apparently.
Walking down the staircase back to the ground floor, Twilight led Alex to another door and opened it. Following Twilight inside, the two trotted down a walkway to another staircase, and walked down it. Twilight magically lit some candles...revealing an area filled with custom-made machinery, glass beakers full of colored liquids, and tables stacked with books and papers.
Alex looked, and noted the tree roots that adorned the ceiling, confirming that he was indeed underneath the great oak tree.
"Welcome to my Laboratory," began Twilight. "All sorts of amazing things happen in this place."
Alex examined the workplace. "I bet." Alex looked at a blackboard that had random equations and notes scribbled on it, none of which made any sense to him.
"Sooo...what type of magic experiments do you do?" asked Alex.
Twilight giggled like a school filly. "All Kinds!" squealed the unicorn. "I am always working on rediscovering new ways to use magic, and make lives better for All ponies."
Alex stared at the various open books and sketched papers. he grimaced, feeling real uneasy around all this alchemy.
"And...wa-what about Dark magic?" asked Alex, nervously.
Twilight looked at Alex. "Dark magic? Oh my, no. Everypony knows that dark magic is prohibited by Celestia's laws," she said. "Any time I stumble upon anything like that, I scrub the experiment, and burn my notes on it."
Alex eyed Twilight. "Really?"
Twilight nodded. "Mm-Hmm. Dark Magic is forbidden for a very good reason. It's what led to the fall of the lost kingdom of Tambelon, when it's ruler Lord Grogar dabbled in Necromancy."
Alex looked puzzled. "Grogar? Tambelon? I've never heard of such things."
"Of course not," began Twilight. "It happened over 10,000 years ago. Princess Celestia was only a young filly when it happened."
"Then, how come You know about it?"
Twilight smiled proudly. "I've spent Alot of time in the Canterlot Library, and learned many things."
Alex stared blankly...to which Twilight grew nervous. "Oh, stallion. Y-You think I'm a Nerd now, don't you?!"
Alex just grinned in response. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Twilight looked at Alex, still slightly nervous. "Well...Some ponies think so."
Alex smiled, then walked over to Twilight, facing her. "I'm not 'most' ponies, Twily. It's not a crime to be a pretty mare who knows things that most others don't."
Twilight smiled, blushing bright red. "You...you th-think I'm pretty?"
It was Alex's turn to blush, now. "Well, uhh...I, um- Yeah...yeah, I do." said Alex, rubbing his head nervously.
Twilight smiled very warmly at the stallion. "Thank you, Lexie." Twilight then gave Alex a quick peck on the cheek. which made the two both blush bright red.
"S-S-So..." began Alex, desperately trying to change the subject. "Wa-what else do you do here?"
"U-Umm..wel-"
"What's with the quills and scrolls?"
Twilight looked to where Alex was referring: a wooden desk stacked with rolled up scrolls. "Oh!, that's Very important. So important, I have more than one of them in the house."
"Which isss...?"
"Those are letters that I write to Princess Celestia. Where I make 'friendship reports', and tell her what I've learned about friendship."
Alex approached the desk and examined it. "That's Alot of letters."
"Ordered numerically." said Twilight, proudly.
"Does she ever write back?" asked Alex.
"On occasion. Usually to congratulate me on a job well done, or to advise that I not overdo it, saying I can get a tad too 'obsessed', sometimes."
"What was that last part you said?"
"Nothing!"
Alex drew his attention away from the desk, and to some random machines. "You...built all of this?"
"Uh-huh," replied Twilight. "Using whatever materials that I can get my hooves on."
Alex looked to Twilight. "Do they work?"
Twilight darted her eyes, grimacing. "Well...some do, but others could use a little more work."
("TWILIIIIGHT!!!") called a voice.
Both Twilight and Alex looked and saw a purple, dog-sized, bipedal dragon walk down the staircase into the lab.
"I've been looking for you every-" Spike suddenly stopped upon seeing Alex. "where."