This story is written from two peoples perspective. Odd chapter numbers are written from Robbie's point of view and even numbers are from Matt's.
Enjoy everypony!
It was a bright and sunny day as I stepped out of work, tired but happy that this day had finally arrived. In just a few short hours I would be boarding a flight to Canada to see my friend who claimed he had something amazing to show me. He refused to share any further details other than the fact that I would love it and probably never want to leave his house again. Although doubtful of that fact as I get homesick, I was curious to see what he had to show me so I had bought a ticket over as soon as possible.
It had been a tough few months for me but the holiday would surely cheer me up. Plus getting to meet Matt for the first time would be an amazing and most likely, extremely fun experience.
My girlfriend of 3 years had recently left me and work was just driving my motivation and spirit into the ground, but there was always one thing which would cheer me up after being screamed at by chefs and bullied by superior members of staff; My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Matt and I had met on a chat site both answering a question about which pony was the best pony. I had chosen Fluttershy, and he had chosen Applejack.
From there we started chatting on Facebook and we developed a friendship discussing our favourite characters, episodes and reviewing the newest episodes as they came out. But today would be different. We wouldn’t just be chatting online or over Skype, it would be real face to face conversations and hopefully my first ever real-life brohoof!
The excitement got the better of me slightly as I drove my way to the airport, nearly wrecking my car a few times as my foot got too heavy on the throttle but after arriving and getting myself checked in for my flight and making my way to the waiting area, the boredom took over. I had the full 2 seasons of My Little Pony to watch on my laptop so I would be content for the entire journey.
I flipped open my laptop and was greeted by the familiar sight of Ditzy Doo as my wallpaper which always made me smile. Matt had sent me many fimfics about the clumsy little mare and I have to say I had developed quite a fondness for her character. I loaded up the first episode and drifted away into the world of Equestria where I imagined life would be much simpler and more enjoyable. The characters were amazing and kind, nothing like the people I dealt with on a day to day basis. All sour from life’s experiences and just plain horrible people to deal with.
As the first two episodes came to a conclusion my flight was being called so I quickly packed away my laptop and made my way to the gate to board my flight. Butterflies in my stomach soon started as the reality of going to see my friend hit me once more. I smiled as the ideas we had discussed about when this finally happened flashed through my head once more. Pony marathon, some alcoholic beverages, the list went on and on.
I greeted the flight attendant with a cheerful “Hello” as I handed over my boarding pass and passport and was met with the usual:
“Have a nice flight sir” with the big smile and upbeat tone that I wish everybody would speak with, even if it was just an act for their job it was always nice to hear. After slowly making my way to my seat, avoiding people struggling with their hand luggage into the overhead compartments, I got myself comfortable. I took a long drink of the juice I had packed and smiled as the plane made its way to the runway.
I always enjoyed take-offs when flying. The feeling of speed, being pushed back into your seat and that odd feeling in your stomach when the plane finally lifts off and takes to the open air. I began to relax into the flight and thanked my lucky stars that I hadn’t been sat next to the usual sweaty fat guy or screaming infant. And then I heard the sound I had been waiting for. The fasten seatbelt sign turned off and I pulled out my laptop and pressed play to begin watching the series again. The flight was going to be a long one, at least 7 hours, so I had plenty of time to watch most of season one before I needed to put my laptop away again. I sat there content, and ignored the funny looks I was getting from the woman seated next to me and drifted away slowly into the world of Equestria again.
As I sit and watch the colourful characters I begin to notice the pieces of me that I see every time I sat down to enjoy the show. I related most with Fluttershy, the timid, yellow Pegasus that lacked assertiveness, just like me. But then you had Pinkie Pie, who I became more like after I had had a few drinks in me. I enjoyed a good party and Pinkie was definitely an expert in that field! Her parties reminded me of my childhood years; I didn’t have many friends and was bullied through most of primary and secondary school but the few friends I did have were the ones worth keeping. We had the best times and even when things were bad for me they were always there to pick up the pieces. My best friend reminded me of Rainbowdash. She wasn’t really an athletic person but would never abandon me in my time of need. I loved her for that very reason.
My mind wandered further into the episodes I was watching and all my worries and cares of my life from home were pushed to the back of my head where they eventually disappeared. I, as always, kept an eye out for my favourite grey coated, blonde haired Pegasus that I tried to spot in every episode. I was a rather clumsy person. Seemed that I couldn’t go through a day without hurting myself at least a few times or at least breaking something like a plate or glass, so I related to her in that way. Also I have a huge taste for double chocolate and blueberry muffins, which Matt had promised to buy for my arrival.
The fasten seatbelt sign flashed back on as I thought to myself
“Wow landing already? Shame I was really enjoying A Bird in the Hoof”
I fastened my seatbelt and took another long gulp of juice. It felt like hours since I had last had a drink. It probably had been. I get easily lost in the episodes so I could go for hours without moving and not even get uncomfortable. The excitable feeling returned again and I tried to calm myself a little as I felt the plane start to descend into its final approach. I stretched my legs as much as I could in the cramped rows of seats. They had gotten very stiff from not moving around much. I let out a groan as I felt my tense muscles begin to relax, apparently deserving another nasty look from the woman beside me. But I didn’t care. Soon I would be relaxing with my buddy with some cold beers and plenty of pony time.
I gazed out of the window beside me. Night time already, I must’ve been too engrossed in my episodes to notice it get dark. The night sky always held a fascination for me. So beautiful but so scary at the same time, just an endless void with little specs of light to let you know something was out there. The moon and stars looked amazing from above the clouds. Better than the view you got even on the clearest of nights from the ground. I was reminded of Luna and how she turned into Nightmare Moon when the Ponies slept through her beautiful nights. I loved to stargaze so I liked to think I would get on with her.
Soon the plane began to drop through the clouds, interrupting my daydreams and bringing me back into the real world. I was about to land and finally meet my buddy who I had spent many a night just chatting to online and having a laugh. The ground became ever closer as the plane started its descent towards the runway. I could see the lights of the city below, and soon the runway lights as if from nowhere appeared. The sound of the tyres screeching as they touched down and the bump let me know that this was real and not a dream. A huge grin spread across my face as the plane slowly pulled up to the gate and people began to stand up and gather their belongings.
Slowly I managed to squeeze my way to the exit and took my first step onto Canadian soil. The excitement was unbearable. I just wanted my luggage so I could get out the gate and get enjoying myself more than I had the journey. My bag was, of course, one of the last to come off the conveyor belt but at least by then it was quiet and not many people would be waiting outside the arrivals gate. I briskly trundled my suitcase along to the passport control desk and from there out into the main terminal building. I had definitely arrived, but where was Matt? Quickly I scanned the building for any sign of him but couldn’t see any.
“ROBBIE! YO! OVER HERE BUDDY! YOU DEAF OR WHAT?” I heard a voice shout from behind me. I quickly turned and looked over to see my friend standing in the Fluttershy T-shirt I had sent him waving frantically. I smiled at my own silliness for missing that obvious sign as I walked over and greeted him.