Maybe Tracy shouldn't have been surprised to see that Rose was already awake when he walked in, smelling of floral shampoo and laying out her breakfast. From the look of everything on the counter, it was going to be quite involved.
She jumped as he stepped inside, eyes widening in shock. "Y-you were..." She pointed with one hoof, then glanced back at the still-shut door to the human side. “You weren't asleep?"
"Adjusting is hard," he said, kicking the door shut behind him. He'd only been outside for a few hours, but even a few minutes of flight hit him with a powerful wave of exhaustion. Now that the immediate danger was over and he wasn't going to fall to his death, the adrenaline was fading rapidly.
He stretched both wings, yawning and shaking himself out. At least now he could guess why the local bats acted the way they did. Sable was right about one thing, being up now was unnatural. Oh buck, I have plans all day. We're going on a date, then my flying lesson...
Would his wings still be burning by then?
While he'd been standing in a daze, he hadn't noticed Rose approaching. She sniffed at him once, then snatched up one of his legs. Shorter though she was, her strength was irresistible. Like pressing up against steel rebar. "What the buck happened to you, Tracy? Not copying your friends and wandering out into the wilderness on your own..."
"No." He wouldn't have let anyone else do it, but for Rose he just stood still and let her examine him. "I just planned on walking through Ponyville. That flying book was so boring, you can't even imagine. A few bats noticed me, and found out I couldn't fly, and..." He shook his head. "Well, I still don't think I can fly. But it could've gone worse."
Rose's expression became unreadable. She sniffed again, eyes narrowing. "Some bats, huh? You went off with a mare, alone, in the middle of the night?"
Uh oh. Tracy only had a few seconds to head this off. But where the animals of this world might have strange and immeasurable differences, jealousy was at least something he sort of understood.
"It was a whole family—older stallion and two adult children. I think the mare was probably interested in me, but she was disappointed. I told her I was already seeing someone."
Rose watched him for another second, looking at his other leg. After a few more seconds she let go, turning away from him. "Well, smell's right. We should put something on those legs. Doesn’t look serious, but you don't want an infection."
"Yeah. I was gonna spray them with liquid bandage, but... I don't actually know what that would do when I came back across. What do ponies do for medicine?"
Alcohol, as it turned out. It burned as Rose sponged out the shallow cuts with a damp cloth soaked in the stuff, but she refused to hear of anything other than treating him right away. If anything, she seemed to take special satisfaction in his pained gasps.
"This is why you take reputable flight classes at a Canterlot school, instead of running off with strange mares under the moonlight," she said, as soon as they'd finished cleaning out his wounds. She applied a goopy brown substance over both legs, which hardened almost to dried mud in a few seconds. At least it stopped burning.
"A licensed school has to follow safety standards. It won't let novice flyers hurt themselves."
"I realize that now." It's a small miracle I didn't fall into the river. He yawned again, with the same whole-body stretch that had come naturally last time. "I should've just stuck with her advice. A lesson was a mistake."
Rose turned, whipping him with her tail. Not terribly hard, though the smell of her shampoo was almost overpowering for a second. A reminder, maybe, or a mark. Just how like animals are we, anyway? Do humans have this many strange behaviors?
"You finish cleaning up," Rose said, hurrying back into the kitchen. "I'll finish breakfast. Don't peel that poultice off, it'll break off when it's done."
"Right." He glanced into the kitchen, then winced again. This probably wasn't the right time to get picky with his food, but throwing up at the table wouldn't help either. "If you do omelets, no cheese in mine this time. Just veggies."
He didn't stay to see her face, just hurried up the stairs and back to his room. I can't ruin this before it even starts. They were dating, now. It was time to make that official, instead of wondering if Rose was hiding from him. If she regretted saying yes, she could've used finding me as her excuse. She didn't. That felt like it should be a good sign.
There was one thing for sure: Tracy wasn't taking any chances. Either he'd make this work, or he'd fail spectacularly, and leave without regrets that he hadn't committed.
So he marched right into his room, removed the cloth and books concealing the Everwake, and carefully drew out a single vial. The cork was small enough that he had to use his teeth to pry it off. Then he tilted the whole thing back, and drank in a single sip. It tasted like nothing he'd ever experienced, bending around his tongue like mineral oil, but sparking and hissing as it went down like the sourest of sour candy.
The world seemed to slow around him, as though he'd been submerged in honey. The clopping of hooves outside slowed to a crawl, voices pitched downward, and the crackling from the stove faded to a few seconds of occasional clicks and hisses. He alone was able to move, staring out at a strange, half-frozen world.
He burped loudly, expelling a cloud of faint gold sparks. They faded after a second, and the slow sensation passed right along with his tiredness. Tracy's vision returned to sharp focus. Suddenly the day's assignments all came rushing back to him—his flying lesson that night, getting lunch in Canterlot with Rose. His last few hours were only a dream by comparison.
Tracy rinsed off quickly, a task made easier by his choice not to wear anything during his walk. He corrected that decision, picking what he guessed would've translated to a semi-formal set of slacks and shirt. The kind of thing he expected would be worn to a casual date. He decided against cologne, if only because he wasn't sure what it would do to a horse's sense of smell.
By the time he made his way back downstairs, he looked and felt like a new pony. Only the persistent soreness between his wings and the bit of slime still clinging to his legs was any reminder of his evening trip.
"When are we going to Canterlot?" he asked, as soon as they'd finished breakfast. He couldn't risk Rose slipping out again, as she might want to. But she hadn't gone off to the stand while he was in the shower, so that was something.
"Two. I have to help with the stand until then. Sisters are covering at night, but that means I have to do some time in the afternoon."
He nodded, and nearly asked about what had been bothering him. But no, this probably wasn't his best chance to get a straight answer. He could wait a little longer. "Guess I'll be here. See how much more of this I can get through before class tonight."
"Now you had a head start," she said flatly. "Maybe that crash will prepare you for the real thing."
Maybe it already had. Tracy had been terrified of Giselle's threats of shoving him off a cliff. But the closer it came, the more he found himself rehearsing his conversation with Rose. What was falling off a cliff compared to screwing up a relationship before it even started?
The next few hours passed in a blur. He cleaned up after breakfast so Rose could head to work, then skimmed the book as rapidly as he could. Despite his disdain for the forgettable writing, much of the illustrations were familiar to him now. The basic stances and positions Sable had explained were in here, with pages and pages of explanation and the purpose of each one.
Now that it was more than vague theory, Tracy could actually understand the exercise routine it suggested. Maybe if he asked nicely they'd let him keep the book for a few more weeks. He could scan a few of the most helpful pages.
As the hour of their train approached, Tracy found himself glancing back at the clock more and more. Would Rose need time to get ready? How much time did a pony take for something like this?
He couldn't keep waiting forever, though. Eventually departure was so close that Tracy could only tuck the book away and hurry off to the train station.
Am I seriously going to get ghosted in another universe? At least he would have a story to share with his friends, the ones who weren't in Equestria themselves.
But no—Rose was there waiting for him, pacing a nervous circle into the ground right in front of the station. "Cutting it a little close, aren't you?"
You could've told me we were meeting here. The words caught in his throat, and for a few seconds he just stared, slack-jawed.
Rose hadn't just been at work. Her mane was styled in a dozen complex layers of red, each one a different shade. Her tail was braided with bits of semi-precious stones, complex enough to draw the eye and much wider and shorter than usual.
She wore nothing more than she had during their previous trips, which meant a light satchel for bits and whatever else it was that mares carried when they went outside.
His words turned into an imperceptible mumble. He looked away, closing both his wings. I totally meant to do that.
Had there ever been a time when he hadn't noticed how pretty Rose was? Granted, not wearing anything did give an advantage. Careful staring, Tracy. She can do it too.
He followed her aboard the Canterlot Express, now determined to look anywhere except the mare in front of him. They took their usual seats in the back, and soon enough they were on their way.
"So, uh... you look good," he stammered, recollecting his confidence as best he could. It wasn't easy. "You don't normally..."
She flipped a few stray strands of mane from her face, grinning at him. "No, I don't. I spend three days a week foraging for flowers and rare seeds. Something like this wouldn't last an hour in the Everfree."
He nodded awkwardly, wondering what all those sparkles and semi-precious stones would look like if they crossed to his side. After she put something on, obviously.
"Really? We should... do that together sometime." He watched her closely, looking for any sign he'd said something he shouldn't. "I don't mind camping. Spent my whole childhood out in nature. Mostly it was cactus and sagebrush, but... I'm sure Equestria is just as interesting. Honestly, I like the green on your side better.” And the red.
"I've never met a bat who cared much about it," she said. "Spelunking, sure. But you've got the tools for it. Only one of us can see their way around in the dark. And, you know, fly."
"Neither of us can..." He'd almost said “either”, but he stopped himself. There was nothing more than the moon out last night, and he'd been able to see just fine. Better than fine, really. "Fly," he finished lamely. "But honestly caves sound unsafe. We have caves at home too, but most of them are mines. I grew up hearing horror stories about all the tourists and stupid teenagers who wandered in and never came out again. Camping sounds more fun."
"I've been looking for an excuse to go out to the Peaks of Peril," she said, her tone getting more excited with each word. "They're supposed to still have foal's-breath flowers up there. My sisters won't go—too afraid of Kirin. But you're not afraid, are you?"
"Nope," he answered, grinning stupidly back. "I don't even know what that is." Then he stopped, finally seeming to recognize the name. “Hold on, what did you say they were called?”
Yes, we have Kirin legends..... A little jealousy that you didn't act on can stoke the flames... Smell will get ya every time.
Ah, the nice, wholesome, Peaks of Peril.
In the next chapter, Tracy probably think they are going to China or something.
a grate chapter , i am really loving this story.
Strange mares lying on clifftops shoving humans are no basis for a system of education!
An interesting question. That's the kind of thing that isn't easily answered without an outside perspective.
And Rose definitely knows what she's doing. But there's still the question of how and even if Tracy fits sleep into his schedule over the next few days.
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Come for the musicals, stay because you're on fire.
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It's got a scenic view of the Cliffs of Insanity I hear.
Oh that last joke
And the monkey gets on the monkey... The first vial is always free.
I would have suggested a poultice with Red Silk grass, but whatever.
Cookie for those who get that reference.
Kirin. Like Japanese -or, in this case, Japonese- unicorns. Not the Monster.
Damn, Rose, way to hit the stylist in secret.
That's the problem with having wings. You KNOW when you're aroused.
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I do believe he's referring to the Peaks of Peril, not the Kirin.
OOOOO That picture looks so good
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My first thought was "D cups! Full of justice!" (at 5:40)
Just as many as other animals. I find human behavior makes a lot more sense when you remember we're animals too. I wonder if he realizes that? Hopefully he does soon, otherwise their relationship won't be very equal in his eyes. As he'll always think of himself as... more. And her... less.
I'm surprised Tracy isn't searching the internet for videos on how bats fly.
Bat wings simply don't work the same way as bird wings. They are more flexible, the bat is extremely manoeuvrable, and they can fly at ludicrous speed.
This is great and I do hope Tracy and Rose will visit the Peaks of Peril. I wonder how Tracy would react to Autumn Blaze and what Autumn would ask him if he mentions being from a different world. I also really love the image.
Yes. Yes, we do. So much of both general human body language, and specific interactions like the way males will intimidate each other? Totally on point for primate behaviors. We remain closer to our beast cousins than we wish to admit.
INB4 they end up at the caves regardless...
Seems Rose was able to catch herself and apply some beneficial doubt on her assumptions of his recent activities. Though clearly it has spurred her on to perhaps take their budding relationship more seriously?
Keep going! ;)
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To quote Pinky,
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Well, somebody's a bit miffed. Still, she seems to be taking Tracy at his word on this, and as that's the truth, that's good.
Also, gotta give Tracy praise for just owning up to what happened right away instead of trying to hide it, despite it running the risk of it putting him in hot water. Sure, the temptation to spare himself the trouble and just keep it to himself would undoubtedly be strong, but by just admitting it, it demonstrates to Rose that he's trustworthy. And considering that this is Rose we're talking about, that's pretty important.
That's what I was thinking. If worst comes to worst and all else fails, he at least now knows how to glide down to safety instead of just immediately plummeting to his doom the moment they chuck him off the cliff.
Besides, I think the nightly lesson will prove more useful for him than it's getting credit for, as I still have serious doubts either the class or the book were really going to prepare him enough for it, considering his bat wing anatomy. Plus, studying the theoretical only gets you so far--eventually you gotta get out there and try it the practical way. Like Indiana Jones said, "you gotta get out of the library!"
I'm still not convinced the portal won't just automatically slap some clothes on her regardless as she goes through, like the EqG portal would...but I'll also concede that it would be like Discord to...conveniently overlook...that little detail.
If it helps, Tracy, these kirin are a bit different from what are described in human legends (yes, I've looked it up, why wouldn't I? )
That said, a camping trip out that way sounds like fun. I hope they get the chance to do before story's end.
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But...isn't that basically what the official flying class is going to do too?
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I've been to the next best thing--the Cliffs of Moher (they filmed a few shots for the Cliffs of Insanity scene there )
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That actually is a good point, why hasn't he looked it up on the internet? He has access to it from either side of the portal, so it's not like he'd wouldn't have the time to. Maybe he figured the human world facts on the subject wouldn't be comparable enough, considering there's magic (and an attached pony body) involved too?
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Fun fact, bats have a closer relation to horses than they do rodents. :)
Loving this story can’t wait for more!!!
Time to step it up a level, Tracy. It's now truly official.
It might literally be impossible to have a secret affair if your partner can easily deduce you were specifically around a mare. Alone to boot. Though given half the population is female, it might not be as useful as a cheat detector as one might think.
Not fair Rose, he's been quite honest with you so far. Could probably smell the innocence as well.
You gotta ask a nonhuman for that answer. Either way... you belong to her now.
The first bottle to ruin.
Mostly naked is still better than fully naked. I'm guessing Tracy is currently experiencing a confusing mix of physical attraction and lust. One he's certainly enjoying.
Something makes me think the Echo Caverns are nearby. No reason for Tracy to really go otherwise. Still, could be a future problem with Rose. As much of an adventure the caverns could be, it's best to leave that one behind and settle for one Tracy can do with Rose. It's likely he wouldn't be able to connect meaningfully with clan bats anyway. And connecting with Sable is too high-risk anyway.
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You truly are best pone.
"Kirin..." Tracy stood agog "These are actually Kirin!"
The strangely moving, massive, animated beer bottles wriggled slowly across the mountain grass, the dark brew within them sloshing inside the translucent, living glass. Occasionally, the herd... six pack?... made 'clinking' sounds when they brushed against each other.
"Of course!" Rose was already unwrapping the strange, flat, long package she had carried all the way up the mountain. It was a gigantic bottle opener. "Now, we harvest."
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uh....?
Sable sounded like she wishes to have a place to stay near the end of the last chapter. The 1st thing popping in my head is anime like Tenchi where girls slowly start living with the poor sap.
The Peaks of Peril sounds like the type of place you would find a bat pony. So maybe we will see two mares fighting over the "claim".
Will Sable and her kin ever find a cave? Based on the school of frendship ep's, there is a nice cave system no one is using under Pineville. :)
Will him being a "Eventide" mean that Sable is not going to give up on the claim?
How will Rose react, to meeting sable, based on her reactions to Tracy at 1st?
Will Tracy find out if all bat ponies are like Flutershy; have a crazy long tongue?
Will this turn into Tenchi and Tracy will be stuck with a herd of mares all fighting over him? And all blaming him for everything that goes wrong.
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Y'know, that's exactly what I said to a friend that brought up the comment? It's very amusing that more people had the same idea.
Pfft... Tracy! XD
"So, uh... you look good," he stammered, recollecting his confidence as best he could. It wasn't easy. "You don't normally...".........Bruh, come on Tracy I know you can do better than that.
And that is important, because...
(Also, damn those pony noses!)
Sounds promising.
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Yeah! What can possibly go wrong with a name like that?
Well then!😏
Ohohooo
i been reading this story non stop the past 3 or too days now, will took some sleep breaks in the middle of the day i have you lol anyhoof love the story soo far and now back too it lol