//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Settling in // Story: Equestria's Peril // by KJay //------------------------------// Just a warning...near the beginning, the chapter's a bit...dark, and the dialouge is a bit more raunchy...have fun! "They just barged in and arrested them?!" Fluttershy panted as her and her friends rushed to the charriot. "Yeah, they told them they were under arrest for the endangerment of Ponyville." "But, ah don't understand. They did nothin' wrong from what ah could see." "What does the Princess want us there for?" Dash asked as she flew overhead. "The guard told me she wants to explain to us why their dangerous. I still don't see how she's going to do that." "Wow, after this I'm gonna have to put together a 'Welcome to Ponyville slash weirdest looking creature in Equestria slash got to meet the Princess on their first day here' party." Pinkie said all in one breath. "Oooh. All this running is terrible for my hooficure." Rarity whi-I mean...complained. "Rarity focus. Kelly and Daniel need our help!" "Your right Twilight, they seemed to be behaved gentlemen. I just hope whatever the Princess wants with them, that she'll listen to reason." "Don't worry, I'm sure this is all just a big misunderstanding." Fluttershy said as they neared their escort. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You have to listen to me, there has to be some misunderstanding!" The guard simply ignored Kelly as he pushed him into the cell with Daniel close behind. They removed the cuffs and locked the door. "You two will remain here until further notice." "Enjoy your stay." One of the guards said with a smirk. Daniel glared at him with fire in his eyes. The guards left, leaving the boys in musty candlelight. "Welcome to Ponyville alright. This is just fan-fuckin'-tastic." Daniel spat, as he sat with his head down. "Don't worry dude, I'm sure Twilight and the others are on their way right now to settle this whole matter." "They're only coming cause that Princess bitch told them to." "Hey! If Twilight was kind enough to open her home to us, then I know she'll stand up for our case. I bet the others will too." "Please." Daniel rolled his eyes. "She only let us stay so she could ask us questions, and...dissect us or whatever." Kelly frowned at him. "Okay, A. you're a sick-minded kid. B. you're wrong. Twilight's not like that, and niether are her friends." Daniel stood. "Why are you so sure of them?! You've only known them for a few hours!" Kelly looked to the door the guards had exited through. "I can't explain it. Its just that...I have a good feeling about them. Somehow I know their good peo-...ponies. I trust that they'll try their best." Daniel wanted to argue otherwise, but he knew Kelly had a strange knack for surrounding himself with the right crowd. His instincts when it came to trusting others were usually correct. "I still think we could've kicked their asses." Kelly turned to him. "Oh yeah, then what? Run away? To where? The next town over...if there even is one. Or no, I know, how about back to the forest?" Kelly pointed at Daniel's bandages. Daniel just rubbed his arm and looked away. Kelly sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. But if you ask me, I think we've made the best of a fucked up situation." Daniel looked around the cell, and scoffed. "I'd hate to see what you'd call the worst." There were a few minutes of silence. "Whats this Princess' beef with us anyway?" Kelly shrugged. "I don't know. She's probably worried for her citizens, seeing as how a couple of creatures that have never been seen here just suddenly popped up out of nowhere." Daniel rubbed his wrists where the cuffs had chafed. "Well shit, all she had to do was ask." A few more minutes passed. "Y'know, we've been missing for hours now. Our families are probably worried sick." "Maybe, but what can we do about it? We don't even know how we got here, let alone how to get back." "Maybe that almighty Princess can help us there." Kelly wasn't sure why Daniel thought that, but he didn't press it any further. "Yeah, maybe." Niether spoke again. After several more minutes, the doors to the dungeons creaked open. "The elements have arrived. Follow us to the throneroom, and no funny business." Kelly and Daniel were cuffed once again, and walked in front of the guards where they could keep an eye on them, and directed them to Celestia's throne. The guards opened a large detailed door and the boys were met with a long red carpet leading to the center of the room where Celestia resided. She was larger than the other ponies the boys had met, and probably stood about as tall as Kelly. Her mane seemed to flow in a non-existent breeze, and consisted of several colors like Dash's, but brighter. Next to her sat a very dark coated pony, with hair that slowly whirled to the side in the same fashion. Only her hair was literally the night sky. Daniel gawked when he thought he saw the big dipper in her mane. "Bring the prisoners forth." Celestia instructed. The boys walked down the carpet, and saw Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie standing off to the side prepared to listen to the dangers the human posed. "Before we begin, me and my sister Luna must finish with the dusk." Both her and her sister's horns began to glow, and as they did, the boys noticed the sun setting faster than usual. They could make out the faintest stars. Celestia sat on her throne, with her sister close by. Both Princess' remained still, studying the humans. Both boys stood awkwardly, constantly shifting their eyes down, then back to the Princess.' They soon saw that the Princess' possessed both a unicorn's horn, as well as a pegasi's wings. "Have any of you ever seen one of them before?" Celestia was addressing the elements. They all nodded. "We met them earlier today." "No, I mean before you met them. Have you ever seen a human before?" Now they were shaking their heads. "Have you ever heard of a human before?" Again, they shook their heads. "There isn't much you need to know. Besides the fact that their extremely dangerous." Celestia never took her eyes off of the boys. "Luna, if you would." Luna began levitating a green and yellow book to her sister, and Celestia took over the magical influence. She brought the book over to Twilight. "Monsters of Wonder : Studies of the Human Race." Twilight stated the cover out loud. "By Star Swirl the Bearded." The mane six gathered to eye the novel as Twilight skimmed the pages. "Long ago, during one of his travels, Star Swirl had documented a strange finding on the outer reaches of Equestria before it was even founded, thousands of years ago." Luna was giving the lecture. "They were very unintellectual beings, but Star Swirl was intrigued and continued to do research over a few days. He recorded their social habits first." Celestia continued from there. "He became incredibly interested when he heard that they could speak Equestrian. Granted, not fluently, but just well enough in short abridged sentences. He overheard them call themselves 'humans,' and hastily recorded his finding of a new species. He couldn't be happier, he would return home with a legendary document to publish." Luna took over. "But he discovered on the second day, to his horror, that these humans included...woodland animals...and livestock in their diet." The mane six gasped and looked to Kelly and Daniel. Daniel looked at each of them, not sure how to defend himself. Kelly looked at Fluttershy, betrayal in her eyes. He felt like his heart might shatter. "Its just...a natural human function." Daniel spoke up. "Well, it is not something we would expect...or tolerate from a somewhat civilized race, no matter how semi-intellectual." Celestia retorted. "Predators, and vicious monsters such as the ones in the Everfree perhaps, but a species that can forge a community, and thrive from understanding...it just doesn't make sense to us why they would include flesh in their diet." "Savages." Luna whispered, but Kelly had heard her. "Star Swirl was appalled, but conducted further studies." Celestia pressed forward. Twilight had already set down the book; there wasn't a whole lot to read. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight were fixed on the Princess,' intend on hearing everything that incriminated the very friends they had come to defend. Dash glared at the humans without facing in their direction, while Fluttershy silently cried distraught over the fate of those poor woodland critters. "The humans also waged war...quite often. On the third day, Star Swirl recorded witnessing four minor conflicts with a neighboring colony, with bloody aftermaths, all in one day. He said it was one of the most heartbreaking sights he was ever so unfortunate to see." "What were the fights about?" Rarity asked with a serious tone. "He was never able to determine that." Luna answered. "It didn't seem to be about anything significant. After the battles were over, they just...left the bodies to rot. No honor, no burial, just meaningless death." She wore a look of pure dread. The ponies faces were almost void of color, imagining all of the decay. "The last thing he put down were how extremely territorial they were, right after they chased him off and nearly killed him of course." Celestia finished the grim history lesson. "We are sure these cretens are no different aside from the way they dress." Luna scoffed "We have names." Kelly was getting fed up with being put down. Luna showed her teeth, and was just about to use her Royal Canterlot voice when Celestia stopped her. "State them." She said blankly. "Kelly." "Daniel." "Well, Kelly and Daniel; would you like to explain why you are so far from your vicious tribe?" Luna asked. "Were not from any tribe. And we speak 'Equestrian' just fine." Daniel answered. "Well if your not from one of those tribes, then how did you get here?" Celestia pondered. Daniel answered again. "That's what we'd like to know. The last thing we saw was a light, before we woke up here." Celestia nodded at Daniel's arm and leg. "What are those injuries from?" Daniel was getting tired of having to explain his wounds. "Manticore." The Princess' looked slightly stunned. "You withstood a manticore on your own?" "Ha. T'was a newborn at best." Luna taunted. Daniel ignored her comment. "No, it looked fully grown, and it would've killed me...if it hadn't been for Fluttershy." The shy pegasus was wiping away the last of her tears. "I want to scan your memories." Celestia stated. The boys deadpanned. "Scan...our memories? You can do that?" Kelly asked. Celestia nodded. "If what you say is true, then I should find no recollection of affiliation with the humans that preside far from Equestria. I may even be able to find out how you ended up here." Daniel and Kelly looked at one another, but they didn't have much choice. If they refused, it would just make matters worse than they already were. They nodded, and Celestia stepped down towards them. "Hold still." She instructed. As her horn glowed and hovered between them, all three of their minds were fused together as Celestia began her journey through their psyches. She began on the day Daniel and Kelly had met. Daniel had moved from someplace called 'Florida', and to the place where Kelly presided; 'Washington.' She began cycling through the months asking the boys different questions about their surroundings. "Can't the others hear us?" "No, our minds are temporarily intertwinded. Simply think, and I will hear you." The boys explained the fundamentals of their school, their families, their various passtimes...until Celestia came upon an unsettling sight. "Those humans...are in a box? And their...slaughtering one another?!" Kelly and Daniel recognized multiple memories at once, consisting of Call of Duty, Gears of War, and several other violent games they now wished they hadn't played. Celestia began to break the link. "Princess, WAIT!" Daniel pleaded. "Don't tell the others, I swear we can explain clearly what you are seeing." Celestia knew these humans weren't like the ones in Star Swirl's book...she gave them a life line. "Proceed." She said in a grim tone. Kelly and Daniel did their best to explain how the humans Celestia saw weren't real, but were just fictional characters like those of a story book, and that they were feeling no pain whatsoever. That is was all just for entertainment purposes. "That's just sickening." "Were sorry Princess, but I swear on my life that me nor Daniel have ever truly taken the life of another human." Kelly confided. Celestia said she didn't understand why this would entertain anypony, but as she delved deeper, she found something she didn't expect. Love and care. While the humans still obtained primal notions, they also vesseled friendship and understanding. Not just for each other, but others that they saw at school, and their families as well. Aside from the humans in the box, there was no blood, no killing, no hate. They seemed to live neutral, content lives, all without chaos. Perhaps...there was hope for them. Celestia had finally made it to February of 2012, where she began seeing frequent gaps in their memories; mostly Kelly's. "Why can't I view these thoughts?" "I...I don't know...I think this happened when me and Daniel arrived here. I can't remember what goes here..." Celestia soon brought herself to the moment just before the boys had began watching 'T.V.' "How 'bout Family Guy?" "Nah...seen this one a million times, and I don't even think I'm exagerating." "What about Regular Show?" Soon after that, there was yet another gap. After the blank momory parted, Celestia saw Daniel and Kelly looking into an increasingly bright light. "W-whoa...uh, Kelly...w-whats it doing?" "What do you mean, is it...fixed? W-what the fuck?!" Celestia watched as the light became harsher. "The hell did you do?!" "Nothing! I just checked to make sure all of the cords were still in place!" Celestia had to strain her eyes to see what was happening. "C'mon, c'mon! Outside!" Seconds later, the thought process in their world ended. "Thats all we remember. In terms of getting here anyway." Without warning, Celestia broke the link and the boys blinked their eyes open. She returned to her throne and sat, studying the humans again, but with kinder eyes. "What did you see sister?" Celestia thought for a moment, wondering if it would be any use to tell of the bloodshed that went on within, a 'T.V.' only to disregard it as false death. "I saw...families...and vast friends. Something that until this point, I thought meant nothing to humans. These two are not the same as the ones we have read about. Their world is gentler, and peaceful. I believe they're to have good in them." Luna wasn't so ready to accept them as her sister was. "But are they not carniverous?" Luna ventured. "We are." Daniel responded. "Then how do you plan to live amongst us? Your place is in the wild." "We don't eat ponies." Kelly glared at Luna. "Besides, how can you prosecute us using a book that is centuries outdated, and doesn't even relate to our world where humans are obviously more advanced than the ones here." "Does you kind not wage war?" Luna countered. Kelly hesitated. "Well...yes, we do. But...You have to understand. Humans, even since the beginning of our very existence have always fought. Were destructive by nature, our planet is overpopulated, in retrospect its all just going downhill." Daniel took over. "There are over six billion people on Earth, and resources are scarce. There are an insane amount of diversities including, the way people are governed, religion, ethnicity. Sometimes people will fight because they simply don't like someone based on their differences." Then Kelly spoke. "There is nothing we can do to stop our kind from waging war, but if it makes it any better, neither of us have ever directly been involved in the major conflicts that happen on our world. Were simply bystanders who can only hear about it, then just move on with our lives. I've already told you, we have never taken a human's life. "What about a pony's?" Rainbow Dash blurted. "No, Dash. We have never killed...or even wanted to kill a pony. This I swear." A moment of silence crowded the air. "I believe him." Rarity said. They all turned a confused gaze to her. "The Princess looked at their memories, and told us she saw no cruelty in their past. I think they deserve a chance." "Daniel." Applejack addressed. "Ah want ya ta look me in the eye, and tell me that y'all have never taken a pony's OR a human's life." Daniel had never felt so 'on the spot,' but he had to keep his head, he needed to show he was not guilty of these accusations. "Applejack...please, I have done. No. Such. Thing. Do I look like a murdurer to you?" Applejack watched his eyes, but couldn't find the slightest hint of deception. She gave a sigh of relief, and at first Daniel thought he had failed. "Ah believe you." Her warm smile sent a soothing sensation through him. She then looked to Kelly. "I promise you Applejack...all of you, I would not do anything like that." He stared hard at Applejack, afraid to move in case she might take it as a sign of nervousness. She looked at Luna. "Princess, ah don't think they're dangerous. Even yer sis thinks so. Please, give them a chance." Luna was hesitant, but she trusted her sister's judgement, and the humans appeared to be being sincere. "Very well. It seems we may have been wrong about you after all. We...apologize for jumping to conclusions." The boys smiled. Hopefully this was the last time they were misjudged. "What do we do sister? Can they live amongst our subjects?" Before Celestia could answer, Daniel spoke up. "Wait, what about helping us get home?" Celestia looked down. She only hoped this would not enrage the humans. "I am sorry. How you appeared here is still unclear. I saw the light that supposedly brought you two here. However, I do not know what it was or why it happened. With that said, I...do not know how to help you. I'm sorry." Kelly and Daniel were crestfallen. Now they had no known way of getting home. They were stuck in Equestria...indefinitely. "Although, I can't aid you in returning home yet, it would only be just to have some of my finest scholars look into the matter. Perhaps our archives may provide the solution." "Thank you Princess." Kelly was glad to have the ruler of this land on their side. "If you wish to stay in Ponyville, you may...However..." The boys snapped to attention, waiting to hear the conditions. "We need to briefly discuss this...carniverous activity." Daniel eyed her suspiciously. "I believe it would be best if you could refrain from consuming meat during your stay here." Kelly made a 'thinking' face, while Daniel stood there and looked insulted. Daniel didn't want to speak his thoughts...there would be ALOT of swearing involved. "I'm sorry Princess, but were going to have to come to some kind of compromise." Luna's eyes began to glow. "HOW DARE YOU! WE GIVE YOU OUR HOSPITALITY, AND YOU WILL NOT EVEN AGREE TO OUR SIMPLE TERMS?!" Her voice blasted their ears, and the boys slowly backed away. Again, Celestia signaled for Luna to stand down. "And just how do you plan to do that?" She looked right at Kelly who had made the suggestion. He took a moment to think. "I don't know how to convince you other than the fact that meat is one of our major food groups, and diet necessities. I know it sounds revolting to all of you, but we need protein to stay healthy. If I could change that I would...but i can't." The room was quiet for a good minute while Celestia thought it over. "I think I have an idea, but I'm not sure if you'll like it. If you want meat, then you will have to hunt for it. The Everfree Forest houses creatures that may be to your liking." Daniel flinched, and looked at his leg. "There's gotta be a different way." "I'm sorry." Celestia held up a hoof. "Its the only reasonable answer. You can have your protein, and none of my little ponies need to be around to see it." "Seems fair..." Kelly frowned, but accepted the terms. Daniel looked away, fearful of going back into the forest. "I believe the next thing to settle are the housing arrangements. None of the homes we have are meant for human vacants though." "I'll be happy to house Kelly." Twilight spoke up. The Princess nodded. "Very well." "Can I stay with Applejack?" Daniel didn't look before he leapt, and was blushing when everyone turned to him. "Ah s'ppose thats okay. Besides, ah could always use an' extra hoof at the farm." Daniel was overjoyed that Applejack had agreed. "Good. The final issue is the matter of earning your place in our community." "You mean like a job." Kelly stated. "Precisely." "Ah can compensate Daniel here fer his help with the orchards." Kelly was thinking things over. "Since I'm staying with Twilight, I guess I could help her with librarian duties such as checking out books, delivering them, retrieving them, etc." Twilight nodded her thanks, and the Princess' saw no harm in it. "It is settled then." Luna declared. "Wonderful. Guards, you may remove their cuffs." "Thank God." Kelly sighed. They rubbed their sore wrists yet again. "Its funny," Celestia began. "I had brought you two here, planning to banish you to the sun." Daniel and Kelly deadpanned, not sure if she was joking or not. "And now here I am, welcoming you." Her smile was sincere, and her eyes were now soft. "I'm actually happy we could see this through without much confrontation. These kinds of problems are not common here. I apologize for any distress this has caused you." "Its fine Princess, we all make mistakes." Kelly was just glad to no longer be treated like a hostile. A smirk showed on Daniel's face. "Yeah, you're just a Royal fuck up." Some of the ponies put a hoof to their mouths, while Kelly drove his elbow...very hard...into Daniel's ribs; making him double over. "Pleeaase excuse him Princess. He's still just butt hurt about the whole 'wrongful arrest' thing." Celestia raised a brow. "Its fine. I suppose I can appreciate human humor...as crude as it may be." "I guess we'd better be going. It'll be dark soon." "Before you go, I would like to introduce myself and my sister. My name is Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun, and this is Princess Luna, goddess of the moon." Luna nodded towards Kelly, her cold gaze replaced by friendliness. "It is an honor to meet you both, I only wish we could've met on...stabler terms." Kelly smiled playfully. Daniel was rubbing his gut, but nodded to the Princess' before departing to the door with Kelly and the elements. "Twilight, could i speak with you for a moment?" Celestia called. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up." The rest left for the charriot, as Twilight approached her mentor. "Twilight, I trust these humans completely, but just as an extra precaution; at the end of each day for the next week, I would like a report from you detailing their behavior." "You can count on me Princess. I trust my reports will be pleasing." Celestia gave her thanks. "Now go, the sun has set." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I swear to God Daniel; one day that smart ass mouth of yours is gonna get us killed." "You know it was funny." Kelly rolled his eyes. "I can't believe this is actually happening." "I know man, but we'll find a way ho-" "I almost lost my meat-eating privileges. I'm not turning into no hippie." The mane six grimaced. "Dude! Don't be insensitive!" "Sorry guys." Daniel apologized. "Its okay." Pinkie said. "I just imagine if somepony told me I couldn't eat cakes anymore!" Pinkie shuttered at the thought. "Besides Daniel, not eating meat doesn't really make you a hippie." "THATS EXACTLY WHAT A HIPPIE WOULD SAY!" Daniel pointed a finger at Kelly. "I'm truly sorry about the whole carnivore thing guys." "It's okay Kelly, you explained yourself well enough." Rainbow Dash confided. "Nopony here blames you." Daniel's eye twitched. "Why can't you just say nobody?" Daniel said, irritated. "What...why does it matter?" "I'm just saying, whats wrong with saying nobody?" "Whats wrong with saying nopony?!" "Am I a pony?!" "Well...no..." "There ya go." "C'mon you two." Twilight tried being the voice of reason. Kelly noticed Fluttershy had been looking at him for quite some time, and when he turned to meet her eyes, she quickly looked away. Kelly wasn't sure why, but the fact that she was shunning him just tore him up. 'I'll talk to her tomorrow.' He thought. "Are we there yet?" Now all Daniel needed was the whiney tone. "Why?" "I kinda have to pee." Kelly facepalmed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Here we are, Sweet Apple Acres. Its more rewardin' ta look at in the daytime." Daniel trailed Applejack as they followed the dirt path to the gate leading to her house. "Ah don't really have a spare bed, but we got a perfectly good couch. It'll just be fer one night, tomorra I'll make some sleepin' arrangements in the shed. More room that way." "Thanks Applejack, this is really too much." "Don't mention it. Its the least ah could since you were honest with me." She quietly led him to the living room, careful not to wake her sleeping family. "Hey, Applejack. Why does everyone keep calling you and your friends 'the elements?'" "Whew, thats a story fer daylight pardner. But trust me, its a good one." Daniel shifted until his body could fit on the miniture sofa. Applejack returned with a blanket. "'Night, Daniel." "Good night, Applejack." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Yep, Spike's already asleep." Twilight trotted down the stairs to find Kelly reading about the three pony races. "You can read Equestrian as well?" Kelly nodded, not taking his eyes from the book. "I figured since we could be stuck here for...who knows how long. I might as well educate myself on how this place works. Hell, you've got books on just about everything." She sat next to him on the couch, and sighed. "I know it seems like I'm driving this into the ground, but would it still be okay with you if I asked some questions about your world?" Kelly grinned. "Don't worry Twilight, I'd be happy to answer your questions." "Thanks...again." "Can I ask you one? Why does everyone keep calling you guys 'the elements?'" "Its kind of a long story, you sure you wanna hear it?" Kelly nodded several times and set down his book. Twilight started by telling him of the first time she came to Ponyville. "Wait, you got an assignment...to make friends...?" 'If only our school was that easy.' She told him about the Summer Sun Celebration, and her predictions of the return of Nighmare Moon; Luna's alter ego. She told about how without her new friends, she never would've defeated Nightmare Moon, and described how each earned their individual element. Twilight killed a good fifteen minutes with her tale. "Wow, so you guys are like heros...er...heroines around here." Twilight scratched the back of her head. "Yeah, I guess. There was also a second time we had to harness the power of the elements, but I'll save that for tomorrow." She yawned. "Well, I'm gonna turn in. Not sure what I'm gonna do tomorrow though." "If you'd like, you can go with me to Rarity's. I have to go get a book she borrowed." "Alright, sounds cool." "Follow me, the spare bed is upstairs." Kelly brought up his legs to fit under the covers. "Good night, Kelly." "Good night, Twilight." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6 Days until the attack "Oh mah gosh, he looks so weird! Can ah play with'em, huh Applejack can ah?" Daniel woke to find a yellow filly with with a red mane accompanied by a bow staring at him; awestruck by his apperance. Applejack walked in shortly after. "C'mon now Applebloom, he's probly had a rough first day here, don't be botherin' the poor fella too much." "Oh no, its fine Applejack. She seems cool." Daniel sat up, and gave a wide stretch. "Well, alrighty then, you two get aquainted. Breakfast is almost ready." Daniel could almost smell the bacon and eggs. Oh, wait...bacon...'thats right' he thought. 'If I want meat, I'm gonna have to go hunting with Kelly.' The young filly broke him out of his trance. "Hey mister, mah name's Applebloom, whats yers?" Her drawl was just like Applejack's "Um, my name's Daniel, and I'm a human." Applebloom waved a hoof. "Yeah, yeah Applejack told me that already. Where did ya come from though? Are there lots uh fillies there? Do ya wanna play later?" The barrage of questions continued until they got to the breakfast table. "Alright Applebloom, jus wait til after breakfast ta ask more questions. Ya gotta eat lil' missy." "Okay..." Daniel couldn't stomach all that breakfast had to offer, but at least he was able to have some toast, and applesauce. When he finished eating, he looked at his clothes and cringed. "Applejack...would it be asking too much if I...could use your shower?" Daniel shyed away as he asked, but Applejack chuckled. "'Course ya can. After yer done, ya mind comin' out to help with some applebuckin'?" Daniel's head snapped up. "AppleWHAT?" "Applebuckin." This time, he heard clearly. "...Oh." Daniel blushed. "Anyway, ah'll meetchya out later." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Thanks for letting me use your shower, Twilight." "No problem. I'm getting ready to head to Carousel Boutique, wanna come along?" "Sure, gotta get used to the town I guess." "Great. Spike, we'll be back later." As they walked down the dirt streets, Kelly caught several cautious glares in his direction. "What's going on? I thought everyone was used to me and Daniel by now." "News travels fast Kelly. I wouldn't be surprised if a good hooffull of ponies heard about the arrest last night." "Fantastic." They turned a corner while Kelly was busy looking around taking in the old rural landscape. He wasn't watching where he was going, and his hand brushed against the flank of a pony by the name of Berry Punch. "AH! Pervert!" "I'm sorry! It was an accide-" Berry Punch delivered a mild but swift kick...right to the no-no zone. Kelly went down hard, and Berry Puch walked off with a 'hmph.' Twilight rushed over. "Are you okay?" Kelly tried to answer, but all that came out was a wimper, and some groaning. He remained in the fetal position for quite a while, and Twilight was beginning to wonder if he was just milking it. "C'mon, she couldn't have kicked you that hard." Kelly looked up with a disgusted frown. "Does...the word...fertility...nng...mean anything to you?" Realization hit Twilight like a brick. "Oh...my gosh, I am so sorry! How can I help?! Uh...can you stand?!" "Its...its okay, just...give me a minute." He finally gathered himself, and managed to hobble to his feet. "Lets just...go." Now he was sure to have some kind of reputation around town. They soon arrived to Rarity's, with Kelly stumbling every now and then, making a painful face. "Twilight, Kelly. Lovely to see you. I assume you're here for your book dear?" "Thats right." "I'll just be a minute, I'm putting the finishing touches on Fluttershy's dress for the Gala." At the mention of her name, Kelly made a mental note to go see her after they were done here. "Excuse me darling, but aren't those the same clothes you wore yesterday?" Kelly looked at himself. "Hm? Well, yeah. I didn't really get a chance to bring a change of clothes." "My, that will just not do. Please, allow me to make you at least one change of attire." "Oh, no, really. I don't want to trouble you." "Oh, it'll be no trouble at all, I insist." Kelly did like the thought of not having to wear the same clothes every day. Who knew how long he'd be here. "Well, thanks. Thats really kind of you." "Here is your book Twilight." "Thank you Rarity. How many dresses have you completed?" "I have yours and mine done, Fluttershy's is next. Oh, and Kelly, I'll need to measure you so I can proportion your clothes, if your not busy. 'I guess I can go see her later,' he thought. He nodded. "Wonderful." "Guess I'll catch up later Twilight." "Okay, you two have fun." She waved bye on her way out of the door. Kelly stepped up on the pedastal, as Rarity grabbed her measuring tape. "So Rarity, tell me about this Gala." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey AJ! Hey Danny!" Pinkie Pie bounced through the orchards towards Applejack carrying baskets of apples, and Daniel, who was busy picking them. He was trying his best not to inhale the entire basket in his hand. "Howdy Pinkie. Ready ta get ta work?" Daniel descended the ladder. "Yep, I can't wait!" Pinkie grinned wildly. "Whats going on?" Daniel asked. "Pinkie was gonna help with paintin' the shed, you wanna help?" "Definitely." Daniel was really enjoying his time with Applejack already. They got right on it. Daniel began on the trim, while Applejack was repainting the broad walls. Daniel made his way around a corner of the shed to find Pinkie already done with one side. A detailed painting of her and her friends embedded in her artwork. "How did...you..." Applejack nudged him. "Theres no explainin' her. She's just...being Pinkie Pie." Daniel just looked at the pink mare with semi-understanding. He checked his phone, it was almost one in the afternoon when they had finished. "Thanks fer yer help Pinkie, tell the Cakes I said howdy." "Okie dokie lokie. And Daniel, you and Kelly have got to come to Sugarcube Corner sometime. We've got muffins, cupcakes...regular cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, doughnuts, *GASP! Oh yeah, and you're party! I completely spaced it! I'm sooooo sorry, gotta run." With that, she...bounced back towards town. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "Thanks again Rarity, you truly live up to your element." Kelly waved out the door. "It was no problem at all, I'll have some new duds ready for you tomorrow. Oh, and tell Daniel if he wants a new set to stop by my place." Kelly stepped outside, and found himself with nothing to do. He thought of going to see her, and the thought excited yet cast a sense of dread over him. He wanted her trust back, so he didn't have a choice. He walked at a slow pace, thinking about what he was going to say. Kelly saw the familiar cottage from yesterday, and climbed the steps. He knocked...and waited. The door opened, but no one was behind it. "Hello?" Kelly peered inside, but still didn't see anyone. Then, he heard a rapid thumping, and brought his eyes to the ground. There, stood a white rabbit, with a rather impatiant expression. "Um, hi. Is Fluttershy home?" The rabbit just shook his head, and nearly slammed the door shut. "Well..." Kelly craned his neck as he thought he heard singing just around the house. He stepped down the stairs and walked around to the back of the cottage to find Fluttershy hovering next to some of her birds. She sang a soft melody, and her birds mocked her octaves. She brought herself around and met his eyes. He waved sheepishly, but she descended back down to earth, and didn't return the gesture. Kelly clasped his hands behind his back and stared at the dirt. He had completely forgotten what he was going to say. His feet moved him forward before he even realized it. Kelly stopped a few feet away, and Fluttershy sat down, refusing eye contact. "I'm sorry..." He barely went above a whisper. "I...I just...its just...how I was brought up...and...I know its something awful to all of you. But..." Fluttershy gently brought her head up. "Please...I'm...trying to find the right words..." "What kind of animals?" Kelly was almost startled by the fact she was speaking to him. "Huh?" "What kind of animals...did you guys have to eat?" Fluttershy felt tears welling up. Kelly carefully considered his response. "...Only bigger animals. Y'know, predators...only the ones that had a chance...rrr...what I mean is-" "No small defenseless ones?" "No!...No...no defenseless creatures..." Kelly struggled to decide if he should tell her he had had beef before, but since cows supposedly co-existed with ponies, it was probably for the best that he didn't. He hated himself for holding back the entire truth, but he hated the thought of Fluttershy never forgiving him even more. 'Why do I value her like this?' Kelly couldn't help but question his feelings. "I promise when me and Daniel go hunting, that we'll not dare harm any small defenseless animals." Fluttershy couldn't stand the thought of any creature being killed, no matter how dangerous. Though, she felt more eased at the fact that Kelly and Daniel wouldn't hurt any animals like the ones she cared for. Kelly put a knee to the ground "Please forgive me?" Fluttershy was surprised by his sudden request, did he really regard her that highly? She wanted to believe that even though he needed meat to stay healthy, his heart was in the right place, and that he was in fact a good friend. She hesitated, but smiled soon after. "Of course I do." Kelly felt relief wash over him like a tidal wave. He chuckled and went in for a hug. Fluttershy squeaked at the unexpected notion, but returned the embrace after Kelly sighed and whispered "Thank you." They let go of each other, and awkwardness began to set in. "I should probably go find Daniel, if were gonna catch something, we'll have to leave kinda early." "Oh, well, anytime you'de like to stop by...your more than welcome." Kelly felt comforted by her hospitality. "I will be very sure to do that!" Kelly called as he jogged off with a wave to find Daniel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That's as sharp as you could get it?" "Get off my back, I had to use an edged rock, okay." Daniel was holding his makeshift spear, as him and Kelly carefully treaded through the forest. "Applejack told me as long as we stay close to the path, we shouldn't run into the more...unruly inhabitants." Daniel had been able to remove the gauze earlier that day. "Got it." Daniel stopped and pointed to a squirrel gnawing on an acorn. "There! You think I have a clear shot?" Kelly followed Daniel's index, and flung his arm in front of him. "No!" He said almost shouting, scaring off the rodent. Daniel gave him a frustrated look, but Kelly made sure his face was stern. "I promised Fluttershy we wouldn't hunt any small defenseless animals." Daniel rolled his eyes. "Fine, I think Applejack also mentioned there would be wild boars though." "Next time we'll bring some rope, so we can make a snare trap...or something." Neither boys had much experience in hunting. They both knew it would take some tremendous luck to catch something on their first try. Kelly checked his phone; almost 6 pm and three bars left on the battery. While he was putting it away, Daniel signaled for him to halt. "Look there." Daniel had called it. Not too far ahead behind some shrubs was a wild boar, but it was much larger than the boys had anticipated. They went into a prone position. "How do we do this?" Kelly looked at the wandering boar, thinking up a plan of attack. "Okay...I'm gonna sneak up on it, and jump onto its back while trying to hold it down by the tusks. At that precise moment, you're gonna have to come in and finish it. Your sure that things sharp enough?" Daniel made a mocking motion of pricking his finger and sucking on it. Kelly slowly inched forward in a low crouch. "You know this is incredibly stupid." Daniel teased. "I know." Kelly was just a couple feet away now, shrouded by tall flora. He counted to himself. '3...2...1...' "HIIAA!" He pounced the large hog, but barely got a grip on the tusks as he landed awkwardly on its back. "AAHH!" Daniel charged, but was far too slow. By the time he emerged with his stick, the boar was bucking and dancing wildly in an attemp to shake off the offender. Daniel shifted left and right trying to anticipate the boar's movement. Kelly clung to its back for dear life. Soon Daniel found himself laughing hysterically at the sight of the boar spinning every which way, with his friend being jolted like a rag doll. It was almost like something out of a cartoon rodeo. "YOU DUMBASS! THIS THING IS GONNA KILL ME!" Kelly was nearly ready to give up, when in it's thrashing movements, the boar ran head first into a nearby tree. The sudden stop snapped Kelly's hands from the tusks, and he too, smacked his head on the same trunk before rolling in the opposite direction of the dazed hog. Kelly's vision whirled, it didn't even feel like he was lying down, everything was distorted. He got a clear enough perspective to see that the beast had regained its senses, and was aggressively scraping its hoof against the forest floor, preparing to charge. "Uh oh." He was incredibly dizzy, but stood as the boar began it's assault. His mind raced, he was so worked up from the thrill of riding a giant hog that common sense had all but abandoned him. He planted his feet firmly and put his hands in front of him in a foolish attempt to test his strength. The boar only picked up more speed as it pounded the ground with every step. Suddenly, Kelly saw a friendly haze intercept the beast's path. The monster staggered to a halt, and let out an earsplitting whiney squeal. Kelly shook his head and could now see the jagged stick Daniel had crafted jutting from the inner midsection of the hog. The beast did a 180, facing Daniel. It was going to charge for the second time, but every movement only agitated the wound, leaving a hefty trail of blood. The boar slowed, and finally gave in. Daniel had gotten lucky, his strike was fortunate enough to peirce it's heart. Both boys were speechless, and kept trading glances with each other, and their catch. They started laughing in astonishment that their first time at this had been a success. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- After dragging their kill to a clearing close to the dirt path, they began work on a spit. They weren't certain on how to keep the meat fresh, so they had to work fast. They eventually built it high enough to hover the hog over the flame. "Thank God for cub scouts." Daniel mused. They spent a while there cooking the meat, and picking out the best places to start eating. All the while, they killed time telling each other what they did today. Daniel told Kelly of the other half of the elements victory against Discord, while Kelly told Daniel of the Gala that was about five days away, and how he should go see Rarity if he wants a change of clothes. Oh yeah, and his little run in with Berry Punch. Due to their unpreparedness, not to mention inexperience; the meal...wasn't exactly five star. But now they had a spit, and would eventually find better ways to trap their food. Just before they were ready to leave the forest, Kelly started laughing which began as small chuckles, but gradually grew louder making Daniel laugh along with him. "Whats so damn funny?" Kelly held his ribs while massaging the part of his head that had greeted the tree earlier. "In the last thirty hours or so, I've fallen out of a tree, been kicked in the nuts, and most likely have a concussion." He paused, and looked at his surroundings. "This place...is really something." Daniel nodded in agreement as they trekked out of the woods to a setting sun.