//------------------------------// // Meet the Ponies // Story: Vessel of Harmony // by Ranoa- Walker of Worlds //------------------------------// Naruto woke up on the pillow still being sheltered by Twilight. He realized that he must have fallen asleep sitting next to his new mother. He was still getting used to having someone who was willing to keep him close all the time, but he didn't mind that she was a pony. In fact he thought it was pretty cool. How many other children say that they were rescued by a magical pony princess? Someone that would give him hugs and holds him close while they fell asleep each night. Someone who insisted that he call her: mother, mommy, mama, or even just mom. And right now, he was going to enjoy being close to somepony. Twilight must have noticed his stirring because she lifted her wing up a bit and looked down at him, "Hi Naruto, how are you feeling?" She said with a smile. Naruto rubbed the sleep put of his eyes, "Alright I guess." All of a sudden a very pink pony was in Naruto's face, "Hi there, I'm Pinkie Pie. Your name's Naruto right? That's a funny name. Do you like parties? What's your favorite flavor of cake? When's your birthday? Would you like to be friends?" Naruto's young mind was not able to comprehend what had just happened. It all happened so fast and was so pink. Seeing her new son's confusion Twilight explained, "Naruto, this Pinkie Pie. She is Ponyville's resident party planner. To answer your questions Pinkie: he's never had a party of his own; his birthday is October the Tenth; as for cake, they don't have our kind of cake in the Shinobi lands that I could see; and of course he will be your friend, you're one of his new aunts now." Naruto was shocked a bit at this revelation. True Twilight had told him about her close friends but he didn't realize that they would be added into his new family. Pinkie on the other hand was having a great internal meltdown. A colt that has never had a party of his own, or had ever eaten cake? This was blasphemy, a transgression against her character that she needed to amend immediately. Without another word she shot from the room in a pink blur, leaving behind a dust trail and a very confused Naruto. "Don't worry 'bout her Sugar cube, she's just bein' Pinkie." Applejack explained, "Nice to meet ya little feller, name's Applejack. My family owns Sweet Apple Acres here in Ponyville. Ya should come on by some time, give ya a taste of our sweet apple pie." The orange farm mare playfully messed up his hair which elicited a small playful laugh from the boy. Next up was Rainbow Dash, "Hey Nar, the name's Rainbow Dash. I'm the cool aunt. I also happen to be the fastest flyer in all of Equestria." She told the boy doing a few summersaults in the air to show off for him. Rarity took Rainbow Dash's place and introduced herself next, "Hello darling, I'm your Aunt Rarity. I am one of Equestria's premiere fashion designers. I must say darling that I would love to have you come and model for me, you might be the piece of inspiration that I have been waiting for." Rarity then turned her attention to Twilight, "You simply must bring him by the shop soon. I must make him his own wardrobe. No nephew of mine is going without a decent set of clothing." A soft whisper caught the fashionista's attention and she looked back at Naruto, "What was that dear?" A bit louder than before Naruto repeated, "Your mane is very pretty." This brought a bright smile to Rarity's face, "Oh my, such a compliment." Rarity bent down and gave a small kiss on his cheek. The action brought a tiny blush to Naruto's face, "Better be careful Twilight. When he is old enough the mares will have a hard time leaving this gentlecolt alone." The comment got a chuckle out of the other ponies in the room but made Twilight pale for the second time that day. She immediately shook her head free of the thought, "I don't think we will have to worry about that for a while." Twilight said. "Take it from an older sister Twilight, it happens sooner than you think." Rarity said with a wink. Naruto was very confused at what was going on. When he voiced his concern Twilight just patted his head and said, "When you're older Naruto." Finally up came a butter yellow mare with a pink mane, "Hi Naruto I'm Fluttershy." She said in a very calm voice, "Oh wow, your whisker marks make you look like a little fox." Seeing a visible flinch from Naruto she quickly and rather worriedly added, "I like animals Naruto. I just thought that you looking like one made you cute." Her face radiated her concern. She was worried that she just made her surrogate nephew mad at her. Fortunately Twilight intervened, "Auntie Fluttershy didn't mean it like the villagers do Naruto. She didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Twilight elaborated. Seeing that his new aunt was a nice mare Naruto got up from his position next to Twilight and did his best to put his arms around the timid Pegasus, "It's OK Auntie Fluttershy." There was a collective 'aww' from the present mares. Although Rainbow Dash would deny that she did till her dying day. "And that just leaves big brother Spike." A voice said from the door way. There stood the purple dragon with green spikes, a small pair of wings protruding from his back. In his claws he held a plate full of cookies and cups full of tea for the older mares and a thing of juice for Naruto. "Thank you Spike, I don't know what I would do without you." Twilight said as the dragon placed the tray down in the middle of the group. Spike then handed the cup of juice and a cookie to Naruto, "Here you go my little bro Naruto." Spike laughed at his own attempt at rhyming. Apparently it was also amusing to Naruto because he started to laugh as well. It was then and there that Naruto decided that he loved his new family. Some of them might be weird like Pinkie, but right now he wouldn't trade them for the world. But then the child noticed something, "Where are the other princesses?" He asked his mother taking a bite into the sweet baked good. "They had to return to Canterlot. They have to spread the word of my safe return. Starlight Glimmer volunteered to go out and get some needed things for your new room." "My room?" Naruto was excited at the prospect of having a nice room for once. "You bet your sweet little blond mane Naruto," Applejack said taking a long dreg from her tea cup, "True it aint goin' to be anthin' fancy right now but as ya get older ya'll be able to make it any way ya want." "But you'll still need to have a bed and furniture for your room." Twilight explained before munching into one of the cookies. Naruto nodded to show that he understood at least a little about what the grown-ups were talking about. "Oh that reminds me, Spike," Twilight turned to the dragon, "Please make a note to prepare a diplomat room for whenever the Hidden Leaf decides to send a representative with me." "Darling is this world hopping business going to take a toll on you? I mean, you're an Alicorn and can handle the trip; but as far as we can tell you are the only one that can make travel possible. Surely you'll wear yourself out doing trips repeatedly." Rarity voice her concern to her princess friend. Twilight nodded, "Yes, the Hokage and I thought it would be best if we find a way to duplicate the effects of the mask. Make a more permanent portal, like the one to Canterlot High. However, to give me a resting place and for Equestria to establish an embassy, Lord Sarutobi is looking into any available real estate that can be purchased. It can also serve as Naruto's future family compound. He is the progenitor of a new shinobi clan after all." "I have to say Twilight that these shinobi sound awesome," Rainbow Dash commented, "I can't wait to see how cool your little guy becomes." Naruto blushed a little at the statement. "I promise that I will do my best to become the best ninja I can!" Naruto declared enthusiastically. This got a positive response from the tomboy, "Aww yah, that's the spirit! Put 'em there." Dash reached her hoof out for Naruto to hoof bump but it only elicited a look of confusion from the boy. Twilight whispered in his ear, and then Naruto gave the proper response a little unsure of himself. "Well Twilight, shall we go introduce the little dear to the rest of Ponyville? It will also do the town good to see that you really are back with us." Rarity suggested. "That's a good idea Rarity. It will also give Pinkie time to get ready." After hurrying with their tea and a few cookies the troop departed the castle. It only was a short walk from the castle to the town of Ponyville. A few passing ponies noticed the lavender Princess coming up the road, "Hey look! It's Twilight!" One stallion called out. "She's back! She's really back!" A mare followed. Soon enough there was a growing crowd in front of the heroes of Equestria. It became a din of ponies expressing their relief for their Princesses' safe return. In the midst of the talking one of the foals saw something hiding behind Twilight, "What in Equestria is that?" The child's question got the attention of the adults who took notice of the strange creature with Twilight and company. Seeing as there was no more prolonging it Twilight nudged the creature forward so the crowd could get a better look, "Everypony, I would like you all to meet Naruto Uzumaki of Konohagakure. He is a human colt that I met during my accidental dimensional travel. He is my new personal student," She then draped a hoof around his shoulder, "He is also my adopted foal." There was a three second pause, "WHAT?!" Yah, this was going to take some explanation.