Chapter 1: Touring Ponyville
It was morning at Sweet Apple Acres. The rooster crowed as the sun rose. As the rooster crowed, a human called Megan woke up from a very peaceful sleep.
Looking at her surroundings, she remembered where she was.
She wasn't at home anymore. She was in Equestria.
It had been nearly two days since she sacrificed herself from going home to Earth by destroying the Star of Worlds, and so far, she had mostly been sticking close to the farm she was staying in.
Megan had been staying with Applejack and her family until Princess Celestia and Luna could help her find her way home. The day before, the Apples gave her a tour around the farm and even lent a helping hand. All the while, have some time to become used to her surroundings. As a bonus, she also got to see Sweetie Belle again, and even be introduced to their friend, Scootaloo. Applejack and Apple Bloom had promised to give her a tour of Ponyville today.
Deciding to get a good look out the window, she saw the sun rising over a hill in the apple field.
"Good morning, Equestria," she said to herself.
After saying that, Megan thought about how kind and generous the Apple family were to let her stay here on their farm. With all they did for her, she decided to come up with a way to repay them. With a snap of her fingers, she got an idea.
Thirty minutes later, Megan was repaying the Apple Family by making them breakfast as her way to thank them. She put flapjacks onto each of their plates.
"Thanks for the darling breakfast, Megan," Granny Smith said.
"It's no problem. Just my way of thanking you for taking me in," Megan said.
"You're as much of a farm gal as we are," Applejack said.
"Eeyup! No wait!" a confused Big Mac said, because he’s a guy and not a girl.
The others couldn’t help but giggle at Big Mac’s sudden confusion.
"As soon as we're done with breakfast, Applejack and Ah will give you the tour through Ponyville," Apple Bloom said.
“Thanks. I can't wait to see the town and meet all of your friends," Megan said to them.
"It's our pleasure, Megan," Applejack said before digging into her breakfast.
One hour after breakfast, Applejack and Apple Bloom were giving Megan the tour of Ponyville like they promised. As they walk, Megan was astounded by the ponies and surroundings around her.
"Over there is City Hall. It's where Mayor Mare works," Applejack said, "We mostly use it for important events and weddings."
Megan suddenly saw a rainbow flash above. It was going so fast that all she could she was the rainbow.
"What was that?" Megan asked.
"That there is Rainbow Dash," Apple Bloom said, "She's the fastest flying Pegasus in Equestria."
"Really?" Megan said in an astounded voice.
Applejack chuckled at Megan's innocent astonishment, "Yep. She's also the first pony to accomplish the Sonic Rainboom."
As Megan, Applejack, and Apple Bloom watch, the Rainbow colored trail soon turned itself around, coming closer and closer to where they're standing, until finally, Rainbow Dash stopped flying. It was enough for Megan to get a good look at her.
"The one and only," Rainbow Dash said, introducing herself to Megan with a bow.
"She also has the biggest ego around," Applejack mumbled with a roll of her eyes.
"I've heard of you from Rarity and Sweetie Belle. It takes a lot of guts to stand against Grogar, especially when you destroyed the Star of Worlds."
"Thank you," Megan said.
"No problem. I hope we hang some more. Right now, I have cloud control to do. Nice meeting you, Megan."
"You too, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash then flew off to continue her duty.
****
A minute later, the three stopped over at Carousel Boutique to meet with Rarity. They went inside to see her ensemble, which was cleaned off of paintball stains. Rarity was putting a ribbon on her latest dress when Applejack tapped her on the shoulder.
"Howdy, Rarity," Applejack said.
"Applejack! Apple Bloom! Megan! So good to see you, how are you all doing today?” She excitedly said.
“Ah’m doin’ fine,” Applejack responded.
“Me too,” Apple Bloom also responded.
“Me three,” Megan commented, “How are you doing today, Rarity?”
“Oh, pretty well. I really want to thank you for helping me with my dresses, Megan!" she excitedly said.
"No problem, Rarity," Megan said, "Thanks for the clothes you made for me."
"Well, it's not right for you to wear the same outfit day after day. Besides, that cleaning tip you gave to use dish and laundry soap in cold water helped get rid of the stains."
"So, this is your shop?” Megan said while looking around, “It's wonderful!"
"Thank you. I do a lot of my best work here."
Suddenly, just when Rarity was about to say something more, they heard screaming and arguing coming from outside. The four rushed outside and saw Discord and Thorne in a fight at a flower stand, with Scorpan trying to settle it.
While that was happening, three earth pony mares were cowering behind the counter. The first pony had a pale magenta coat, lime mane, emerald green eyes, and a cutie mark of two daisies. The second pony had a grayish raspberry coat, light amber mane with pale amber highlights, grayish gold eyes, and a cutie mark of three lilies. The third pony had a pale yellow coat, raspberry mane with light raspberry streaks, chartreuse green eyes, and a cutie mark of a rose.
"What's going on? Who are they?" Megan asked.
"This has been goin' on for a while," Applejack said, "That tall one is Discord, the Spirit of Chaos, and the bat imp is Thorne."
"Sweetie Belle told me about them too,” Megan said, getting what was happening, “As well as why they're fighting."
"Fluttershy likes the pink carnations!" an angry Thorne said.
"She'll like the yellow roses when I give them to her, Bat Boy!" Discord roared, his head turning into a lion head.
Both were growling at each other fiercely, causing the three mares behind the stand to duck themselves further under. However, Megan suddenly approached them to settle their fight.
"Cool it, you too!" she said, "Why don't both of you give Fluttershy the flowers of your choosing and let her decide which she likes best?"
"Sounds fair, Megan," Scorpan said.
"Sounds fair to me, too," Thorne said.
"Me too," Discord said.
Discord and Thorne bought their flowers at the same time.
“By the way, Megan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Discord said, holding his lion paw out to her.
Megan shook his lion paw, “It’s nice to meet you too, Discord. Sweetie Belle told me about you. But, how did you know who I am?”
“Oh, I have my ways, like crystal balls, reading the stars...” Discord gloated, “But, of course, word travels fast in this little town of Ponyville.”
Thorne held out his hand, “Sweetie Belle told you about me too, right?”
“Uh-huh,” Megan shook his hand, “It’s great to meet you in person, Thorne.”
“You too.” Thorne replied, letting Megan’s hand go, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a pegasus to charm.”
And right away, Thorne took off for Fluttershy’s place, much to Discord’s irritation.
“Cheerio, Megan.” Discord said to her, before using his legs to take off like a race car.
When both of them were gone, the three earth pony mares came out from hiding, smiling and sighing with relief.
"Thanks for helping me settle that argument," Scorpan said while wiping sweat from off his head.
"No problem."
"Come on, Megan," Applejack said, "We better get to Fluttershy's cottage before they do."
****
By miracle alone, Megan, Apple Bloom, and Applejack made it to Fluttershy's cottage. Megan was amazed by what she was seeing: cute animals everywhere, and a nice, natural setting.
"This is where Fluttershy lives?" Megan asked.
"Yep. We told her about you and your ranch," Apple Bloom said, "She's excited to meet you."
Applejack knocked on the door.
In just a mere second, the door opened to reveal Fluttershy.
"Oh! You must be Megan!" Fluttershy said excitedly, "Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Applejack have told me so much about you and your animal ranch!"
"Hey, Fluttershy. I'm glad to meet you too," Megan said in greeting, “I was told so much about you as well.”
“Thanks,” Fluttershy giggled, “So, what do you do on your ranch?"
"We take in abandoned and lost pets," Megan explained, "My dad runs the ranch and keeps things going, and my mom is a veterinarian. My brother, sister, and I help feed and clean up the animals."
"Wow! It sounds just like what I do here in my cottage."
"Maybe we can trade animal care tips sometime."
"Of course. Why don't you join Discord and I next Tuesday? That's when we have our tea parties."
"I'll be there."
"Thanks. I look forward to it," Fluttershy said as she closed her door.
"She's very lovely, Applejack," Megan said, "I can see why Discord and Thorne are fighting over her."
"Her gentle nature does make her attractive to the guys," Applejack said with an agreeing nod.
****
Not long after they left Fluttershy's college, Megan couldn't help but notice a spooky-looking forest not far from them. To Megan, spooky was the right word.
"Hey Applejack? Apple Bloom? What's that forest over there?" Megan asked.
"That there's the Everfree Forest, where our friend Zecora lives," Apple Bloom tells her.
"Zecora?"
"She's our zebra friend. If you wanna visit her, Ah advise you not to go in by yourself. The Everfree Forest is full of some dangerous wildlife, like the Timber Wolves." Applejack told her.
"Timber wolves?" Megan said in wonder.
"Yep. They’re magic piles of wood that take on the form of wolves and eat anything that comes their way, but they mostly come out and hunt at night."
"I'll remember that, Applejack."
The two girls walked away from the forest to their next stop: The Castle of Friendship.
****
A few minutes later, they arrived at the castle, meeting Twilight in the throne room.
"This castle is very lovely, Twilight," Megan said while admiring the chandelier.
"Thanks, Megan," Twilight said, “I have to admit, it didn’t feel like home at first, but, when my friends offered to fix things up and put the chandelier up there, I found it to be the greatest place to ever live.”
“I can see why,” Megan commented, before noticing the Friendship Map, “What’s this map right here for?”
“It’s the Friendship Map. When a friendship problem is sensed somewhere in Equestria, the map will call us by our cutie marks and send the ponies most qualified for it to where the problem is."
"Like a missionary job?"
"Of course."
"Is this the human you told me about, Twilight?" a voice asked out of nowhere.
Turning around, Megan and Twilight saw who it was that was asking Twilight: It was Spike, who was carrying a pillow because he was waking up from a nap.
Megan gasped in surprise. She never thought she would see a dragon before.
"A baby dragon!" Megan excitedly said.
"Hi. I'm Spike."
"Hi, Spike. I'm Megan."
"Oh, I know. Everyone in Equestria is talking about you," Spike pointed out.
"Really?" Megan asked out of curiosity.
In response, Spike nodded his head saying ‘yes’.
"Wow. Discord told me word can get out really fast in Ponyville, but I never realized that word got out so fast in all of Equestria," Megan said in astonishment.
"Oh yeah," Spike chuckled, "When it comes to heroes and villains, news gets out like wildfire."
Megan giggled in response.
"So, what do you do?" She asked with curiosity.
"I’m Twilight's assistant and best friend. I help keep things organized, and I also give her support when needed." Spike told.
"Too cool! Working for a princess!"
“Hey, and don’t forget how much of a little brother you’re like to me, Spike.” Twilight pointed out, ruffling the scales on his head.
“Oh yeah. Can’t forget that,” Spike said.
"Well, Megan. We got one more stop, and some more friends for you to meet," Apple Bloom said.
"Okay, Apple Bloom," Megan said, "Nice meeting you, Spike."
"Likewise," Spike said with a wave, “See you later.”
****
Another few minutes later, the trio came to their final stop of the tour: Sugar Cube Corner.
"This place is Sugar Cube Corner. Our final stop," Applejack said, "This place makes the best baked goods in Equestria."
"It's also where Pinkie Pie lives," Apple Bloom said, "She's the best party planner in Equestria. She's really good at bringing smiles."
"Which is why she's the element of laughter. Let's go inside."
The moment the three walk in, an explosion of confetti and balloons erupted and Megan saw a lot of ponies throwing a party for her.
"Surprise!" Pinkie Pie said as she popped in, "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! Were you surprised!?! Were you!? Were you!?!"
"Very!" Megan said while giggling, "Apple Bloom told me you throw the best parties."
"And I threw this 'Welcome to Equestria' party just for you!" Pinkie said as she threw confetti in the air.
"Thanks, Pinkie!"
"You're welcome, Megan!" Pinkie said.
Just then, the group of four noticed Catrina and Rep walking towards them.
"Hi," they both said.
“Oh, hey there,” Megan responded with a wave.
"Megan, these two are Catrina and Rep, two of the knights of Tambelon, next to Scorpan and Thorne," Pinkie introduced, "Rep can shapeshift into anything, even a cupcake! And Catrina is a gypsy cat sorceress who can even make cookies fly.”
"Wow! I bet you two had plenty of adventures as knights!" Megan said.
"Oh we do. Even in our time in Ponyville, the adventures never end," Rep said, "We'd be glad to share them with you."
"I would love to hear them. Maybe Thursday. I'll be at Fluttershy's tea party on Tuesday."
"Sure," Catrina said, "You wanna come hang out with us?"
"I'd love to," Megan said to Catrina, before following her and Rep.
Apple Bloom and Applejack watched as Megan hung out with Catrina and Rep, and in the process, got to know everybody.
She even got to meet the three earth pony mares who were running the flower stand earlier.
"Ah think she'll fit in nicely," Applejack said to Apple Bloom.
"Me too, Big Sis," Apple Bloom says in agreement, “Me too.”