Michael and Brenda Walker end up stuck in Equestria after they go through a television portal. They are forced to adapt to the new changes and start a new life there.
Spin-off sequel to Fashionista's Dilemma.
Channel surfing can have its consequences -- Michael Walker discovers a mystery channel that allows him to view a side of Ponyville not normally seen. He is surprised to find that he can converse with some of the ponies, only to have Pinkie Pie pull him through the TV into the cartoon world. Brenda witnesses this and angrily follows her husband through the TV. They discover they cannot return the way they came.
They encounter difficulties in Equestria and are forced to adapt to their new surroundings. Eventually they discover that things aren't as bright and cheerful as they sometimes appear on television, and that displeasing the Princess also has its consequences. Their marriage will be severely tested as Brenda learns certain lessons the hard way and Michael is forced to resist certain temptations.
I don't usually get to watch My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic -- my wife detests the show and thinks me childish for even liking it. She is definitely anti-brony. Be that as it may, I decided to do a little channel-surfing just to see what was on. Satellite TV has a ton of channels and it takes a very long time to go through all of them, but something caught my eye when I passed one channel I didn't even know we had a subscription to. I saw a pony who looked an awful lot like Applejack trotting behind a red barn, nervously looking around to see if anypony was watching her. She then turned her backside to the far end corner of the barn and dropped a few horseapples, causing me to do a double-take.
"Did she just do that?" I asked aloud to myself. I watched as she trotted back around the front of the barn.
"Nature sure picks a bad time to call," she muttered as she made her way to the front of the farm house.
I decided to see if I could talk to her, so I plugged a microphone into a USB port on the side of the TV and turned it on.
"Applejack? Is that you?" I asked.
The orange earth pony looked around to see who was talking to her. "Show yerself! Where are ya? Who are ya? How do ya know mah name?" she asked, continuing to look around to see where the disembodied voice was coming from. What she heard were soft chuckles coming out of my mouth. "What's so funny? Ah'll betcha won't think it's funny when I buck ya!"
"My name is Michael, and I'm looking at you from a portal in another world," I replied. She looked around nervously again, trying to see if there were a portal she could find.
"I dunno who or what you are, but this ain't funny! It's not nice to pull pranks on ponies, ya know?"
"I'm not pulling a prank, Applejack -- maybe Twilight has told you about portals, yes?" I asked.
"That egghead knows almost everything," she said flatly.
"Then why don't you go get her for me so I can talk to her?" I grinned, though she couldn't see me.
"Ah'm not gonna run errands fer ya, even if ya ask nicely. Ah got better things ta do," she said dismissively and entered the house.
"Hello? Cameraman? Can you switch to Twilight's house for me?" I asked through the microphone. Amazingly, the camera view switched to show the very large oak tree and its front door, which was closed. "Is there a way you can get her attention for me?"
A certain pink earth pony came bouncing into view as if in response to my query.
"Hi, Pinkie Pie," I said cheerfully. She turned her head to look seemingly directly at me.
"Oh! Hi! How long have you been watching us?" she asked, approaching the camera. She seemed to get right up into the camera so that all of her that could be seen was her face and her beautiful blue eyes.
"Has anypony ever told you you have the most beautiful eyes --" I began.
"Hey, silly billy! Of course they have! All the stallions around here tell me that, just 'cause they want something from me! And you didn't answer my question!"
"This is a new TV channel, I've only been watching for about ten minutes," I replied.
"No, you've been watching longer than that, silly billy! I've seen you watching all of us from time to time! What's your name?"
"My name's Michael -- and I would like to talk to Twilight if you could get her for me."
"Why do you wanna talk to her? She's so boring and everything! I'm much more fun to talk to! I wanna ask you a whole bunch of questions! What's your world like? I can see your bed behind you there -- is it really comfy? Is that a mirror I see off to the left? What would happen if you put that mirror behind you? Would I be able to see myself?"
"It might create a paradox if I do that, Pinkie. I think I'm looking at your world through a portal, though what I'm looking at is a device called a television. If you were on this side of the barrier separating us, you'd see a large black rectangular screen. I wanted to talk to Twilight to see if she could create a portal for real, though I'm not sure if she'd want to visit my world. I know I would like to come to your world and see more of it than what I've been able to see so far."
"Oh, you're no fun! But if you do come here, I'll be sure to throw a big party for you, Mikey!" she exclaimed cheerfully before turning to face the tree. She glanced behind her, directly at the camera. "You're not checking out my plot, are you?"
"It is rather pretty," I offered, chuckling slightly. She blushed but giggled a little, then knocked on the front door of the library. Spike opened the door.
"Hey, Pinkie, what'cha want?" the little dragon asked. He was oblivious to my watching him.
"Is Twiley here? There's somepony I want her to meet," the pink party pony chirped.
"Hang on a second, I'll go get her," he said flatly before trudging up the stairs to fetch the librarian.
"Spike, who is it? It's Pinkie? Tell her I'm busy studying or something, I don't have time for her right now," she stated, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "What? She has somepony she wants me to meet? Whatever." She trotted slowly down the stairs and saw the baker grinning as though she were up to something. "Pinkie, this had better be important -- I"m behind on my reading, I have an experiment I'm supposed to be working on, I have a friendship report due tomorrow --"
"Come on, Twiley, this is so cool! There's somepony who wanted to talk to you -- I can see him, but he says he's talking to us through a portal or something," Pinkie stated, bouncing excitedly and dragging the librarian with her outside the library.
"Hello, Twilight," I said, trying to sound as cheerful as I could. The lavender unicorn looked around nervously, the same way Applejack had done.
"Who is this? Who are you? Where are you?" she asked, worry tinging her words. Pinkie Pie showed her the camera.
"Over there, silly filly! Can you see him?"
"All I see is a pony with a camera, Pinkie. What are you looking at?"
"But -- But he says his name's Michael! I was talking to him just a little while ago! Michael, say something else to Twiley!"
"Can you create a portal through the camera, Twilight?" I asked.
"Hmm. I don't know if I can -- there are limits to magic, you know. I'll have to see if I have a book on that," she said nonchalantly and headed back towards her front door.
"Twilight, I don't think you'll have a book on portals to alternate universes, especially human ones," I said, trying to keep her attention. She turned around again, facing the camera.
"Mike, who are you talking to?" asked Brenda as she entered the room. She saw me standing in front of the TV, microphone in my right hand. She turned to see what was on the TV and her expression grew dark. "What did I tell you about those ponies? You need to stop that!"
"Who else is in there with you, Michael?" asked Twilight. Brenda did a double-take when she heard this.
"Twilight, my wife Brenda is in here with me -- Pinkie, you might be able to see her if you get up into the camera again," I offered. The pink party pony bounced up to the camera again, pushing her face against it.
"Wow! She looks different from you! How many colors do you come in?" she asked, a big grin on her face. Brenda shrunk back towards the bed.
"Mike, how is this happening?" she asked apprehensively.
"I dunno, Brenda, I was channel surfing and stumbled across this channel. I'm curious to know if I can visit Ponyville again -- I had quite a bit of fun last time around," I chuckled.
"What do you mean by that? I've never seen you before," Pinkie said quizzically. She still wore a grin and tilted her head left to right and back again, still peering through the camera at us. "You mean you were here before?"
"Yeah, but that was a few months ago, when I was in a copy of Twilight's body," I replied nonchalantly. Pinkie's face lit up with a huge grin.
"I'll bet that was tons of fun! You need to come back!" she exclaimed very excitedly. She bounced over to Twilight, who was still stunned by this information. "Twilight, can you create a portal and bring Mikey here? We're gonna have so much fun!"
"He's not going anywhere," Brenda stated flatly through the microphone. "He's got things to do HERE. He can NOT go to -- Ponyville, is it? No, I won't let him!" She then turned the TV off, but the picture remained on. She pushed the button a few more times, then unplugged the TV, but it still remained on. "I don't know what's going on here, but whoever's responsible for this better stop!"
"What's going on in there?" asked Twilight. I grabbed the microphone again.
"Brenda's trying to turn off the TV and keep me from talking to you -- apparently, she doesn't want me to visit you guys," I stated flatly. Suddenly, a pink foreleg came through the TV into our room as Pinkie got back into the camera again, her face practically taking up the entire screen.
"Come on, Mikey! Let's have some fun!" she chirped. Brenda was aghast at the sight of the pink party pony's foreleg. I took a step back, but reached out for her hoof with my right hand and grabbed hold of it. I was amazed by the softness but didn't have time to react when I felt myself being bodily pulled through the TV. I fell forward as Pinkie fell backward with the force of her pull with me landing on top of her as she landed on her back. I was sprawled across her, nose to muzzle. She gave me a quick kiss before I could react.
"Pinkie Pie! Sorry about that," I grinned sheepishly. She giggled quite a bit at my reaction.
"You're such a silly billy!" she exclaimed, still giggling.
"Mike! You come back here right NOW!" Brenda shouted through the microphone. "And get off that pony! What the fuck do you think you're doing? Are you trying to have sex with her?"
"Your wife is a real potty-mouth, you know?" Twilight queried, trying to stifle a giggle herself.
"Tell me about it," I replied flatly. "She's been like that for 20 years." I turned to see Brenda's hand seemingly coming from nowhere. "Give me a flyswatter, I'm gonna teach her a lesson," I chuckled.
"You're not gonna teach me nothing!" my wife shouted angrily. "When I get my hands on you --"
"You're not gonna do anything, Brenda! What makes you think you can touch me here?" I asked, anger and resentment coloring my words. I watched as she stuck her head through the portal. The camera-pony dropped his equipment in shock as Brenda seemed to squeeze through it, making it into Ponyville herself. She walked up to me at this point.
"Mike! I told you to come back! Now how are we supposed to get back? Have Twilight send us?" she asked indignantly.
"Oooh, cool! Now I can throw BOTH of you a welcome party! We're gonna have so much fun!" Pinkie chirped as she bounced around very excitedly. Brenda chuckled at the pink party pony as she continued to bounce around, babbling on about how this was going to be the biggest, bestest party EVER!
"Um, Pinkie, I'm afraid I'm not much of one for parties," I stated flatly. She bounded over to me and got up into my face.
"You're gonna enjoy yourself or there's gonna be trouble for you, mister meaniepants," she said in a threateningly low tone of voice. "I don't care if you're not one for parties, but NOPONY turns down a Pinkie party!"
"All right, I'll go, jeez -- you're gonna force me to have fun? What have I gotten myself into? Hey, Twilight, can you get ahold of Princess Celestia and have her send us back? Can she do this? Can you do it?" I asked, my expression changing to one of worry.
"Oh no you don't, Mikey! You're going to my party, even it I have to drag you there myself!" Pinkie exclaimed, her mane and tail flattening out a bit.
"I'll help him, Pinkie -- I've been trying to break him out of his shell for the past 20 years and he still doesn't want to loosen up!" Brenda laughed. "The way Mike's been going on about this place has made me a little curious, but I didn't think I could come here. It'll be fun for a day, but we gotta go back before tonight's over."
Twilight recovered from her shock of seeing two humans suddenly appear. "Um, I will have Spike send a letter to the Princess -- I'm sure she'd be very interested to meet you -- but I don't know if she'll be able to send you back."
Other ponies who had been passing by stopped to see what was going on and a certain mint-green unicorn trotted up to us. "I knew it! I tried to tell everypony that humans were real, but nopony believed me! And here you two are!"
"You must be Lyra," I said flatly. "But is it really that big a deal to you?"
"Are you kidding? I've been reading every book on the subject of humans I could find! I was hoping I'd get a chance to see a human before I died -- this is like a dream come true! But why is the shorter one much darker?"
"Our ancestries are different -- I am of European ancestry and Brenda is of African ancestry," I replied. More ponies had gathered around us to check out the curiosity of two humans. Pinkie had already left, but I hadn't been paying attention to that.
"Oh, cool -- you're from different parts of your world?" Lyra asked, a big toothy grin on her face. She was slowly approaching us to get a closer inspection.
"No, not really -- just our ancestors. Brenda is from Louisiana, I'm from Illinois -- we got married about 20 years ago, several months after Brenda moved to Illinois," I offered. Pinkie popped up from out of nowhere.
"We could have an anniversary party for you two!" she chirped before disappearing again. I chuckled at the prospect.
"She's gonna force me to have fun against my will," I stated flatly. "Fun is not fun if it's forced on you."
"Michael, it's Pinkie Pie, what do you expect?" asked Twilight. "Besides, you just need to give her a chance -- you'll find out it's more fun than you think!"
"Mike, what's happened to us? We look like cartoon characters," Brenda mused. She looked around nervously at the growing number of ponies who were watching us, whispering to each other. I noticed this as well.
"Um, listen up, everypony -- I know you are all wondering who we are -- and I see more of you are coming by to check us out. My name is Michael Walker, and this is my wife, Brenda. We are humans from another universe. Pinkie Pie pulled me through a portal and Brenda followed me here. Since we're new here, we hope to make a good impression on you all, and hope that you may come to accept us as members of your society," I said, trying to sound upbeat and optimistic.
A barrage of questions from a great many ponies drowned everything else out at this point. Lyra had practically sidled right up to me to get a very close inspection and Brenda tried to shoo her away. Twilight was trying to calm everypony down, though they had become rather restless and were shouting over each other in an attempt to get answers to their specific questions.
"HEY!! One at a time here, please!" I shouted. My outburst seemed to calm everypony back down, the noise level returning to hushed whispers.
"Thanks, Michael," the lavender unicorn grinned.
While all the commotion was going on, I looked up to see a chariot being pulled by a couple of white-coated pegasi wearing gold armor. A regal-looking pony was standing in this chariot, which was brought to a stop not far from us. I recognized her immediately, but Brenda was somewhat more taken aback. She knew who this tall white pony was, but the name escaped her. The Alicorn trotted up to us slowly.
"So, you two must be the new arrivals," she said softly, a small smile on her face.
I bowed before her. "Your Majesty, if you may recall, I am Michael Walker and this is my wife Brenda," I stated reverently.
"No, Michael Walker, I have not seen you before -- we do not take too kindly to humans in our world. I have certain memories of humans who were rather troublesome in the past."
"I visited an alternate universe a few months back and met you there. Since this seems to be another universe, you are unfamiliar with me and my wife -- I promise you no trouble, your Majesty," I offered.
"Michael, who is this?" Brenda asked, giving a quizzical glance at me. Before I could answer, the Solar Princess answered her question.
"I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria," she replied warmly.
"Your Majesty, I was wondering if it might be possible for you to send us back to our home world -- I was wanting to visit Ponyville once again, but not exactly on a permanent basis."
"How did you two get here?"
"Pinkie Pie pulled me through a portal and Brenda followed me," I stated. The pink earth pony nodded her head vigorously, giving a big toothy grin before disappearing again.
"I do not sense a portal nearby -- where exactly was it?"
I looked around and saw a camera on the ground. "I believe that camera has the answer, your Majesty," I replied. "I think we came through that."
The Princess examined the camera with her magic. "It appears that it may have been a one-way portal, Michael. It may have been your way here, but it cannot be your way back. I sense nothing on the other side of this device."
"What, does that mean we're stuck here?" Brenda asked fearfully as she grabbed hold of my right arm, squeezing it tightly. Beads of sweat started forming on her head as her worry became evident.
"My magic allows me to create portals to other worlds, however it may not be the world you came from. I am rather reluctant to send you to a world other than your own. I may have to do some research in order to find the world you came from before I can send you back. Considering the number of possibilities, that process may take a very long time."
"How long do you think it will take? Depending on how much time it takes, we might very well not have jobs to return to -- we might lose our house and car," I stated glumly. "I'm gonna miss that car."
"Wait -- you had -- a CAR?!" Lyra asked incredulously, though a big grin crept across her face. 'I KNEW it!" I chuckled at her question.
"Yeah, that's right, Lyra, we had a car -- we go practically everywhere in it. If we can't go back to our home world, we're going to lose it along with our house. The prospect of losing both our house and our car depresses me," I stated rather glumly.
"Perhaps I might be able to help," the Solar Princess offered, still smiling warmly. "What does your car look like?"
"Can you read my mind? I have it pictured," I replied. The Alicorn lit her horn again and wrapped her aura around my head. I felt her presence intruding into my mind, but it lingered only a very short while. She then wrapped her aura around a rather large boulder and transformed it into a copy of my vehicle. My jaw dropped when I saw this happen. "Princess Celestia! I can't believe you did that!" I exclaimed in astonishment. Brenda was left speechless as well.
"Just a small demonstration of what I'm capable of doing," she chuckled softly. Lyra trotted up to it and around it, inspecting it very closely as did Twilight.
"I have a keyfob in my pocket, let me check this out -- but are there any roads to drive it on around here? It's pretty much useless like that -- and what about a house? Where are we going to live?" I asked. "What are Brenda and I supposed to do here now that we can't go back? We don't have jobs here, we don't have money here --"
"I will make arrangements for you two, Michael. Twilight, do you have a guest room for them? Can you give them temporary quarters until I can arrange for their housing?" the Princess asked her student.
"Yes, Princess, I will help Spike clear out the guest room in the Library for them. Michael, Brenda, I am very curious to know more about you two! I want to know everything about this car of yours as well! You can stay in my guest room until your house is ready."
"Thank you for your generosity, Twilight. Your Majesty, thank you too for your gift," I stated, smiling at the Alicorn. I took my keyfob out of my pocket and tested it on the car. Amazingly enough, pushing buttons on the keyfob worked on the car. The horn sounded as I hit the power lock, causing many of the ponies to jump unexpectedly. Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow.
"Does this device normally do that when you press a certain button on that trinket you hold?" she asked, giving me a very quizzical look.
"Yes, Princess, it does -- and if I hit the panic button, it sounds the horn repeatedly, like so," I demonstrated, pushing the red button on the fob causing the horn to blare several times before pushing the button again causing the noise to stop.
"Michael, please don't do that again, unless it's an emergency -- when you pushed that red button, it caused me to suffer a slight headache," the Alicorn admonished.
"My apologies, your Majesty. I had no idea it served that purpose as well -- I suppose the car summons you when I push the panic button. You have my word I shall only push it if there's an actual emergency."
"Mike, I'm hungry," Brenda complained. "And I need a smoke."
"I can make arrangements for you regarding your hunger as well. A smoke?" asked the Alicorn. "What do you smoke?"
"Newport longs," Brenda replied flatly.
"Mentholated cigarettes," I explained, answering the Princess' puzzled expression. She frowned when I said that.
"We do not encourage that activity -- it pollutes the air and causes certain diseases," the Alicorn stated flatly before examining Brenda with her magic. "Brenda, it appears you have developed certain cancers within your body -- there are certain ailments you suffer -- please give me a moment to heal you, perhaps that may alleviate your craving."
Brenda was quite impressed as she noticed that most of her nagging health problems seemed to melt away as the Alicorn extinguished her aura around my wife. It was at this moment I made a request of the Princess.
"Your Majesty, I am quite impressed by your ability to heal -- perhaps you might be able to help me with my health problems as well, as I am nearly as old as my wife. If there is anything you might request of me as repayment, I will be happy to oblige you with your needs," I offered. She smiled at my request, then mused thoughtfully for a moment before wrapping me with her magic aura. I could feel aches and pains disappear, my teeth mending, my vision improving and my breathing become easier. The ringing in my ears stopped, allowing me to hear clearly for the first time in years. I bowed before the Alicorn, thanking her profusely for her work, eliciting a broad smile from her.
"Michael, when the time comes, I shall call in this favor from you. Until then, enjoy yourself at the party Pinkie is going to throw for you two. You will have your fill of food and drink there. I shall see you soon," she stated as she returned to her chariot. We waved a farewell to her as she was carried back to her castle.
"Um, if you don't mind my asking, how old are you two exactly?" asked Twilight.
"Forty-nine," we responded simultaneously, eliciting light laughter from some of the ponies still milling about. It appeared that they wanted to satisfy their curiosity as well. I turned to Brenda and said, "Jinx!" causing her to groan audibly.
"Mike, when are you going to grow up?" Brenda asked in exasperation.
"I've been wondering that all my life, Brenda -- the answer is probably never," I chuckled. Pinkie Pie returned at this point.
"Hey, you two, the party's ready! Come on!" she chirped excitedly, pulling me by my left arm. Brenda giggled a little and followed us.
In all honesty, the party was quite enjoyable -- though Brenda put a very quick stop to a game I had introduced to some of the mares by punching me in the head a couple of times.
"How dare you try to play 'Spin the Bottle' with them! What the fuck is wrong with you?" my wife screeched. Many of the ponies who witnessed this attack stood in shock and stunned silence. Twilight trotted up to me, an expression of worry on her face. Pinkie scowled at Brenda. Some of the other ponies came to my defense at this point.
"Michael, are you okay? Brenda, why did you hit him like that? Do you know what punishment mares receive for attacking stallions?" asked the librarian.
"Yeah! Why do you have to be such a meaniepants? This party is supposed to be fun, and Mikey was only trying to give us another fun game to play!" the pink pony said, a bit of anger in her voice.
"Mike is my husband and he is NOT supposed to be trying to kiss you ponies! I swear there's something wrong with him! Is there a shrink in this town? He needs help!" Brenda nearly shouted. I was left holding my head where she had hit me, the pain still rather sharp.
"Um, Twi, a little help here, please?" I asked meekly. "It still hurts a bit..."
The lavender unicorn cast a little healing magic on me, alleviating most of the pain. "Thanks, I needed that."
"Princess Celestia will be hearing about this," Twilight said flatly. "You're in trouble now, Brenda."
"Don't take his side! He disrespected me! You're going to threaten ME?!"
"There was no need for violence, Brenda -- simply admonishing him would have proven sufficient -- but you physically attacked him? He was merely trying to introduce us to a new game," the librarian chided.
"You shouldn't be so jealous! He's married to you, so you shouldn't worry about him leaving you!" Pinkie chimed in.
"Acting like a ruffian does not help matters, Brenda," Rarity added.
"Stop defending him! He's the one who's wrong here!" Brenda protested stridently. Another voice was heard, this one sounding more matriarchal.
"Be that as it may, Brenda, there was no need to resort to the use of violence. I am certain your husband intended no disrespect to you -- such a game is perhaps a little suggestive, though of greater amusement than harm. Your actions cause me to question your suitability to my realm, and if there were a way for me to return you to your home world, I would take it upon myself to do so. You will have to remain separated from your husband until your behavior changes," the Solar Princess stated flatly.
"Michael, I would request you refrain from teaching my little ponies such games, as they may not be entirely accustomed to the cultural norms of your species. I would rather you have consulted with me first before teaching them such a game."
"Yes, your Majesty. I'm sorry," I stated reverently and bowed to her.
"Perhaps I should keep both of you in my castle so that I may keep a closer eye on you two. I know you mean no harm, Michael, but I fear you may prove to be a bad influence on my little ponies, and I cannot allow for that. You two will be provided room and board in my castle, and activities to occupy your time. You will be required to remain there until such time as I can determine a way to return you to your home world."
"Princess, there is much I wish to learn from him! May I visit them on occasion?" asked Twilight.
"You may, on the provision that I supervise those visits. I do not wish to have to intervene, but there are certain aspects of humanity I still do not trust. You have witnessed firsthoof those tendencies towards violence and puerile behavior." The Solar Princess then enveloped Brenda and me in her golden aura and teleported us to her castle, specifically the Great Hall. She summoned a pair of royal guardsponies to escort us to separate chambers which were adjoined by a door.
"You two will have separate rooms and a royal guardspony as a chaperon to ensure no further animosity occurs. I encourage the two of you to enjoy yourselves as much as you wish," she stated and smiled warmly at us. Brenda glared at me and raised her fist again.
"This is another fine mess you've gotten us into, Mike! I swear, if it's the last thing I do --"
"Brenda, please curb your tongue. I will brook no further violence from you, lest you desire to spend some time in my dungeon," the Alicorn admonished sternly. "Michael, is there something else you wish to say?" she asked as she noticed me strike a pensive mood.
"I was just thinking, your Majesty..." I began. Brenda stole a glance at me and frowned.
"I don't like it when you think -- bad things happen," my wife said flatly. The Alicorn smiled a little bit in amusement.
"What are you thinking about, if I may be so bold as to inquire?"
"I was entertaining the possibility of becoming a pony, though I am having second thoughts about that," I replied. Brenda growled at me in anger.
"You are a human! You're not supposed to want to be a pony! Don't make me hit you again!" she bellowed. Princess Celestia hit her with a freeze spell.
"Michael, how long have you had to endure such suffering from her?"
"Twenty years, your Majesty," I replied flatly.
"I have ways of dealing with this sort of thing," she said softly, smiling at me. She used another spell on Brenda, turning her into a zebra mare and releasing her from her freeze spell. I had to stifle a chuckle, as did the Alicorn. Brenda found herself looking up at me, her new perspective causing her to panic. She galloped around frantically.
"What did you do to me? What happened? Why am I so short?"
"You're a zebra now, Brenda," I observed, trying very hard not to titter into giggles.
"You will remain in that form until I decide to change you back," Celestia said sternly. "You will learn to respect stallions."
Suddenly I found myself wrapped in a golden aura and my perspective changed quite a bit -- I was still looking down at Brenda, but from just a short distance down. I no longer towered over her as I found myself transformed into a unicorn stallion. My skin had turned into a medium purple coat of fur. I craned my neck around to see my tail had turned a two-tone orange and gold. Brenda stared at me in disbelief.
"Twilight's not going to believe this," I muttered aloud. Celestia chuckled at my statement.
"Personally, I think she might be pleased," the Alicorn mused softly.
"It's been a few months since I was last in a pony's body -- this may take a little effort for me to get my legs back, as it were," I observed.
"What do you mean by that?" asked a somewhat surprised Celestia. "I remember you saying something about wanting to visit ... again? I've never seen you before."
I told her about the previous visit to another universe and how I was in a copy of Twilight's body. She expressed amazement and disbelief upon hearing my story.
"If you don't think it's true, why not read my mind?" I asked. I tested my trotting ability and found myself almost instinctively doing so with relatively little effort. Brenda was doing the same thing, practicing her movements in order to acclimate herself to her new body. She started cantering, then galloping around swiftly, her mane and tail flowing elegantly. I smiled as I heard her start laughing.
"Princess, this is amazing! This is wonderful! Thank you so much!" Brenda said almost gleefully.
"It looks like you're enjoying that a little too much, Brenda," the Alicorn chuckled. "If you'd like, you're welcome to remain in that form for as long as you wish."
"I've never been able to move so fast!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Hey, what about that party? Can we go back?"
"I shall supervise, to ensure no further hostilities ensue. Michael, will you be joining us?"
"Yes, I shall, Princess. I think the others might find my new appearance ... interesting," I mused. Without further ado, we were whisked away back to Sugarcube Corner, where the party was still going on. The Solar Princess introduced us as everypony gasped in amazement at our new appearance.
"That means ... another party!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "Two parties on the same day! This is going to be so much fun! Hey, Mikey, ya wanna play a new game we found?"
"As long as it's not 'Spin the Bottle,' I'm cool with whatever it is," I replied. The pink party pony gave me a rather crestfallen look as Twilight sidled up to me.
"I like the new you, Michael," she grinned. "I'll teach you some magic, since you're a new unicorn," she offered softly.
"I'm still married to him! Get away from him!" Brenda exclaimed angrily as she trotted over to us. I lit my horn and erected a barrier between us.
"I hate to disappoint you, Twilight, but I already know how to use magic -- I was in a copy of your body last time I visited Ponyville," I chuckled. This drew a gasp from the librarian who hit me with a barrage of questions, which I tried to answer as best I could. I gave her the full rundown, but while I was telling my story, everypony had gathered around to listen. Even Celestia seemed enraptured by the story, though Brenda found it difficult to believe, even though I had told her this same story several times before.
"I can't believe you defeated Nightmare Moon by yourself!" Twilight exclaimed excitedly.
"I can't believe you freed me from the Sun," Celestia stated in astonishment.
"I can't believe I would have almost died like that," Pinkie said rather sullenly. "Can we go to that universe? I wanna help them."
"I have no idea of how to get there, Pinkie," I replied. "Alternate universes can be such tricky things to deal with, and you almost never know what might happen if you jump into them willy-nilly."
The party returned to its festive mood once again after my explanations of previous events. Twilight asked me more questions, though Brenda stayed very close to me to ensure nothing else happened between us. Fluttershy came up and started talking to Brenda, drawing her away from us.
"Your wife can be so mean," Twilight said, just above a whisper. "Why does she have to be like that?"
"She's been like that pretty much ever since we got married," I replied sullenly. "I think she likes being a zebra, though."
"She appears to be a bit happier, though I still don't understand why she's so jealous."
"I've been with her longer than any other man has -- and I think she might be scared of losing me to one of you, or perhaps you specifically, Twilight. She noticed I had a fascination with you, and since I'm a pony now, that has put her in a very difficult position. I see the way she's staring at me, as though she's deeply afraid I might divorce her and take you for my new wife."
Twilight blushed at my comment. "Um, I'm honored you'd consider me as a wife, Michael! But you're still married -- you're not actually going to divorce her, are you?"
"I'd like to, but there are consequences for doing that -- and I'm not prepared to deal with those just yet. So no, I'm not going to divorce her."
She scowled at me and trotted back over. "What are you two discussing? Future marriage ideas?"
"No, Brenda -- you shouldn't worry about that. Only the Princess can divorce us, and I'm not going to ask her for that," I replied flatly. "Honestly, you worry too much."
Her stomach growled at this point, causing her to blush. "How am I supposed to eat without my hands?" she asked.
"Use your hooves, like this," Pinkie Pie offered as she shoved a cupcake into my wife's mouth. She started coughing, spitting up pieces of the cupcake onto the floor.
"I can't eat a whole cupcake like that at once," she complained. "Pretty tasty, though."
"Hey, Pinkie, can I have one of those?" I asked.
"Sure, Mikey! Here ya go!" she chirped as she shoved a cupcake into my mouth. I almost gagged on it as I coughed it up.
"Pinkie, what makes you think we can swallow a whole cupcake? Just because you can doesn't mean we can too, you know," I said flatly.
"You can be such a silly billy!" she giggled and hoofed me another cupcake, which I took in my magic aura and nibbled lightly from it.
"These are quite good, Pinkie -- what kind are they?"
"I call them, 'Rainbow Cupcakes!'" she giggled. I spat it out immediately. "Just kidding, Mikey! It's just strawberry! Don't look at me like that! I was just kidding!"
"Don't prank me like that any more, Pinkie," I admonished sharply, glaring menacingly at her.
"What do you mean by 'Rainbow Cupcakes?'" Brenda asked.
"You wouldn't get the reference, Brenda. Just leave it alone, they're strawberry cupcakes ... I think," I muttered.
Princess Celestia took her leave, allowing us to continue mingling with the other ponies at the party, which ran until the wee hours of the morning. We had a great deal of fun, singing karaoke, where I learned several catchy new songs, we danced, where I learned how to dance as a pony, even if Brenda chose not to join me for a few of the slow dances. Pinkie Pie noticed my frustration and asked me what was wrong -- I told her Brenda didn't want to join me for a slow dance, whereupon the pink party pony forced her to. I'll have to admit, seeing her blush as a zebra proved to be an interesting sight!
Eventually the party wound down and everypony left. Twilight trotted up to us and informed us she had prepared her guest room for us, so we trotted along with her to the library. We chatted a little bit as we made our way there.
"So, Twilight, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?" I asked.
"I will have to send the Princess a letter to determine the best course of action to take with you two. She talked to me at length about what transpired earlier between you two -- she told me I was to keep the two of you separated until Brenda improved her attitude towards you, Michael."
"What does that mean? I thought my attitude towards my husband has improved to the point where we can sleep in the same bed," Brenda complained. "I don't want to sleep alone!"
"You can share my bed, Brenda," Twilight offered, a slight hint of a smile on her face.
"You're not my husband!"
"If it bothers you that much, perhaps Michael can share my bed," the librarian offered, her smile widening a bit.
"Hell NO! I won't let him do that!" the zebra shouted as loud as she could.
"I was told to keep you two separated -- Brenda, you are not to disobey the Princess. The consequences of disobeying her might be a greater punishment than you might want to face," Twilight stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm going to have some words with her about keeping me from my husband! I don't care WHO she is, she can NOT keep me from my HUSBAND!! If I can't sleep with him, NO ONE CAN!!" Brenda bellowed, her eyes flashing red with rage.
"I believe I've seen enough," came another voice from seemingly out of nowhere. Brenda turned around in a circle to determine where it had come from, only to bump face to chest-plate with the Solar Princess herself, who glowered at the zebra in disapproval. "Brenda, my earlier statement still holds. You are not permitted to remain with your husband, and as a result of your outburst, you will be confined to my Castle until I decide you are ready to rejoin your stallion."
"WHAT? You can't be serious! Who gave you the authority to keep me from my HUSBAND?!"
Celestia chuckled. "You don't seem to understand, Brenda. I am the ruler of this land and my word is law. Defiance and insubordination are actions I have little tolerance for. I caution you to calm yourself, lest you provoke my ire. Since you are now in my realm, you must respect me as your leader -- I am royalty, though you are unaware of that fact. I shall take you to my Castle and I will demonstrate for you the level of my power in the morning when I raise my Sun."
"But ... but ... I don't want to sleep alone! I have slept by my husband's side almost every night for the last 20 years! Please don't take me away from him! I don't want to lose him to ... that purple pony he seems to be obsessed with!"
"My name is Twilight, Brenda -- I have a name, you know! Don't worry, I will not take your husband from you -- I will respect your desire -- your husband will still have the guest room, though," the librarian offered, trying to assuage her fears.
"It's not that I don't trust you, Twilight -- it's that I don't trust Michael to behave himself! Now that he's here, and he's close to you, I don't think he'll be able to control himself!"
"She's a fine one to talk," I muttered under my breath. Twilight's smile widened ever so slightly as she just barely heard what I said, though Brenda was a little too far away to hear it. "Don't worry, Brenda, I'll behave, I promise," I stated in my normal tone of voice.
"You'd better behave yourself!" my wife shouted at me. Celestia glowered at my wife.
"You must learn to trust your husband, Brenda. I believe I may have to keep you in my Castle a bit longer than I had anticipated for the purpose of re-educating you in the ways of the pony," she stated flatly, maintaining a serious gaze towards the zebra. I saw her eyes go wide as saucers, her pupils diminishing to pin-pricks.
"How long is that?" she asked. Her knees seemed to tremble a little as the fear of spending a long time away from anything or anyone she knew started to take root in her.
I turned my attention to the Alicorn. "Your Majesty, please go easy on her -- she's still my wife and I just hope you don't return her to me a shell of her former self. I will be quite distraught if she's broken when she comes back to me."
"Relax, Michael, I will see to it she is returned to you unharmed. Brenda, the length of your stay and course of re-education cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy until you have been fully evaluated. Given your present emotional state and evidence of your recent outbursts, I believe it may take about a year or so before you can reunite with your husband." Brenda's jaw dropped as she fell to her haunches.
"NOO! Please, Princess! Please, I can't be away from him for that long! Please!" she wailed as tears started trickling down her cheeks. I expressed a degree of shock at this mention, my face not betraying my surprise.
"As I said before, Brenda, how long this takes is entirely up to you. If your progress is swift, the process will take considerably less time, though that still remains to be determined. Michael, I apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you."
"I trust your judgment, your Majesty, but please try to get this done as swiftly as possible. I don't like sleeping alone either, you know," I offered. Brenda trotted up to me and tried to hug me before the Alicorn used her magic to stop her in her tracks before she even got close to me. "Please, your Majesty, we're going to be away from each other for too long. Please let me hold her one more time before you take her with you," I pleaded. Celestia relented, releasing her hold on the zebra, who trotted to me and embraced me in a tight hug. "I love you, Brenda," I whispered in her ears, causing her to smile.
"I love you too, Mike, even if I don't show it very often," she replied, tears still tracing their way down her cheeks. The Alicorn cleared her throat loudly to get our attention.
"If you don't mind, I believe the time has come for me to take Brenda back to my Castle," she stated somewhat coldly, still glowering at the zebra.
"Don't let me go," she pleaded with me as I held her tightly in my forelegs.
"I'm sorry, Brenda, please forgive me," I sighed sadly.
"Don't tell me this was YOUR idea!" she shouted at me, raising her left forehoof in an attempt to strike me again. She was immediately hit with a freeze spell from the Princess, who shouted, "Enough!" in her Royal Canterlot Voice, startling both of us. She used her telekinesis to separate us and teleported back to her castle with my wife.
"Sorry you had to endure that," Twilight said, offering me some sympathy. "How long have you suffered like that?"
"She's been like that for nearly the entire time we've been married, Twilight. I never know from one day to the next what lies in store for me when I get home from work. Sometimes she's nice to me and some days ... well, she can be a bit of a --"
My words were interrupted by the librarian stuffing a hoof in my mouth. "I think I know where you were going with your line of reasoning, Michael, and I'd rather not hear you say something disparaging about your wife. I feel sorry for you -- I can't even imagine what it must be like for you to have to put up with somepony who is so disrespectful of you." She removed her hoof at this point.
"That tasted awful," I commented. "Next time, make sure your hooves are clean, please?"
"Sorry," she said by way of a halfhearted apology, though she also grinned sheepishly at my reaction.
"I'm tired, Twilight, let's get some sleep," I said as I trotted the last several steps toward the library. I expected her to trot beside me, but apparently she was still standing where we had been. She appeared to be lost in thought. "Um, Twilight? I need for you to open the door -- I'm not gonna just barge on in, and I thought I saw Spike at the party -- or did he leave?"
"Oh, sorry, Michael, I was just thinking about what you had told me. Spike was at the party, but he left early to get some sleep -- he's going to be helping Rarity at the boutique tomorrow and he wanted to be well rested so he could help her to the best of his ability. I'll let you in and show you to the guest room." She smiled and grinned sheepishly again before trotting to the door and opening it for me. I followed her inside, whereupon she closed and locked the door behind her as silently as she could. "Don't wanna wake him up, you know," she grinned. I followed her upstairs to the second level and she opened the guest room door for me. "Pleasant dreams, Michael," she offered.
"My dreams would be a bit more pleasant if you were to let me join you, Twilight," I said, flashing a big toothy grin.
"Michael! You said you were going to behave!"
"Yeah, I know -- but I don't like sleeping alone. Even so, I shall honor my wife's request and sleep by myself. Good-night, Twilight," I said softly as I entered the guest room and laid down on the bed. She shut the door behind me after bidding me good-night in return. I dreamt about her that night, though Brenda would occasionally intrude into those dreams.
Princess Celestia had taken Brenda to a private bedchamber just down the hallway from hers. Brenda had trotted around the room, marveling at all the decorations and asking how long she was going to be a guest in the castle, but also protesting what she felt was unfair punishment from the Alicorn, who tried to reason with and comfort her.
"Brenda, I assure you, this is for your own good. I know you probably hate me for having taken you from your husband, but your attitude toward him must change -- I hear you have been married to him for more than 20 years, so please explain to me why it is that you treat him so unfavorably," the Solar Princess stated calmly. Brenda was laying on the bed as the Alicorn stood attentively a short distance away, her gaze never leaving the zebra's face.
"But -- I don't see how I am treating him unfairly --" Brenda began, but was immediately cut off.
"I shall use my magic to look through your memories to see what you have been doing to him over the years." Celestia lit her horn and enveloped her golden aura around Brenda's head, delving into her mind and examining a great many memories.
"It would appear you have misjudged him, Brenda. Your memories are tinted by your expectations of your husband -- always expecting him to be able to do more than he is capable of. Your disappointment at his inability to satisfy you has given way to your maltreatment of him. Truthfully, Brenda, your willingness to take advantage of his kindness has led to your contempt for it -- and his attempts to please not only you but your children as well have led to your complete mistrust in him. I have looked into his mind and I have seen what he has done in the past -- but he is remorseful for those actions and is trying to make amends for his past transgressions. The fact that you continue to look for ulterior motives behind his actions speaks volumes about your lack of confidence in him, which has led to your continuous poor attitude towards him."
Brenda was left aghast at these revelations, her mouth hanging open. She tried to say something in defense of her actions, but every time she opened her mouth in an attempt to rebut the Princess' statements, nothing came out. She repeatedly opened and closed her mouth several times as she started and stopped her train of thought.
"It would appear to me that you have a great deal to think about, Brenda. Please consider what I have told you over your sleep tonight -- I shall have my sister watch over your slumber to ensure no bad dreams come to you tonight," the Alicorn said softly.
"How long am I going to be stuck here?"
"We shall see, Brenda. We shall see." The Solar Princess took her leave, closing the door behind her. Brenda turned over on her bed, weeping silently, her mind racing with thoughts concerning what she had been told.
Have I really been that mean to him? Has he really only just been trying to be nice? Doesn't she understand or appreciate my concerns? Why isn't she punishing him? This isn't fair!
The sun's light streaming in through the guest room window woke me -- the air was a little chilly, but it felt almost invigorating. As a pony, my sleep had been rather sound, even though my dreams were perhaps a little hazy. I trotted to the stairs and headed down to greet Spike and Twilight, who were eating breakfast. I hadn't bothered to brush my mane and tail, so I looked a little unkempt.
"Nice of you to join us, sleepyhead!" the librarian giggled as I made my way to the table.
"I didn't know what you wanted for breakfast, so I made a few hay pancakes for you," Spike offered, grinning slightly.
"Thanks, those will be just fine," I replied as I took a seat at the table.
"No problem, Mike," he chuckled.
"You know, you might want to be careful about what you say when you're sleeping," Twilight offered, blushing ever so slightly. She appeared to be trying to stifle her giggling, but wasn't succeeding at it.
"I don't talk in my sleep -- at least, not as a human. My wife does, though -- what did I say?" I asked as I watched the librarian and her assistant start chuckling.
"Well, Michael, let's just say you really like me," Twilight offered, though she was clearly on the edge of falling into all-out laughter. I narrowed my eyes at her in my annoyance.
"Yeah, I do like you, Twilight -- but why do you find it so funny?"
"Well ... I could tell you ... but ... I'm not going to!" she said as she lost her battle to control her laughing.
"... Whatever," I grumbled, exhaling sharply through my nostrils. "So what are we doing today?"
"I would like for you to show me what you know about that ... vehicle out there, the one Princess Celestia made for you," the lavender mare stated as she regained her composure. "I will need to take notes on it and I want a full demonstration of what it can do."
"Sounds good. Let me fetch the keys and we can get started on it." I concentrated on where the keyfob would be and teleported it to a point a few feet in front of me, levitating it in my aura. Twilight let a low whistle escape her lips when she saw me do this.
"Michael, that's some advanced magic you just used -- I was unaware you were capable of something like that," she stated in surprise, impressed with what was, for me, a rather mundane use of my magic.
"Why so surprised? That was nothing special," I stated matter-of-factly. I half-chuckled at her reaction as I trotted outside to inspect the car, though it was a little more difficult to get a good idea of what it looked like from a pony's perspective. The librarian and her dragon assistant followed me outside. Once we were standing by the driver's side of the car, I showed them how the key fob worked, opening the doors with my telekinesis, inserting the key into the ignition and staring up the vehicle. I gave them a demonstration of certain things the car was capable of doing, though for Twilight to hear her voice coming from the speakers was a little disconcerting. Spike thought it was kind of cute. When I mentioned the car could teleport, Twilight expressed great surprise, so I illustrated the process by having the car teleport us to Canterlot Castle.
The car's teleportation took Twilight by surprise as we appeared outside the main entry gate. The vehicle was quickly surrounded by a phalanx of royal guards, their weapons drawn and ready for any attack. Twilight, Spike, and I exited the vehicle and soothed the ruffled feathers rather quickly, explaining what it was and where we'd come from. Some of the guardsponies were suitably impressed, a few requesting a closer inspection of the vehicle's interior.
"Since we're here, Twilight, I'd like to check on my wife and see how she's doing," I stated optimistically.
"I'll have a few words with Princess Celestia, Michael," the librarian offered before trotting over to the guards and asking permission for an audience with her mentor, which they gladly gave. They also suggested Spike and I accompany her for that audience, whereupon I requested they guard the vehicle and prevent anypony from trying to move it. They grudgingly agreed, though they informed me that such menial tasks were not in their job description. I locked the vehicle with the keyfob inside, hoping that this would be sufficient, then trotted to the left of Twilight with Spike walking on her right as we made our way to the throne room.
"There's something I wanted to tell you, Twilight," I said brightly. I was nearly beaming just trotting next to her as we made our way through the castle.
"Hmm? What would you like to say?" she asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I just wanted to tell you how happy it makes me to be trotting next to you," I offered cheerfully. "In fact, it's all I can do to keep from bouncing like Pinkie Pie when I'm next to you!"
"Um, Michael, shouldn't you be telling these things to your wife?" she asked, her voice sounding somewhat troubled.
"You have no idea of what the past 20 years have been like for me, Twilight. The way I feel when I'm near you -- I haven't felt that way in a very long time," I replied, the cheerfulness fading from my voice. I glanced at her, though she still appeared to have a light blush on her cheeks.
"Then why are you still married to her? If you wish to leave her, why don't you?"
"It's not that simple, Twilight. We had certain obligations which kept us together, even though our love for each other died a long time ago," I replied flatly.
"But you claim you still love her!" she exclaimed in disbelief.
"There are differing levels of love, Twilight -- my love for her is a familial one, not a romantic one. I would daresay that my love for you falls under the latter category, even though you barely know me -- truth be told, in a way I kind of feel like I know you quite well, though that puts you at a distinct disadvantage," I responded.
"How can you say that? How do you know me?"
"Did you see the camera I came through? I suppose you might know your adventures and exploits have been chronicled on a children's television show, though that might be going a little far -- you're the main character in that show --"
"What do you mean by that? Please explain how this is possible!" she demanded stridently, now standing still and staring straight at me.
"Back in my home world -- the portal I was pulled through -- a television set -- there's a program called 'My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic' --"
"Television? Program?" she asked, giving me a very puzzled look.
"It's hard for me to explain it in terms you might understand, Twilight. Let's just keep on going, I believe I might be able to give you a better idea sometime later on," I sighed. "How much further to the Throne Room?"
"We're fairly close," the mare offered. Spike had been giggling during our exchange, but regained his composure as we trotted to the grand double doors leading to the throne room. She talked to one of the guards, who then announced our arrival to the Solar Princess, who beckoned us to face her.
"Twilight, my faithful student! A pleasant surprise indeed! Michael, Spike, thank you for coming. What is the nature of your visit?"
"I have come to check on my wife, your Majesty," I stated reverently, bowing before the Alicorn.
"Michael showed us his car's ability to teleport, so he brought us here," Spike noted.
"Michael, I will have a guard escort you to the room your wife is currently staying in. Please keep in mind that your visit will have to be fairly short, as there is still much for her to do and learn before she can return to you," Celestia noted.
"Yes, your Majesty. Thank you." I was then assigned a royal guard escort, who led me down the hallway to a guest room. I saw Brenda laying on the bed and trotted over to her.
"Hey, Brenda, how are you being treated so far?" I asked. She turned over to gaze at me.
"I've only just spent the night here, Mike -- I'm supposed to be having breakfast pretty soon, I guess. Have you come to take me back home?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, at least not yet anyway. The Princess says you have to stay here for awhile longer," I replied flatly. I glanced around the room, noting the decorations. "They've put you up in a pretty nice setup here."
"Yeah, this bed is really comfortable -- best sleep I've had in years!" she chuckled. "I just hope we can get this over and done with quickly -- I wanna go home!"
"You mean, back to Earth? Or back to Ponyville? Or where?" I asked, a puzzled expression on my face.
"Earth, of course, you idiot! What do you think I meant?" she asked harshly.
"I'll check with the Princess on that -- you remember, she said we can't go back until she determines a safe universe to send us to -- which will most likely not be the one we left behind. I'm sorry to say this, Brenda, but I don't think we can ever go back home." I sighed in resignation, noting that the prospect of not being able to return home left me feeling a bit depressed as well. "But if it's any consolation, I think we can make lots of new friends in Ponyville -- or perhaps we can go to another city in Equestria if Ponyville's not to your liking."
"What? What do you mean we can't go back home? My babies! I miss my babies! I wanna go back home! Mike! Please!" she said tearfully. I climbed onto the bed with her and held her in my forelegs, trying to comfort her. "Mike! I wanna go home!" she said, her sadness causing her to start crying. "I didn't know when we came here we wouldn't be able to go back!"
"I didn't either, Brenda, but I was willing to accept such a possibility. I'm sorry you could not -- look, I'll see if I can persuade the Princess to find a way to send us back," I said, still holding her close to me. She buried her head in my neck, her tears wetting my coat. I held her close to me for a good long while until the Princess showed up.
"Michael, what's wrong?" asked the Alicorn, an expression of concern on her features.
"Brenda wants to go home, your Majesty," I replied matter-of-factly. "She had no idea this was a one-way trip. If you could, we would greatly appreciate it if you could find a way back for us."
"As I stated before, Michael, I will look into that possibility, though again, I make no guarantees. I am sorry if this news disappoints you, but you made your choice and must face the consequences of it, harsh as that may sound. Consider it an opportunity to make a new life for yourselves and establish new friendships," she stated optimistically, smiling serenely.
"I WANNA GO HOME!!" Brenda wailed, fresh tears trickling from her eyes.
I continued to hold my zebra wife close until the Alicorn had decided we'd been together long enough.
"I hate to break up this reunion, Michael, but there is still some more training for your wife to attend to before she can stay with you. As you have seen, you are welcome to visit any time you like, at least during the daylight hours. You are not permitted to spend nights with her until I decide the time is right for that." Brenda gasped and I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "I understand that such an arrangement places a great deal of stress on you both, but this is for both your sakes. I apologize for causing this inconvenience."
I released Brenda from my embrace and trotted to the Princess, bowing before her once again. "Yes, your Majesty," I stated calmly.
"Mike! How can you be so calm about this? I NEED YOU!" she cried.
"I place my trust in the Princess, Brenda. I will stop by from time to time to see how you're doing. Hopefully this won't take too much longer," I replied. "I don't like it any more than you. Sorry."
The zebra nearly shot up out of her bed and quickly trotted to my side, wrapping her forelegs around me. "Mike, please, I'm sorry I treated you the way I did! Princess, please let me stay with him!" She gave the Alicorn her most pitiful sad-eyes look.
"I'm inclined to believe your contrition, Brenda, but I feel some more training is still necessary for you," the Alicorn stated with a hint of sadness in her voice. Brenda turned her gaze to me, giving me a tearful look.
"I'll be checking up on you quite frequently, Brenda. You have my word on that," I offered. "Your Majesty, how long may I continue my visit today? I want to give Brenda some more of my time."
"I will allow you another 30 minutes and then you will have to leave. That will give me a chance to spend a little time with Twilight, and again I must thank you for bringing her here, Michael."
"You're quite welcome, your Majesty." I trotted back over to Brenda. "So, have you had breakfast yet?"
"No, Mike, I'm kind of hungry," she replied.
"Your Majesty, if it's not too much trouble --" I began.
"Follow me, please. I shall lead you to the dining hall, where food will be brought to you. Would you care for some breakfast, Michael?"
"Spike already prepared breakfast for Twilight and me, your Majesty, though I thank you for your offer. I hope you will treat Brenda fairly while she's here, but I am also curious to know what sort of training and educational regimen she will undergo while she's here." Brenda shuddered at the thought of additional education -- especially since it had been more than three decades since she had last set foot in a school for the purpose of education. We trotted behind the Princess, but had to maintain a brisk pace to keep up with her.
"I'm sorry, Michael, Brenda. I will slow my pace for you," she smiled. She had heard us huffing a little in an attempt to match her swiftness, but presently we arrived at the dining hall and took seats near the Alicorn's end of the table. The food we were offered was standard pony fare, something that Brenda turned her nose up at, something I was a bit reticent to try. Celestia assured us that the food was of the highest quality, so I took a few bites, finding the food to my liking.
"Come on, Brenda, give it a try -- it actually tastes pretty good. Even if you're a zebra, you need this for proper digestion. Princess, give my compliments to your chefs -- they did quite well," I offered. Brenda picked at the food on her plate, but gingerly took a mouthful and started chewing. Finding the taste to her liking, she quickly cleaned her plate.
"I had no idea it would taste this good," she said flatly, which elicited a smile from the Solar Princess.
"Brenda, I can assure you, the food here is of the highest quality and formulated for a healthy diet. While you're here, you will be treated well. If you should need anything, do not hesitate to ask a guard for assistance," the Alicorn offered warmly.
"Thank you, Princess," she responded, though her tone didn't offer the level of reverence Celestia desired.
"Brenda, I request you refer to me as 'Your Majesty' or 'Your Highness.' The title of Princess, though technically correct, does not convey the level of respect I require of you. While you are a guest in my castle, I must request you show me an appropriate amount of respect. This is part of your training and education and failure to comply with my request may result in an extension of your separation from your husband. Please keep in mind that if you displease me, I may resort to restricting certain privileges you currently enjoy. Do I make myself clear?" she admonished, giving the zebra a stern look.
"Y-yes, y-your M-majesty," Brenda stammered meekly, shrinking back a bit in her chair. She gave me a very worried look.
"Your Majesty, a little leniency if you would be so kind, please?" I asked reverently, bowing slightly.
"I have shown enough leniency, Michael. I make the same request of you as your wife. Do not displease me further, nor ask any favors I would find excessive."
"Yes, your Majesty," I replied, bowing again. "I'm sorry, Brenda."
"I shall take my leave now, but when I return, you will have to leave, Michael. I trust you to transport Twilight back to Ponyville in your automobile when your visit with your wife is over."
"Yes, your Majesty. Thank you," I responded. The Alicorn trotted away from us and left the dining hall. Brenda and I embraced again, but only briefly.
"Mike, please promise me you'll come back every day," Brenda begged, sadness evident in her eyes.
"I will, Brenda. We still have some time, so I think we should head back to your room," I offered. She nodded her head and we trotted from the dining hall to her room, a trek which took about ten minutes.
"What are you going to do when you get back to Ponyville?" she asked.
"I'm going to see about finding some employment -- I suppose I could help Rarity at her boutique, Pinkie Pie at the bakery, Applejack at her farm, or Twilight at the library. Since I used to work in a library, I think that might be a good choice, though I don't know how well it pays. Perhaps I should check on that first before deciding who to work with or for," I mused.
"Ugh! That's what I hate about this place! Every pony you mentioned is female! Aren't there any other places you could work at where there aren't any females to tempt you?"
"I will ask Twilight about that. You have my word that I will be true to you while I'm away. I must admit, you look pretty fetching as a zebra," I chuckled. "I wonder what it might be like ..."
"Ugh! Don't even go there! You think I like being a zebra? I fucking HATE it! Why did she have to do this to me?"
"I kind of like being a unicorn -- magic is quite useful," I offered. "I have no idea why the Princess transformed us. Perhaps I should ask her when she returns."
"I'm afraid to ask -- I don't want to see what might happen if she should actually get mad at us," Brenda said somewhat apprehensively.
"They always said discretion is the better part of valor. Even so, if I had to guess, I think Princess Celestia wants us to fit in to society -- as humans, we stick out like a sore thumb. Did you see the way everypony was staring at us when we arrived? Have you been getting stares from the other ponies here?"
"It's like they've never seen a zebra around here before! Yes, they stare at me! I fucking HATE IT!" she exclaimed quite angrily. "How much longer do I have to stay like this? I don't even have hands to hold things normally! This fucking SUCKS!"
"Brenda, I would curb that potty-mouth of yours if I were you," the Alicorn chided, a serious expression on her face.
"Back so soon, your Majesty?" I asked. Twilight trotted to meet me.
"Michael, your thirty minutes are up. You are welcome to visit your wife tomorrow, though the time I will allot you is just 30 minutes. Depending on how well your wife progresses with her training, the amount will be adjusted accordingly. Twilight, please escort Michael back to his automobile so you two can return to Ponyville."
"Mike! Princess! Twilight! Someone please help me!" Brenda cried. "I don't wanna be a zebra any more!"
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, may I ask why it is you transformed us into ponies, or more correctly, my wife into a zebra?"
"Michael, I needed for you two to assimilate into my society. I could not allow you two to parade yourselves around, drawing unnecessary attention to your presence. As humans, you presented an unwanted distraction for my little ponies -- their lives are complicated enough as it is without having to worry about you two as well. I did this for your own good. As for your wife, I noted she resembled humans from Zecora's part of Equestria, so I took the liberty of giving her a suitable appearance."
"Would it have been too much to ask of you to transform her into a unicorn as well so she could use magic? She has complained about the lack of hands to hold items properly. We are both 49 years old and she is completely accustomed to doings things in the fashion of humans. Me? Well, since I was already Twilight once and able to use magic while in a copy of her body, I am familiar enough with magic use that it's not much of a problem for me," I explained.
"I have no guarantees that your wife would use magic responsibly. If she proves to me she is responsible enough, I shall consider your request. Truthfully, I think she probably would be able to progress to unicorn status -- I see within her the potential for that, at least, though her magic skills would prove to be somewhat limited. Michael, I must request you regale me with your exploits while you were trotting around in Twilight's body -- I could use some entertainment," the Alicorn chuckled.
"Perhaps later, your Majesty. I will accompany Twilight back to Ponyville at once," I replied solemnly, saluting her.
"I don't get why he's like that," Brenda muttered.
"You will have to learn to know him better," Celestia replied.
"I've been married to him for twenty years! If I don't know him by now, I'll never know him at all!" she exclaimed in exasperation.
"Perhaps that is true, though I feel you have not made a good-faith effort on your part to get to know him intimately well. If I didn't know any better, I would swear your attitude towards him has proven to be the biggest obstacle in your marriage."
This statement raised the hackles on the zebra. "Your Majesty! Please don't take his side! He has done some bad shit in the past! He doesn't deserve respect!"
"This is precisely why I have chosen to keep you away from him. You have allowed your opinion of him and what he has done prevent you from being able to forgive him his past transgressions. If you are not willing to forgive him for what he has done in the past, your training and education may be prolonged further still. Has he shown any changes in his attitude towards you?"
"Hell no! He still does shit behind my back that I don't want him to do!"
"Brenda, you will need to control your temper. You will need to curb your vulgarity, most especially in my presence. Such displays are a sign of disrespect, something I have little tolerance for. Please remember your place here," the Alicorn admonished sternly.
"MY PLACE?! I AM NOT A FUCKING SLAVE! My ancestors DIED so I could be FREE!!" she screeched. "How dare you tell me to learn my place!"
"Brenda. While you are a guest in my castle, please remember that I am royalty. I am not familiar with customs on your home world, but while you are here, there are certain standards of behavior which must be met. Your continued insolence is beginning to wear on my patience and if you insist upon maintaining such a level of disrespect, there are measures I will be forced to take -- and you will find them to be most disagreeable. Do I make myself clear?" the Solar Princess asked very sharply, her visage very dark and menacing.
"Y-y-yes, y-your M-majesty," Brenda said very meekly, nearly prostrating herself on the floor. Her terrified expression spoke volumes, a puddle of her urine spreading around her as she lost control of her bladder. The Alicorn fetched a mop and a bucket of water with her telekinesis.
"You've made a mess on the floor. Clean it up," she stated flatly. "And when you're done with that, take a shower. I will not have you trotting around my castle smelling like you've pissed yourself."
Twilight and I trotted away, the lavender unicorn calling for her dragon assistant, who quickly caught up to us. I trotted to the left of the librarian, her drake to the right before he scampered up onto her back, flashing me a grin.
"And just where have you been, Spike?" asked Twilight, giving him a brief smile.
"I had to take care of a few things," he offered, grinning sheepishly.
"What, you went and got some gems?" she asked, her smile turning into a grin.
"Uh ... yeah! That's it! Yeah, some gems," he replied somewhat nervously, turning his head left and right rapidly to see if anyone he knew was looking in his direction.
A brief pause followed before I spoke up. "I'm not even going to ask," I mused, chuckling softly. I glanced at Spike, who seemed to wear a nervous expression then grinned sheepishly again when his eyes met mine. I chuckled again and shook my head at the apparent irony of the situation. We continued trotting through the castle until we reached the front gate, then over to my car. A squad of four guardsponies were still standing around the vehicle.
"Thank you for keeping watch over it, Sirs," I stated warmly, smiling at them. They stood at attention and saluted me, whereupon I returned their salute and chuckled softly again. "Military's the same no matter where you go," I noted, addressing the librarian with the comment. She raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Were you in the military?" she asked.
"Yeah, but I don't wanna talk about it. I'd rather forget that chapter of my past," I grumbled, using my magic to teleport the keyfob out of the car, then unlocked the car and opened the doors. "Okay, let's go back to Ponyville. I suppose I can come visit my wife tomorrow." We got into the car at that point, Twilight and Spike taking the rear seats as I hopped into the driver's seat. I used telekinesis to insert the key into the ignition and started the car, which greeted us and asked for a destination. "Ponyville, Golden Oaks Library," I replied flatly to the car's request. The teleport was very swift, though once again a little disorienting. We exited the vehicle and I turned it off, placing the fob on the driver's floormat, then locking the door.
"Your vehicle is quite impressive," Twilight mused. "What else can it do?"
"I still owe a debt of gratitude to your mentor -- this car is a greater gift than I could have imagined. Think about it -- we could travel to Manehattan, Baltimare, Cloudsdale --" I began.
"Um, the vehicle would probably fall to the ground if we teleported there," the librarian cautioned. "The reason Cloudsdale is called that is ... look up, over to your left, Michael -- you see that city off in the distance? That's Cloudsdale. It travels across Equestria, but always in the sky. If you're not a pegasus, you need to be able to cast a cloudwalking spell if you wish to visit. Do you know such a spell?"
"Not really, no," I replied somewhat sullenly. "I'm curious to see what goes on in that city." I spent a few moments staring at the floating city, noticing tall white spires stretching into the stratosphere, or what seemed like that high.
"That's where the Weather Patrol is located, the Cloud Factory and Rainbow Factory are there as well," she explained.
"Is that where Rainbow Dash lives?" I asked.
"She used to live there, but she wanted to be closer to us. If you look over to your right, just past the dome of Town Hall, you'll see her house."
"Twilight, don't clouds dissipate as the water droplets that form them evaporate when they hit dry air?" My question caused her to start laughing, something I found irresistibly cute. She looks very pretty when she laughs, I thought.
"What are you familiar with, Michael? Clouds around here are usually placed by the Weather Patrol pegasi -- Rainbow Dash is one of them -- but it's all dependent upon the requested forecast," she explained.
"Hmm. Where I come from, clouds are formed by water vapor condensing when it reaches a height where the temperature is cool enough to cause the formation of clouds. Depending upon how much vapor is present, clouds can continue building until they form super cell thunderstorms -- and depending on certain atmospheric conditions, they can form tornadoes or even hurricanes."
"You don't have a Weather Patrol in your world?" she queried.
"Sometimes I wish we did -- it would make for considerably less damage if those storms could be stopped before they get out of control. We humans have not developed the capability of controlling the weather -- at least, not yet anyway. Climatologists have determined that interfering with weather patterns could have far more deleterious effects in other parts of the world if we tried to control the local climate in our part."
"So that means you humans were at the mercy of planetary forces which you were unable to control?"
"Yeah, that's basically it. We could only roughly predict what might happen -- atmospheric phenomena could prove to be quite unpredictable, especially tornadoes. Even with the most advanced equipment, we could only provide perhaps 15 minutes' advance warning of an approaching tornado. We had no way of stopping them -- our efforts were mainly to provide warnings to reduce the number of casualties. Property damage was another matter and could not be helped."
The librarian expressed a degree of sympathy. "Perhaps you humans could use magic in some fashion?"
Her question caused me to start chuckling loudly. "No one in my home world is capable of using magic like yours -- or like I'm able to here," I replied. "By the way, I was wanting to check out the possibilities of finding employment around here."
"What sort of jobs have you done in the past? What are you skilled at?"
"There were certain possibilities I was entertaining -- I used to work in a library at one time --" I began. The lavender unicorn's eyes lit up brightly when I mentioned this.
"Oh, which one? How long did you work there? Perhaps you could work for me in my library?" she asked excitedly.
"I'm curious to know how much it pays," I said matter-of-factly, causing her excitement to deflate rapidly.
"Michael, I would think adequate payment would cover your living expenses while you're staying in my house," she replied flatly. "Besides, what do you need money for? Anything you need, just let me know. I can obtain it for you."
"Um, Twilight, it's like this -- I've been working for different companies for a very long time -- and the thought of trotting around town without any money to buy stuff makes me feel ... inadequate. Having at least some money with me would do wonders for my self-confidence, if that makes any sense to you," I explained.
"Ah, I see. If you're looking to receive a decent payment for the work you could provide, I would suggest you trot over to Carousel Boutique and see if Rarity might employ your services," she offered. "Just make sure you don't stay too long over there -- perhaps I should send Spike with you as well to ensure you don't try any funny stuff with her."
"I'm quite sure Spike would relish any opportunity to visit Rarity -- I believe he's quite enamored with her. Thanks for your suggestion, Twilight -- I think a visit to the boutique would prove to be beneficial for me. Spike, are you coming with me?"
"Wait, you're going to Rarity's boutique? Of course I'll go!" the drake exclaimed excitedly and climbed onto my back, causing me to chuckle.
"Be back before dinner, you two! Good luck, Michael -- you might need it," she chuckled as I trotted towards the boutique. I turned my attention to the drake as I began trotting towards my destination.
"What did she mean by that?" I asked him, a little trepidation evident in my query. He gave me a knowing grin before explaining certain idiosyncrasies the fashionista exhibited from time to time.
"Rarity might have you do quite a few different tasks for her -- she might even have you stand still for long periods of time or she might have you try on different outfits -- there's no telling what she might have you do for her. If nothing else, she'll pay you some good money to work for her. She usually gives me a few gems when I work for her -- perhaps she'll give you a small sack of bits," he mused. His expression turned wistful as he day-dreamed about the fashionista.
"I hope she pays me well -- there are certain things I'd like to do, certain other things I might have an interest in purchasing -- I haven't even checked out the Market District yet, and from what I've heard, there should be all kinds of curiosities that might pique my interest," I offered pensively.
"You might be a little disappointed by Ponyville's markets -- the ones in Canterlot are another sight to see! Lots more available there!" Spike chuckled.
"Sounds like a good idea -- I'll be going to the Castle tomorrow to check on Brenda again -- I'll ask Twilight if she'd like to tag along. While we're there, I'd like to peruse that market district," I responded, a cheerful hint of optimism in my voice. After another several minutes of trotting, we reached the boutique. I rang the doorbell.
"Just a minute, darling," the fashionista called out. Spike started smiling upon hearing her voice and I could have sworn I saw little red hearts floating around his head as his eyes appeared to glaze over.
"Spike, she hasn't even opened the door yet!" I chided him. Rarity heard me mention his name and her hoofsteps down the stairs had an air of alacrity about them. She opened the door, a big smile on her face.
"Oh, do come in, darling! You too, Spikey-Wikey!" she chortled. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique! How may I help you today?" she chirped happily.
"Rarity, I am looking for employment -- I am curious to know if you would be willing to pay me to be an assistant of sorts for you. I have plans on visiting Canterlot's Market District tomorrow, so I'm looking to earn a few bits so I might be able to purchase something there if I find it compelling enough," I stated softly, a gentle smile on my face.
"Of course, darling! I didn't get to know you too well from the party, but your name is Michael, is it not? I would be pleased to offer you employment and I would be thrilled to accompany you to Canterlot tomorrow! Would we be travelling by train?"
"Actually, we would be using my automobile to teleport there -- it's much faster. I will be visiting my wife in the Castle before heading to the markets there," I explained. The fashionista frowned for a moment before regaining her composure.
"I forgot you were married, darling. Your appearance as a pony is quite striking -- you look charming enough as it is, but when I get through with you, you will be the epitome of fabulosity!"
"What about me, Rarity?" Spike asked.
"How can I forget my little Spikey-Wikey? Would you be so kind as to prepare a light lunch for us? I'll be sure to give you plenty of gems for your work," she offered warmly, nearly beaming. His expression seemed to match hers as I saw more hearts circling his head. I chuckled softly at the sight of the love-struck drake, who quickly saluted the alabaster mare and made his way into the kitchen to get started on lunch. She turned her attention to me at that point.
"Michael, let's go upstairs to my workroom. I shall make some clothing designs for you -- I can see you as a very dashing stallion! I can't wait to try out so many things for you!" she exclaimed excitedly as she pulled me by my left fore-leg, practically dragging me upstairs.
"My, such impatience! Please let go, Rarity, I can trot upstairs just fine," I offered. She blushed and giggled, then grinned sheepishly at her zealousness.
"Sorry, Michael, it's just that sometimes my impulsive nature gets the better of me," she noted cheerfully. We trotted into her workroom and motioned for me to stand on a raised platform. I took in the sight of several pony-shaped mannequins, some with finished product hanging on them, others bare, the supporting wire cages exposed. The room was draped in mostly red linens suspended from the ceiling, a worktable against one wall, a sewing machine against an adjacent wall.
"Darling, if you would be so kind, I shall need to take your measurements," she said. "I see you marveling at my workroom -- 'tis nothing special, I can assure you. Please stand on the platform for me."
I noticed I hadn't done so already, having stopped short of it to examine her workroom. I grinned sheepishly before offering an apology and stepped onto the raised platform. She giggled her acceptance of my apology and began taking my measurements.
"You're paying me for this?" I asked, my curiosity having gotten the better of me.
"Of course, darling! You'll be assisting me until sundown and you will receive your payment then. But until then, I would appreciate it if you would do as I request," she replied warmly. She began humming a happy tune as she continued her work, occasionally reminding me to stand still. Of all the tasks I had been asked to perform over many years of employment, standing still proved to be some of the hardest work I had ever done. I could feel all four of my legs beginning to fall asleep and commented on this to the fashionista. She giggled in response and told me she was almost finished with my measurements. With that having finally been finished, Spike called us down for lunch.
We enjoyed a tossed salad, some sandwiches, and washed it down with tea. I commented positively on the taste of the food, noting that even though I wasn't much of one for tea, it tasted quite good. Spike thanked me for the compliment. We chatted over lunch, talking about plans for tomorrow.
"Michael, please remember to take me with you when you go to Canterlot tomorrow! There are some things I need to pick up for some special orders I have been asked to fill -- will your automobile be able to carry everything I'll be buying?" asked Rarity.
"That depends on how much stuff you buy, Rarity. The trunk can only hold so much, and if you buy more than 15 boxes of items, they're not going to fit -- unless I modify the vehicle magically, and I'm not sure if my magic is capable of doing that," I noted. The fashionista gave me a somewhat crestfallen look as she contemplated my statement.
"Very well then, Michael, I shall try to control my impulses -- but there's so much to see, so much to buy!" she chirped.
"You intend to shop 'til you drop, eh, Rarity?" I chuckled. She took on a very serious expression.
"Indeed, darling!" she exclaimed forcefully, her eyes narrowing at the prospect of an all-day shopping excursion to the capital city. "Anything you want, I shall purchase for you, as long as you accompany me for the entire day tomorrow!"
"Um, Rarity, the purpose of my visit to Canterlot tomorrow is to see my wife -- after that, I'm yours for the rest of the day," I offered. A sly grin came to her face when she heard that. "I didn't mean it like that," I grinned, a light blush on my cheeks.
"Yes, well, um. Yes. Let's get back to work, then, darling! I'm not finished with you yet!" she chortled.
"What about me, Rarity?" asked the little dragon. He appeared to be bored.
"Be a dear and tidy up the entrance, if you would be so kind?" she replied in a half-question, half-statement fashion.
"Of course, Rarity!" he chimed, then set about his task. His thoughts were on the pile of gems he would be receiving as payment for his assistance.
We trotted back upstairs, where the fashionista offered to sketch some new designs for me, even going so far as to allow me to watch her and offer suggestions. I trotted behind her, trying hard not to stare at her, though her beauty seemed to entrance me. I now understood why Spike was so enamored with her. She glanced over her left, catching sight of my half-lidded eyes and blushed.
"Darling, am I that attractive to you? What about your wife?" she asked, but batted her eyes and smiled.
"Your beauty is quite alluring, Rarity -- my wife is currently in the form of a zebra, but her bad attitude and foul disposition are the biggest obstacles to any affection I might have for her. I don't know if I told you this or not, but our marriage has been without the passion of romance for at least twelve years, if not longer," I explained.
"Michael, darling, why are you still with her?! If she is that cold to you, perhaps you should find somepony else who will provide you the passion and romance you desire -- somepony like me!" she giggled.
"If it were that simple, I would have left her a long time ago. There are certain obligations I have --" I began, but let my words trail off as I started pondering recent events. My silence seemed to trouble the mare who turned to me.
"What are those obligations, dear?" she asked, a look of concern on her face.
"You know something, Rarity? I have a feeling that those obligations are no longer relevant to our relationship -- I suppose it's unfair of me to ask the Princess for a divorce from my wife, but considering --"
"Does that mean you'd be willing to marry me?" the mare asked very eagerly, sidling right up to me, pushing her body against mine and almost cooing to me. She wore a very big smile.
"I am troubled by a few things, Rarity -- first, I have already promised my wife I would stay with her -- marriage is supposed to be 'til death do us part, but in my home world, more than half of all marriages end in divorce. Second, my wife is undergoing training and re-education at the Castle, under the supervision of the Princess herself. Third, it would be completely unfair of me to leave her for a pony -- I may look like a pony on the outside, but up here, I'm still a human," I explained, tapping my right temple with my fore-hoof to illustrate my point. The mare's exuberance deflated like an untied balloon upon hearing this.
"Well, darling, I don't suppose that would stop us from being friends?" she offered hopefully.
"Or course, Rarity! I would be honored to call you my friend," I replied warmly. I knelt on my right fore-leg, taking hers with my left fore-hoof and very lightly kissed it, causing her to blush very deeply. "If I weren't already married, I would seriously consider requesting your hoof in marriage."
"Oh, darling! You flatter me too much!" she stated almost bashfully. I returned to my stance at this point.
"I must admit that I'm quite taken with Twilight as well -- my admiration for her is very strong as well," I offered.
"You would make a wonderful stallion for her, Michael -- but I must confess, I would rather have you as my stallion!" she chortled.
I chuckled at her statement. "Oh, Rarity -- would that I could. My wife has grown rather distraught at the Castle in my absence. I still wonder what her training will be like -- there's a part of me that's worried Princess Celestia will try to break her. Ponies might be able to be broken, but humans are a harder bunch to do that to. She might look like a zebra now, and I'm sure the Princess might think she'll be easily broken, but I've been with her for twenty years. I gave up trying to please her a long time ago --"
"Michael! Why did you do that? Why would you stop trying to please her?" the fashionista asked incredulously, a look of shock on her face. "If you were to marry me, I would certainly hope you'd never stop trying to make me happy!"
"Trot a mile in my hooves, Rarity -- if you were forced to endure what I have, you'd probably understand why I stopped trying to please her. It was akin to banging my head against a wall -- my best efforts failed to satisfy her, no matter how hard I tried. So I simply stopped, and resorted to doing the bare minimum to keep her from getting angry with me. Trust me, I would hope you would appreciate my efforts to please you if we were married."
"Darling, you know I would -- I'm sure you'd do just fine by me!" she giggled. "Now let's get back to work, we've dawdled long enough." She then started drawing her first sketch for a new design. I watched intently as her telekinesis maneuvered ink quill on parchment as she carefully sketched, her years of practice making it look easy. "Please stand further back, Michael, I need a little more room."
I blushed, not having realized I was hovering a little too close to her. "My apologies, Rarity," I offered softly.
"No problem, dear, just be a little more careful, please," she stated. She continued sketching more designs, then trotted to the sewing machine, levitating multiple items simultaneously in her pale blue aura. I was impressed by the display and commented on it. "It's nothing special -- just lots of practice. If you were to practice levitation long enough, you too would become as proficient as I am with it," she explained. I tried to levitate several items at the same time to test my skill. Rarity noticed this and expressed consternation.
"Darling, please be careful! I am still using those items!" she exclaimed, a mix of worry and anger on her face. I lowered them gently, releasing them from my aura.
"Sorry about that, Rarity -- I guess if I'm going to practice multiple object telekinesis, I should start with pebbles or rocks or something and do it outside your boutique," I said almost meekly, her outburst having caused me to retreat a little.
"Oh, sorry, darling, it's just that I'm a little overprotective of my current projects -- I would hate to have to redo earlier work. If you're going to try something like that, I'd appreciate a little forewarning, please." She returned to the sewing machine and took about fifteen minutes or so working the fabric through it, though I couldn't tell what she was making. During that time, I acquiesced to her request and watched silently until she stopped stitching fabric.
"Voila!" she exclaimed, holding the finished product in her aura. "Stand over here, darling, let me try this on you!"
I trotted back to the platform, where she fitted me with the piece of clothing. From all appearances, it was a medium blue jacket which extended about half-way along my back. The front hung loosely in front of my fetlocks and featured a white ruffled collar. There were gold accents and piping along certain seams, enhancing it. I examined myself in a mirror Rarity provided and smiled, noticing my dapper appearance.
"So, what do you think, darling? Is it not magnificent?" she asked, smiling broadly at her accomplishment.
"Indeed it does, Rarity. I might ask for a copy of this jacket for myself, considering just how sharp I look in it," I mused. I was beaming a smile as I regarded my reflection in the mirror. "So what's next? More designs? More sewing?"
A clock chimed five times to indicate the lateness of the day. "Michael, darling, I believe there will be more time soon for that. You are welcome to keep the jacket I made -- to be honest, I created it just for you! I shall also provide you with a small payment for your assistance," she stated, smiling warmly at me. She trotted into another room and returned shortly with a small brown cloth bag, a string tied around near the top. She levitated it over to me.
"Thank you very much, Rarity," I said softly, taking the bag with my aura. "I'll be sure to stop by tomorrow for our little excursion."
"I'm eagerly looking forward to it, Michael!" she responded, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as she smiled. "Don't forget your jacket, darling! I hope to see you wearing it tomorrow!"
"I shall, Rarity," I replied, returning her smile. We trotted back downstairs and noticed Spike sleeping on a red velvet chaise lounge. "Spike, wake up, it's time for us to go back to the library," I called out to him. He woke up and grumbled, complaining about having a nice dream interrupted.
"Here's a little present for you, Spikey-Wikey!" the fashionista grinned, hoofing him a similar sized bag, though its contents could be seen bulging out at odd angles. Must be gems, I thought. The drake eagerly took the present and thanked the mare for her generosity. We bid Rarity a warm good-bye and good-night and I trotted back to the library with the dragon perched on my back. He seemed to be pretty comfortable doing that. He opened his little bag of gems and began munching on a ruby. By the time we made it back to the library, he had eaten all but three. He belched in approval, then blushed in embarrassment.
"Oops, sorry about that, Mike," he said, grinning sheepishly. The drake slid off my back and hopped to his feet, then opened the door to the library. I trotted inside to find Twilight waiting for me.
"So, how'd it go, Michael? Did you do well?" she asked, smiling warmly.
"It went well, I think," I replied, showing a small bag of bits, and a box which had my jacket in it. "I haven't checked to see how much she paid me, but she did give me a very nice jacket to wear."
"Let's see how much she gave you -- and I'd like to see that jacket, if I may," the librarian requested. She took my bag of bits and opened it, emptying the contents onto a table. She let a low whistle escape her lips when she saw just how much was there. "500 bits? She must really like you, Michael -- what did you say to her to give you such a generous payment?"
I told her about tomorrow's plans and she groaned audibly. "Michael, she's going to spend all day shopping! And you're going to accompany her for the whole day?"
"I'm also going to visit Brenda tomorrow, so it won't be the entire day," I offered, grinning sheepishly again.
"Ugh. I guess that can't be helped. I was wanting to join you, but I think I'll pass. I don't want to spend a whole day in Canterlot, especially when it will be spent in the Market District. I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, Michael -- you'll probably be bored senseless by what she does when she goes shopping."
"Well, I guess I'll find out then, won't I?" I chuckled. She grinned at my statement.
"You have no idea, Michael!" she giggled. "I'll make sure I have a healthy dinner waiting for you when you get back tomorrow night. Speaking of dinner, Spike! Are you working on it?" she called out towards the kitchen.
"Yes, Twi, I'm on it," he called back.
I showed the jacket, which impressed the lavender unicorn. "That looks like something fit for a wedding," she mused. I gasped audibly when she mentioned this, eliciting more giggles from her. "Did you say something about that to Rarity?"
I gasped again. "How do you do that? How do you know?" I asked incredulously. I was flabbergasted by her ability to read me like a book.
"It's practically written all over your face -- I remember what you've told me about your wife -- who are you planning on marrying?"
"Twilight, please! This is something Rarity made for me -- I had no idea this was a wedding tux!"
"You didn't answer my question, Michael," she noted. Her gaze hardened a little.
"I don't have any immediate plans -- though there was a part of me that wanted to ask you for your hoof in marriage," I mused. "I must confess, I also made that admission to Rarity as well."
Her initial glee gave way to consternation. I watched her smile disappear immediately. "Michael. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. Why would you propose to two of us?"
"Because I like both of you," I replied, matter-of-factly. The librarian glared at me a bit harder now.
"Dinner's ready," Spike called out.
"Saved by the bell," I muttered and began to trot towards the kitchen. Twilight stopped me before I took a second step.
"Not so fast there, Michael. We're going to have a little chat about that before you retire for the night," she said sternly.
Brenda tried to work the mop and bucket, finding the task quite arduous, though she succeeded in cleaning up her mess. It took her about half an hour to accomplish the mission, but she performed it well enough. She pushed the bucket with the mop still in it to a corner of the room and left it there. She trotted to the bathroom to take a shower, but not before relieving herself on the toilet. She cursed her luck, reminding herself to keep quiet as much as possible. Can't afford to make the Princess angrier with me, she thought. How am I supposed to get out of this mess? That's the last time I let Mike trick me into doing something stupid.
Freshening herself up was almost as difficult as mopping the floor, though she succeeded in making herself somewhat presentable. Upon finishing, she was greeted at her door by a Royal Guardspony who was to be her chaperon during her training and education. The stallion held the rank of corporal and wore no armor. His coat was a tawny brown, his mane and tail a mix of darker brown and burnt orange. He greeted her curtly, informing her that his name was Steady Aim. He was a slightly larger than average unicorn, his cutie mark appeared to be a red circle with a black horizontal and vertical line intersecting in the center of the circle. He escorted the zebra to her first training exercise, located in a courtyard surrounded by high walls. Several rooms in the castle overlooked the training area and at the very top was the Solar Princess' Royal Bedchamber. Brenda was intimidated by how high the walls extended, though when she was introduced to her training instructor, her apprehension intensified.
An older, grizzled dull grey stallion entered the courtyard, his mane very close cropped to his head. He was a veteran of the Royal Guard, already having retired. He immediately called Brenda to attention, though she had no military experience whatsoever. He trotted over to her to inspect her.
"So, we have a zebra here," he stated flatly. He prodded her with his right fore-hoof. "Say! What's your name, filly?" he barked, right in her left ear. She reared up on her hind legs and struck him in the face with her right fore-hoof.
"My name is Brenda, you asshole!" she shouted back at him. He chuckled a little.
"I'm Ten Hut, and I've been assigned the task of being your training instructor. You've got spunk, Brenda -- I don't like that. You hit me one more time and I'll show you just how much I don't like spunk," he growled menacingly, his face set in a grim scowl. "Since you don't know how to stand at attention, I'm gonna show you -- you will follow my example and hold that stance until I tell you otherwise. You've already pissed me off, so that's one strike against you." He finished by showing her his pose at attention, then reiterated his command to her. She moved into position hesitantly, glaring daggers at him.
"I've never been in the military -- and I was only supposed to be doing training and education," Brenda said sternly, maintaining her stare.
"Consider this part of your education and training then, Brenda. I don't want to hear any more backtalk from you -- I won't put up with that. Princess Celestia chose me specifically for this purpose, and any insubordination will be directly reported to her. She has already informed me that you are on very thin ice with her and she is seriously considering changing your sleeping arrangements," the old stallion stated flatly. "Don't mess with her -- she can be pretty mean when she wants to. That means, don't mess with me, either!"
"Okay," she replied curtly. Ten Hut frowned deeply and trotted up to her again, nearly mashing his muzzle against hers.
"I see I'm gonna have to train you a bit more. You will respond to me by saying, 'Yes, Sir,' or 'No, Sir.' You got that?" he hissed through clenched teeth.
"Y-yes, S-sir," she replied timidly, trying to back away from him. He let a smile grace his lips very briefly before he regained his military bearing, his gaze hardening once again. "You are to obey my commands without question! You will do as I direct you and if you don't, I will report your actions to the Princess! We will start with some calisthenics," he announced. Brenda eyed him warily and waited for his command, then shuddered when he ordered her to do fifty push-ups. She dropped into position as best she could, then found that her strength as a zebra was considerably greater than that of a human. She was able to do the exercise rather easily.
Ten Hut put her through several more exercises, each more rigorous than the last until she was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. "I need a smoke break," she stated flatly, causing him to glower at her.
"I don't know if the Princess told you this or not, Brenda, but you will not be allowed to smoke. Any more," he replied sternly. His statement elicited a wail of frustration from the zebra, then a scream of rage. She rushed the old stallion with fire burning in her eyes. He took a few steps back, a look of apprehension on his face. "Brenda, STOP! Do you want the Princess to come down here personally?"
The zebra skidded to a halt mere inches from his face and glared daggers at him again. "I don't care too much about that, you asshole! I NEED a cigarette!" she shouted in his face.
"I don't have any, and the Princess forbids it. You will return to your previous position, NOW!" he barked at her.
"You just wait," she growled at him, earning a smug grin.
"Oh, you wanna challenge me? Heh, heh, heh. You think you can beat me? Give it your best shot!" he chuckled, taking a fighting stance.
She charged him again, rearing up onto her hind legs and attempted to strike him with both fore-hooves. He easily dodged her attack and countered with a right to her midsection, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. She quickly righted herself and charged him again, this time turning her back to him and recoiled her hind legs to give him both rear hooves to his midsection. Her attack missed again and this time he was on top of her and hit her in the head with his left fore-hoof. He took her to the ground again and wrapped his left foreleg around her neck, pulling it back a little.
"Let go of me, you asshole!" she screamed, kicking her hind legs in a futile attempt to get him off her back. He continued to chuckle at her feeble attempts to dislodge him.
"You've got spirit, I'll give you that! I'm gonna train you to be a real fighter -- you want that?" he asked as he released her. She trotted away from him and faced him once again, but a smile came to her face.
"If you can make me a real fighter, then yes, sir, I'm all in!" she chirped.
"Good. I'm gonna show you effective combat methods -- it's gonna take awhile, but if you're patient and persistent, it'll pay off for you in the long run. You okay with that?"
"Yes, SIR!" she replied almost gleefully.
"Good! We'll take a little lunch break before we resume your training," he announced, then motioned her to follow him. He led her to the dining hall and instructed the chef to prepare a special meal for her and to put her on a particular diet designed to encourage muscle build and toning. He took a seat and motioned her to sit beside him.
"So what kind of food is served here?" Brenda asked, a look of slight apprehension on her face.
"I've picked out a special diet for you, Brenda -- if you're gonna train to be a fighter, you need certain foods to promote the building and strengthening of certain muscles," he replied, smiling warmly at her. "Does that sound good to you?"
"Yes, sir!" she chirped.
"Y'know, I think I'm gonna like training you," he chuckled.
"I think I'm gonna like training under you -- but I'd kinda like to get to know you a little better. I can't stand my husband -- I think he's trying to get a little too close to some of those mares in Ponyville, especially Twilight," the zebra mused.
"Lemma guess -- you wanna get back at him, izzat right?" he chuckled. "I can help you," he ginned. She returned his grin, but hers was tinged with a hint of malice.
"You be careful if you're thinking about attacking him -- the Princess has already mentioned him to me and he's under her protection. There are other ways, though..." he chuckled again, his grin widening.
A serving pony brought their food to them and Brenda heartily tucked into her meal. A few bites in, her eyes widened in surprise at the food quality.
"I dunno what this is, but it's good!" she exclaimed through a few mouthfuls. She finished her plate quickly as the old stallion chuckled softly, savoring his food.
"You'll probably need another plate of food," he stated and whistled for the serving pony to return. "Bring the zebra another plate of the same thing, she's gonna need it."
The server disappeared and returned a few minutes later with another plate of food for Brenda. She devoured it almost as quickly as the first plate of food. Ten Hut finished eating at about the same time and motioned for her to follow him back into the exercise yard. This time, a different set of exercises was commanded of the zebra, who complied with gusto. Eventually she tired out again, but was given another break.
"Brenda, these exercises are designed to increase your stamina, endurance, agility, and speed. We will work on strength tomorrow, then return to speed. We will alternate these exercises to quickly build your metabolism," Ten Hut announced.
"Sounds good, Sir," she replied eagerly. He nodded in approval before starting her on another grouping of exercises. Once again, Brenda got tired, but she stated it was a good kind of tired. They broke for dinner at this point and were joined by the Solar Princess in the dining hall.
------------------------------------------------
"Ten Hut, what is your assessment of Brenda's progress?" asked Celestia.
"There was some initial conflict, but we seemed to have ironed it out, your Highness. I believe I have inspired her," he stated reverently, nodding his head slightly.
"That sounds promising," she responded before turning her attention to the zebra. "Brenda, I was watching your exercises today. I admire your willingness to train to be a fighter, but I must caution you against using your newly acquired skills to inflict physical harm upon your husband."
"Yes, your Majesty," she replied meekly.
"Twilight is reporting to me on his progress -- if he steps out of line, he will be punished," the Alicorn stated flatly. Brenda grinned at this.
"I certainly hope you punish him severely, your Majesty," she said somewhat cheerfully.
"I am a just and kind ruler, Brenda -- his punishment will be appropriate regarding the level of his transgression, depending on my mood. Do not presume to think I will single him out unfairly," she admonished sternly.
"Yes, your Majesty," the zebra sighed in defeat. "I am sorry, but -- I think it's unfair that he's being treated as kindly as he is."
"He has already been punished -- I have turned him into a pony," the Alicorn chuckled. "He'll find out sooner or later that he'll discover that being a pony is not as easy as he might think it is."
"So what? He's enjoying it, isn't he?"
"For now, yes," Celestia replied, a mysterious grin on her face. A green light filled the immediate area as a scroll materialized in front of her. She used her magic to unwrap it, noticing it had Twilight's seal on it. She read it silently and frowned a little. "It seems your husband has certain ... ideas regarding my faithful student. This letter I have just received states that he has proposed marriage to either her or Rarity or both. If you'll excuse me, I believe I have some business to attend to in Ponyville."
"Your Majesty, may I accompany you? I'd like to see you punish him in front of my eyes!" Brenda exclaimed excitedly.
"Michael, why did you propose to me? You're already married," Twilight inquired, some exasperation in her voice. I gave her a warm smile.
"I already told you -- I would like to have some pony who respects me for who I am, not what she can get out of me. I feel that both you and Rarity would provide me the happiness that has been missing from my marriage for so many years," I replied, maintaining my smile. "I would be honored --"
Just then, a brilliant white light blinded me as Princess Celestia teleported into the main room, accompanied by my zebra wife. Not seeing us there, she called out. "Twilight, where are you? Michael, please show yourself."
"I apologize, Twilight," I offered before leaving my half-eaten dinner and trotted into the main room. My smile fell when I saw the Alicorn and the zebra. "Your Majesty, I apologize -- OW!"
I was interrupted by my zebra trotting up to me and striking my face with her right fore-hoof. "Brenda, I believe I warned you about that," the Alicorn admonished, giving the zebra a stern look. "Michael, I apologize for bringing her here -- it would appear she still harbors some ill will toward you."
"Your Majesty, I think I may have deserved that," I began. I was cut off by my wife screaming at me, yelling all sorts of obscenities, then finishing it off by tearfully asking me, "How could you? I thought you loved me!"
"Brenda, I'm sorry -- OW!" I said as I tried to apologize, but she struck me in the face again.
"Michael, why did you propose marriage to both Rarity and Twilight?" asked Celestia.
"I believe my exact words were, 'If I weren't already married, I'd be tempted to ask for your hoof in marriage', your Majesty," I stated reverently. "I didn't directly ask, I qualified it by stating -- OW!!" I exclaimed as Brenda struck my face again. The Alicorn placed a freeze spell on my wife to prevent her from hitting me again.
"That's enough, Brenda. You must stop hitting him -- I need to ask more questions and your behavior is too disruptive to allow you free movement for the time being. Michael, is it your desire to seek a divorce from your wife?"
I was taken aback by this direct question and had to pause to think about it. "Your Majesty, I need some time to ponder your question. There is a part of me that wishes for a divorce, seeing as there has been no passion in our marriage for more than fifteen years -- but by the same token, it would be wrong of me to ask for a divorce when we are no longer on the world we got married on, and there is no legal authority here who can proclaim a divorce."
Celestia smiled at me. "Michael, I am the ultimate authority here, and since you and your wife cannot return to your home world, I have the legal authority to allow for a divorce," she offered warmly.
"NOOO!" Brenda screeched. "Don't do it! Please!"
"Your Majesty, right now is not the proper time or place for me to make such a decision. I request more time to contemplate it, if you would be so kind," I responded, bowing before the Alicorn.
"Mike! Please give me a hug!" Brenda stated, smiling a little. I trotted slowly over to her, but Celestia erected a barrier between us.
"Brenda, we are returning to the castle now. I will have to make a slight change to the location of your bedchamber as a result of your actions. Michael, I must ask you to refrain from visiting your wife until such time as I allow it. Physical contact is another matter which will take some time before I allow that as well," the Alicorn stated flatly, giving my wife a stern look. As she was still under the effect of the freeze spell, she responded by shouting, "No, please!"
"You shouldn't have hit me, Brenda -- I'm sorry," I offered softly. I turned towards Twilight, giving her an almost sheepish grin. "Um, sorry about the confusion, Twi -- thanks for dinner, I guess I'll be heading off to bed now." I turned towards the stairs and was about to trot up them to the guest room when the Alicorn stopped me.
"Michael, I need to talk to you further about this matter," she stated somewhat sternly.
"Your Majesty, I am quite tired and desire a little rest," I protested.
"I understand you need to take some time regarding this decision, but I cannot allow you to marry my student. I can grant you a divorce from your wife, if that is your desire, but Twilight must make her own decision regarding her choice of marriage."
"I understand, your Majesty. Please show Brenda at least a little mercy, for my sake. I apologize for causing so much trouble."
"I will inform Twilight as to my decision, Michael -- she will then let you know when you may return to the Castle to see your wife."
"Mike! Please! Don't leave me! Princess! Please let me stay with him! PLEEEEASE!!" wailed Brenda as the Alicorn wrapped her left wing around the zebra and teleported back to the Castle. I hung my head at my wife's pleading, giving her a last baleful look.
"I'm really sorry, Michael, but I cannot marry you -- I am deeply flattered by your request, but I don't know you well enough to make such a decision," Twilight offered softly.
"I understand, Twilight. I apologize for making such a hasty request," I replied, nodding my head slowly. The lavender mare approached me to see if Brenda's attacks had caused serious injury.
"I had no idea your wife would be so mean to you, though. It looks like she left you a couple of bruises -- I'll get something for that. You head on upstairs to the guest room -- my guess is that you're going to need some rest."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Twilight," I said, offering her a smile as I started my way up to the guest room. "I suppose I'll still have to accompany Rarity to Canterlot, even if I can't visit Brenda while I'm there."
"You did promise her a shopping trip, didn't you?" the librarian asked from the kitchen as she fetched some ice.
"That's true, I did. I think she mentioned something about buying me stuff if it struck my fancy."
"Don't take advantage of her, Michael! She may be the Element of Generosity, but you'd better not push her too far -- maybe I'd better send Spike with you just in case," she stated loud enough for me to hear her as she began trotting up the stairs.
"I respect you and your friends enough to know better than that -- please give me at least a little credit, Twi," I chuckled.
"I'll trust you to keep your word then, Michael. Now let me see to your injuries," she intoned softly as she trotted right up to me, glasses perched on her muzzle as she inspected my face, dabbing at it with a wet towel in her magenta aura. I smelled rubbing alcohol on the cloth as she gently wiped my face.
"Thanks, Twilight," I grinned. I grimaced as she placed a bag of ice on my face in the spots where Brenda had struck me, hissing through clenched teeth at the sensation.
"You're going to be all right now, Michael -- this should keep some of the swelling down. I'll check up on you in the morning. Good night!" she smiled as she left the room, closing the door behind her. I drifted off to sleep, the dull ache in my face slowly fading as I relaxed in the comfort of the bed.
"Brenda, I am very disappointed in you," the Solar Princess stated sternly, almost glaring at the zebra.
"I can't believe he wants to marry someone else!" she wailed. "I thought he loved me!" she exclaimed bitterly as tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
"I understand your pain, Brenda, but that's no excuse to engage in violence. As I stated before, there will be a slight change in the location of your quarters. You will have to improve your behavior before other changes can be made, along with visits from your husband. While you are on punishment, you will be prohibited from receiving visits." As she spoke the words, her horn glowed with a golden aura, the same aura appearing around the zebra mare's hooves. Golden bracelets appeared after the aura disappeared, but the bracelets were linked with golden chains, preventing her from rearing up onto her hind legs.
"WHAT? You're making me ... a prisoner?" asked a very shocked Brenda. She tried to trot around, finding her movement severely restricted as the chains clinked and clanked on the floor.
"This is for your own good, Brenda. Depending on how well you cooperate, those chains will be removed and you will be moved back into more appropriate quarters. Guard, please escort Brenda to her new quarters," the Alicorn stated sternly.
An armor-clad unicorn guard trotted over to the Princess and saluted her, then took the zebra in his pale green aura, lifting her off the ground.
"Put me down! I can walk on my own!" Brenda protested as she was slung over the guard's back.
"Can't have you running off on me, even if you are wearing chains, miss," he stated gruffly, trotting a little faster down the hallways. He continued to ignore her repeated protests, sometimes wincing at the colorful language she used, then opened a door leading down a dark staircase.
"Where are my new quarters?" Brenda asked, traces of fear in her voice as she noticed the only illumination coming from oil lamps hanging on the walls. It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to the low light levels, and when she finally saw where she was being escorted, she started mewling and whimpering.
"These are your new quarters, miss," he said nonchalantly as he opened a door with a small window, vertical bars being the only decoration in the door. There was also a small rectangular slot cut into the bottom of the door to allow for meal trays to be slid under it. The stallion chuckled as he unceremoniously dumped the zebra on the cot in her cell. "I don't know how long her Highness intends to keep you down here for, but I'd try to stay on her good side from here on out if I were you," he advised before turning around and closing the cell door behind him. A loud thunk was heard as the door locked into place.
Brenda had to turn herself over to sleep, but her anger forced her up onto her hooves. She made her way to the door and started pounding on it with her forehooves, screaming obscenities until she lost her voice, cursing me for having tricked her into coming through the portal in the first place. Having tired herself out, she retreated to her cot, where she laid on her belly and cried herself to sleep.
A loud crashing noise woke me from my slumber, causing me to mentally curse this town and the occasional uninvited pegasus wanting to borrow the latest copy of the Daring Do adventure series. I heard a muffled "Ooof!" as the intruder got to her hooves, the voice unmistakably that of Rainbow Dash. I rose to my hooves and trotted down to the main level to find one of the shelves completely emptied by her impromptu entrance.
"Rainbow Dash, couldn't you just use the door like normal ponies do?" asked a flabbergasted Twilight. The cyan pegasus grinned sheepishly and dusted herself off.
"Sorry, Twi -- it's just that the newest edition in the Daring Do saga comes out today, and I want to be the first one to get it! I've heard this one is the best and most awesome one yet!" she exclaimed excitedly, flapping her wings and hovering above the floor.
"You could have knocked on the front door, y'know -- I was sleeping quite soundly -- what time is it?" I grumbled as I trudged into the room.
"Time for you to get ready to take Rarity on your promised shopping excursion, Michael!" the librarian grinned.
"Where are you taking Rares, Mike? Shopping? Good luck!" the pegasus chuckled.
"Did somepony mention Rarity?" asked a certain little drake, his head peering from around a corner.
"That reminds me, Spike, you should accompany Michael on his excursion with Rarity -- they're going shopping in Canterlot's Market District today," Twilight chortled. "Michael, I suggest you freshen up for this trip -- Rarity might not take to kindly to your present appearance."
"That sounds like a good idea, Twilight," I said as I trotted back upstairs to use the bathroom. I turned on the shower and lathered myself up while the two mares downstairs chatted over breakfast.
"How's he doing, Twi?" asked the aviatrix as she absentmindedly nibbled on a hay pancake.
"He's holding up rather well, Dash. He seems rather smitten with me ... and with Rarity as well," the librarian replied, flashing a slightly worried look.
"Isn't he married to that zebra?" Rainbow asked in surprise.
"Yes, but -- Princess Celestia took her to the Castle and told him he couldn't see her for awhile."
"I hear he's every bit the egghead as you," the pegasus chortled, causing the unicorn to glare at her.
"Yes, he is rather intelligent -- but he's also 49 years old! I don't want to marry somepony who's THAT old! Especially when he's already married!"
"Yeah, I hear ya, Twi. You got the latest copy of Daring Do?"
"Rainbow! It's not going to be here until next week!"
"Ugh! I can't stand waiting that long! Seeya later, Twi." She then turned around and flew back out the window she had entered, causing the librarian to shout after her to use the door next time she visited.
I rinsed off and turned off the water, getting out of the tub and then toweled off. I brushed my teeth and rinsed out the toothbrush as best I could, then brushed out my mane and tail.
"Michael, please hurry, you don't want to keep Rarity waiting!" Twilight called up from downstairs. I was just about finished anyway and trotted down the steps to see the librarian grinning, a set of saddlebags in her magenta aura which she levitated onto my back.
"Okay, Twi, seeya later," I offered warmly as her dragon assistant scampered onto my back.
"Remember what I told you earlier, Michael. Spike, keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get greedy," the librarian cautioned, a slightly worried expression on her face. I narrowed my eyes at her, my annoyance at her distrust making itself evident.
"I'm a man of my word, Spike -- it would be nice if she would understand that," I grumbled as I trotted over to the car.
"It's gonna take awhile before she trusts you completely, Mike. Do you think taking this thing is such a good idea? What if somepony steals it?" the drake queried.
"Perhaps you're right, but this is the fastest way to Canterlot. I doubt anypony would be successful in stealing the car -- I have safeguards in place on it," I replied confidently. I set the saddlebags down in the back seat as we climbed into the vehicle and I turned it on, requesting a teleport to Carousel Boutique upon being asked for a destination. Spike complained about the discomfort caused by the car's use of the spell as we exited.
"Sorry about that, Spike, but the convenience factor outweighs the discomfort level by quite a bit," I answered. I rang the doorbell to the boutique and waited for Rarity to open the door. I was surprised to see her younger sister open it instead.
"Whoa, who are you? I've never seen you before! Oh, you have Spike with you?" she asked, a small smile on her face.
"My name's Michael, Sweetie. I'm here to take your sister to Canterlot today," I offered, smiling warmly at the white filly.
"Michael? That's a funny name for a pony," she mused, giggling softly.
"Sweetie Belle, who's there? I heard the doorbell ring," the fashionista called from upstairs. I heard her hoofsteps as she made her way downstairs to meet us.
"Some purple pony named Michael and Spike are here," the filly replied loudly. Her sister's hoofsteps quickened as she hurried to the front door, the alabaster mare smiling broadly at the sight of us.
"Ah, you're here already? We can get an early start on the shopping trip! Please, do come in! Have you had breakfast yet? Michael, where is that jacket I made for you yesterday? I thought you'd be wearing it for our little excursion."
"I woke up late this morning, Rarity -- the jacket's still at the Library, but if you want me to, I can fetch it," I offered, lighting my horn and teleporting it to the boutique. The fashionista opened her mouth in surprise at my little magic display as I opened the box and levitated the jacket, admiring its beauty before putting it on.
"Wow! You look good in that!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, a big smile on her face. "You made that for him, sis?"
"To be honest, Sweetie, he was a perfect gentlecolt yesterday -- I felt he deserved something nice to wear around Canterlot, since he promised to take me there," she replied softly, smiling in admiration. "Michael, Spike, please come in -- I'll need to freshen up a little. Sweetie, can you make breakfast for them while I prepare?"
"Sure thing, sis! Hey, Michael, you like hay pancakes?"
"I had some yesterday -- Spike knows how to make them quite tasty," I replied. The little drake smiled at my compliment.
"Good, because I'm not very good at cooking. Spike, can you make breakfast? I burn everything I make," the filly explained.
"I guess so," he grumbled as he trudged into the kitchen.
"So, Michael -- you have no cutie mark? How old are you?" asked the white filly.
"Well, I was just turned into a pony the day before yesterday and I haven't had time to get one yet. As for how old I am? I'm 49 years old, Sweetie," I replied with a warm smile. She gasped in astonishment at my answer.
"Um, if you were turned into a pony, what were you before?"
"I was a human, and so was my wife. I hope to get some information on how she's doing in the Castle when we get to Canterlot."
"A hyoo-min? What's that?" she puzzled, tilting her head at an odd angle.
"It's hard to explain -- you'd probably have a hard time picturing what one looks like. Humans walk around on two legs, upright, and stand considerably taller than ponies. In my world, humans were the only species capable of communicating with each other by means of spoken and written words," I explained. The fashionista trotted downstairs at this point, wearing a frilly yellow dress that seemed to shimmer in the light. Diamonds accentuated parts of it, along with a few star sapphires at the corners of the hem. It draped elegantly over her body, enhancing her natural beauty.
"You're looking positively radiant, Miss Rarity," I offered, beaming a big smile.
"Darling, you flatter me!" she blushed coyly, turning her head away ever so slightly.
"Ugh! All this mushy stuff! I'm off to school, seeya later, big sis!"
"Come on, Sweetie, you have enough time for breakfast! Michael, is Spike making breakfast for us?"
"Your sister said she burns everything she tries to cook, so yeah, I think he is, though I also think he made breakfast earlier at the Library, as he seemed a little grumpy about having to cook it here as well."
"He's such a dear, I'll have to give him a few extra gems for his kindness. Sweetie, please join us," the mare requested.
The filly relented and joined us for a quick breakfast before she galloped off for school. Rarity and I had a brief discussion of where to start, where to have lunch, a short trip to the Castle, some more shopping, and a visit to Fancy Pants' mansion before returning to Ponyville. We finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen -- well, I assisted Spike in cleaning up the kitchen while the fashionista made some final preparations for our little excursion.
"Okay, Michael, I'm ready!" she called from the front room. I trotted with Spike on my back to see her levitating about a dozen packages of various descriptions in her magic aura.
"Seriously, Rarity? We're going shopping, not on an expedition into the Everfree. I thought the purpose of this trip was to purchase items, or are you planning on trying to sell some stuff there?"
"Michael, darling, I must always be prepared for any contingency. This is what I consider packing light," she grinned, eliciting a groan of resignation from me. Spike chuckled a little at my predicament.
"You should know by now that this is how Rarity operates, Mike," the drake offered, another chuckle escaping his mouth.
"Here's a little something for being nice enough to fix us breakfast and clean up," the mare smiled, providing him with a small pouch with a few gems in it. He smiled broadly as he opened the pouch and began munching on a ruby as we trotted out to the car.
"Michael, darling, is this the vehicle you were talking about? Why is it so ... big?"
"It's designed for humans, not ponies. I've already had the vehicle reconfigure the parameters for me in my new form. Spike, you'll have to sit in the back seat."
"Isn't there enough room in the front for all of us?" asked the little drake.
"Hmm. There might be, but it might also be a little cramped for two in the front passenger seat," I mused as I opened the front doors and hopped into the driver's seat. Spike and Rarity entered through the front passenger door and clambered up onto the seat, and as I had predicted, they sat snugly together as I closed their door.
"Spike, dear, would you be kind enough to climb into the back? I do not wish to have to brush my tail out again."
"Ugh, okay, fine, I'll get in the back. Jeez, I wanna sit up front!"
"Sorry, Spike, but this will only take a moment anyway," I stated.
"Analyzing driver data. Good morning, Michael! Analyzing passenger data. Passenger, please state your name for my records," the voice from the speakers droned in a dull monotone.
"Rarity Belle," she replied flatly.
"Good morning, Rarity! Analyzing rear passenger data," came the cheery sounding voice.
"Spike," he said loudly, though quite a bit of annoyance showed through in the tone of his voice.
"Good morning, Spike!"
"TS, please take us to a point outside Canterlot Castle, but not too far outside the Market District in that city," I requested.
"Calculating. Acquiring target destination. Preparing to teleport," came the dull monotone again before the car was enveloped in a magenta aura. Everything went brilliant white for a split-second before we vanished and materialized somewhere in Canterlot.
"TS, is there a discreet location you can park in where you'll attract little or no attention?" I asked.
"Affirmative, Michael. Determining location now," came the answer through the speakers. The car drove by itself a short distance and then parked under a tree not terribly far from one of the Castle's walls. I opened the doors and got out, beckoning Spike and Rarity to follow my lead. I placed the key fob on the driver's floor mat and closed the doors, locking the car behind me.
"Michael, darling, I need some of my things from out of this ... thing," the fashionista pleaded.
"Okay, Rarity, I'll fetch them. I need you to take as little as possible, please," I advised. I opened the trunk of the car and levitated her packages out so she could select what she needed. She took three items and put the rest back in the trunk.
"Quite a useful storage location, Michael. How much room is there?"
"Not much, Rarity -- these items you brought took most of it," I replied. My ears perked up at the sound of hoofsteps approaching, so I teleported the fob in front of me and pushed a button on it to activate the car's cloaking mode, rendering it invisible. Rarity and Spike gasped when they saw the car seemingly disappear.
"Cloaking device, rather simple magic. Can't be too careful, y'know," I chuckled. The approaching hoofsteps grew louder and more numerous, causing me to express worry until I saw who it was. I relaxed my stance a little upon seeing a contingent of Royal Guardsponies.
"May I help you, sirs?" I asked one of them.
"Who are you? Why is one of the Element Bearers with you? Have you foalknapped her?" one of the guards asked brusquely.
"I am Michael Walker, and Rarity has asked me accompany her on a shopping trip to Canterlot's Market District," I replied confidently. "Spike can vouch for me, as I have been staying with Twilight Sparkle for the past couple of nights."
"Michael Walker? Is your wife Brenda, a zebra?" another guard asked.
"Yes, sir, that is correct. Why do you ask?"
"Did she strike you?"
"Well, yes, a few times, but --"
Rarity gasped when I answered the guard's question and trotted to face me, examining me closely. She was able to see where I had been bruised. "Oh, you poor thing! I had no idea she would be that mean to you, darling! Let me help you," she offered.
"I'll be fine, Rarity, there's no need to bother with that," I said, rebuffing her attempt to comfort me.
"Michael, we just need you to accompany us to meet with Princess Celestia," yet another guard stated matter-of-factly.
"He's supposed to be accompanying me," the fashionista admonished sharply. Spike had climbed onto my back at this point and had a rather bored expression on his face.
"If you'd like, Miss Rarity, you may accompany him while we escort him to meet with the Princess. She has requested an audience with him at his earliest convenience -- it was mere coincidence we chanced to meet him here, even though her Majesty informed us of his intent to visit Canterlot today," the lead guard stated.
"Is this matter so urgent that it cannot wait until after I have done my shopping?" asked Rarity, showing some exasperation.
"Miss Rarity, you do not need to accompany him if you do not wish to do so," the guard offered.
"This should only take a short while, Rarity. Besides, I need to check up on Brenda," I noted.
"I certainly hope so -- I do not wish to delay my needs any more than necessary," the fashionista huffed as she trotted to my side.
"Follow us, please," another guard stated stiffly as the squad formed a line. We trotted behind them, through the front gate of the Castle. We trotted through corridors and up a few staircases before we arrived at the huge doors leading into the Throne Room, the line of ponies waiting to petition the Solar Princess down to just a few. The guards standing in front of the doors opened them for us as we trotted to meet the Alicorn.
"Your Majesty," I offered reverently, bowing deeply before her.
"Princess Celestia, Michael has offered to accompany me on my shopping trip today," Rarity stated in her pleasant tone.
"Michael, you may rise. Might I say you look quite dashing in that outfit -- Rarity crafted it for you, did she not?" the Alicorn queried, smiling warmly.
"Indeed she did, your Majesty. What news is there of my wife?"
"Certain changes have been made regarding her situation while she is here in my Castle, Michael. Because she attacked you, she is currently receiving an appropriate punishment for her actions."
"Your Majesty, would it be too much of me to ask to see her, perhaps to offer a small amount of comfort and reassurance?"
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that, Michael, as I'm sure you're aware. She has displeased me, and until she learns her place in my society, I will have to hold her in confinement until she is reformed."
"Confinement? I understand she struck me, but -- was it strictly necessary to hold her against her will? To -- where is she?" I asked, perhaps a little more stridently than I had expected to.
"If your desire to see her is that strong, perhaps you might want to join her in my dungeon?" the Alicorn asked, narrowing her eyes at me.
"N-no, y-your M-majesty -- I would not like to be punished in the same fashion, especially when I haven't done anything to merit such treatment," I replied, nearly prostrating myself before her, my ears flat against my head.
"Princess, please!" Rarity implored.
"Mike's been behaving himself," Spike added. The Alicorn relaxed her gaze upon me, softening her expression before addressing me again.
"I'm sorry, Michael, but I cannot allow you to see her -- just yet. I need a few more days to ensure she'll be more respectful."
I rose to my hooves. "Very well then, your Majesty, I shall respect your request. I merely ask that you show a little leniency towards her -- and if she's being held in a cage, she's not going to like that very much -- she needs to run free, she's rather claustrophobic." I saw a sly grin creep across the Alicorn's face before it disappeared a split-second later. I raised an eyebrow in response to this. "I hope you're not thinking about putting her in an even smaller cage -- she'll go insane if you do that. She's still my wife, your Majesty -- please respect that, for my sake."
"I shall take your request under advisement, Michael -- please understand that both you and her are guests in my realm and I demand obedience with my laws. Your very presence in my realm constitutes a possible risk of escape for Discord, a prospect I do not relish. I appreciate you treating me with great respect, but I also expect you to treat others with respect as well."
"I shall do my best, your Majesty -- but if I may ask a hypothetical question -- what if somepony tries to attack me?"
"You may deal with such a situation as you see fit, but if your decision to retaliate against said pony leads to their death, I will not hesitate to punish you appropriately," she responded sternly.
"I do not intend any physical harm to your ponies, your Majesty -- I would hope that if worse comes to worst, my actions would result in only temporarily incapacitating any who might attack me," I replied meekly.
"Understood, Michael. I expect you to treat Rarity with as much respect as you treat me. Rarity, please inform me if he does anything untoward."
"Princess Celestia, he was very well behaved yesterday while he worked for me in my boutique! I expect nothing less of him to be a complete gentlecolt while he is with me today! I just hope he can keep up with me," the fashionista chortled.
"He's never been on a shopping trip with Rarity before," Spike added, grinning slyly. The Alicorn widened her eyes a little at this revelation.
"I will leave you to your excursion today, Michael. You have my sympathies," she offered warmly, though a sly smile crossed her lips.
"I look forward to it, your Majesty," I stated reverenlty before saluting her, eliciting a chuckle.
"You are dismissed, Michael. Rarity, please go easy on him," Celestia intoned, stifling a giggle. Two guardsponies trotted up to us and escorted us back to the front gate of the Castle before I gave a heavy sigh of relief.
"Whew, I'm glad that's over -- I just hope Brenda's okay," I offered.
"I'm sure she's being treated well, darling -- just a slight misunderstanding, that's all," Rarity replied, smiling warmly. "Let's get going, we're burning daylight! Lots of shopping to do!" she exclaimed, trotting ahead towards the market district, forcing me to canter to catch up with her.
After we had been escorted out of her Castle, Princess Celestia trotted from her throne to the dungeon. Nopony accompanied her, nor did any question her as she trotted down to the cell holding my zebra wife. A guard had slid a tray containing a breakfast of cold gruel through the slot at the bottom of the door, but Brenda had not touched it. She was laying on her hard cot, tear streaks staining her cheeks. An examination of the inside of her door revealed dark red stains which ran nearly the length of the door from the small window cut in it to the floor. A closer examination of the zebra would reveal that she had smashed her forehooves repeatedly against that door until they had started bleeding profusely. The sound of the Alicorn's golden hoofguards clinking on the cobblestone floor of the dungeon startled the zebra awake before her door opened to reveal the form of the Solar Princess, a scowl on her face as she stepped in the plate of gruel on the floor.
"Not hungry, are we? I can remedy that," Celestia noted darkly, teleporting the tray away. The zebra was startled awake and curled herself into a ball in an attempt to make herself invisible or at least as small as possible. The Alicorn used her magic to levitate the zebra before her, opening her body up and standing her upright on the floor.
"You will look at me when I enter your cell!" Celestia hissed, glaring harshly at the terrified zebra.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Brenda cried out in pain, her forehooves still raw and sore from the previous night's futile attempt to break out of her cell.
"I am not hurting you, Brenda -- if I had intended to hurt you, I would have done this," she snarled, using her magic to stretch the zebra's body, causing her joints and bones to pop and snap painfully. She screamed and wailed in pain at this, eliciting a dark smile on the Alicorn's face. She glanced at the door and noticed the long red streaks on it. "I see you tried to break out of here yesterday -- I cannot have that. My guards told me you cursed my name during your outburst last night."
"Please! Please! Let me go! Please! I'm sorry!" she wailed as she curled into a ball again.
"I'm sorry what?" the Alicorn asked sharply.
"I -- I'm s-sorry, y-your M-m-majesty!" she wailed, not trying to uncurl herself or make eye contact with the Princess.
"That's what I thought. I'll have one of my guards escort you to your physical training later, then you'll be taken back here. By the way, your husband stopped by earlier -- I told him you were receiving the best treatment you deserved," she stated icily. "Don't expect to be seeing him any time soon," she added behind her back as she left, slamming the cell door shut.
A wave of fury swept the zebra up in her emotions as she rushed the door, frantically banging on it with her hooves, ignoring the renewed pain it was causing and the fresh streaks of blood being made on it. She cursed as loudly as she could, screaming a string of obscenities that would make a sailor blush. The sound was loud enough and carried swiftly enough to get the Alicorn's attention and she trotted swiftly back to Brenda's cell. She slammed the cell door open with such force, the resulting noise was enough to cause the zebra to cover her ears and cower in fright. The Solar Princess' expression of rage was one which caused Brenda's blood to run cold.
"Perhaps yet another change of location is in order for you," she growled, wrapping the zebra in her golden aura. "If this is the thanks I receive for providing you with a room of your own and a bed to sleep on, not to mention food to eat, then perhaps I was too lenient with you." The zebra futilely kicked her legs in an attempt to free herself from the Alicorn's magic aura, giving her something else to smile about. "You cannot use magic, Brenda, and even if you could, you would not be able to break free of my hold on you. I shall escort you to a more appropriate location commensurate with your level of contempt for me," she said softly as she trotted further down the staircase leading to the older and smaller cells in the dungeon. The already dank and dim dungeon became even darker before she stopped and opened another door, placing the zebra on the cold wet floor of this cell.
Brenda gingerly rose to her hooves and trotted around in a small circle inside the cell, her eyes taking a few minutes to adjust to the darkness. She noticed just how small the cell was and the fact that there was no bed for her to sleep on.
"Am I -- supposed to sleep -- on the floor?" she asked incredulously. She gave the Solar Princess a baleful look, tears beginning to well up at the corners of her eyes when she finally realized the Alicorn wasn't playing around.
"You chose to disrespect me, Brenda -- and I informed you that your actions would have consequences. You will remain here until I am thoroughly convinced of your contrition and your willingness to treat me with the level of respect I demand from you," she intoned sternly before trotting away and closing the cell door behind her. As she left, she heard the zebra wail in despair, eliciting a small smile on her face.
"Okay, Rarity, where to first?" I asked as we began the tour of Canterlot's market district. The sights amazed me -- unlike Ponyville's marketplace, Canterlot's was far more elaborate. Shops of all sorts lined the streets, many tents with ponies hawking their wares and services calling out to passersby, each one vying for any attention they could get.
"There's a fabric shop I love to visit whenever I'm here in Canterlot -- it's not far from here," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. She noticed me furrow my brow as I ruminated on Celestia's words. "Michael, darling, is something troubling you?"
I sighed heavily in response to her question. "I'm worried about Brenda -- there's something about Princess Celestia's demeanor that has given me cause for concern. I know I should trust her, but -- something inside me is telling me Brenda's in trouble," I stated, a note of apprehension in my words. Rarity gave me a puzzled look.
"I would hope you don't let it interfere too much with what I've planned out for today -- that little diversion in the Castle cost me precious shopping time!" she huffed. "And weren't you saying something about getting married yesterday?" she asked as she sidled close to me and batted her eyes affectionately. I deftly stepped to my right to put a little distance between us.
"Rarity, I said I was tempted to ask for your hoof in marriage -- I must admit to a little disappointment you don't share my concerns, but I was just voicing my concerns in response to your question," I said, a hint of exasperation in my tone.
"Michael, daaaaar-ling, you've got to let that zebra go! I've seen firsthoof how badly she treats you! You belong with somepony who can give you the sort of love you deserve! Somepony like ... me!" she chirped as she leaned against my left side again, using more force this time and batting her eyes even more swiftly. I allowed an audible groan to escape my lips, causing Spike to chuckle and Rarity to frown.
"Rarity, I really appreciate your offer, but right now's not a good time to be asking me these things. My conscience would bother me if I were to ask Celestia for an annulment of my current marriage -- she can do that here -- but until I am certain that Brenda's safe, I think it would be wrong for me to do anything until I know -- one way ... or the other," I finished softly, the possibility of such dark thoughts giving me great pause.
"Michael, darling, Princess Celestia would never intentionally kill another pony! How can you say such things?" she asked, exasperation clearly evident in her voice. I saw her narrow her eyes at me.
"I don't know, Rarity -- all I do know is that there's something fishy and I don't like it. I know it's wrong to assume the worst, but I can't leave anything to chance, especially when it involves my wife. I'm sorry for even broaching the subject." I tried to gauge her reaction, though I gave her a nearly pleading look. "Look, I know Princess Celestia means well -- perhaps she desires that I be happy as well -- but I feel obligated to my wife."
The fashionista sighed heavily at my statement, then turned to me and smiled. "Well, perhaps later when things have sorted themselves out -- please think about my offer, darling! I would love to have a stallion as dashing and dapper as you!"
"I thank you for the compliment, Rarity. I will consider your request, and should the time come, I will let you know my decision. Until then, I would appreciate not being rushed into making any decisions that serious." The sky seemed to darken as clouds built up -- or were pushed into place by quite a few pegasi. I hadn't noticed them earlier as they had been pushing very dark storm clouds into place.
"Um, Mike, it looks like it's going to --" Spike observed before a bolt of lightning hit something not far from where we were trotting. As soon as the thunder finished booming, a torrential downpour dampened our mood considerably.
"A very astute observation, Spike!" I huffed.
"My coiffure! It's going to be ruined!" Rarity whined as she started galloping to the nearest shelter. I followed suit, the young drake perched atop my back and clinging to my neck as I matched the fashionista stride for stride. We managed to make it into a shop before we had gotten completely soaked, though we still dripped quite a bit of water onto the shopkeeper's floor. We shook the water out of our coats as best we could, though Spike had to jump off my back first. I glanced at the fashionista, noting how nice she looked with her mane down and complimented her on it.
"Michael, darling, I'd rather you not see me with my mane like this -- I find it rather unbecoming," she complained.
"It makes you look quite alluring like that," I smiled, eliciting a light blush. The shopkeeper trotted out to meet us at that point.
"Good afternoon, sir and madam. How are we doing today?" he asked. I took a moment to glance around the shop to see where we had ended up and noticed several long staves on the walls.
"I am doing okay, though slightly damp," I replied, offering a small smile.
"I'm afraid I must apologize for the intrusion, darling, but we were trying to get out of the rain," said Rarity.
"So your venture into my establishment was caused by this sudden downpour. May I interest you in a staff?"
"Well, we were just trying to keep from getting completely soaked, sir. I have no idea what I'd need a staff for," I replied, backing toward the door. Rarity stopped me with her magic and glowered at me.
"Darling, we entered his store -- it would be considered quite rude to leave without buying anything," she chided.
"Um, Rarity, I don't have any money," I protested weakly.
"I'll buy it for you, Michael," she intoned softly to me before turning her attention back to the shopkeeper. "Kind sir, he will have one -- I shall pay for it."
"Very well then, madam. The standard rate is ten bits, though I notice your stallion companion lacks a cutie mark. This should be a relatively quick and easy job," he smiled. "Sir, your name is --?" he asked me.
"It's Michael -- and you are?"
"Wood Carver, at your service! I craft the finest Clovellian staves in all Canterlot!" he stated quite proudly.
"What's a Clovellian staff?" I asked, completely ignorant of pony history. He gave me a look as though I had grown a second head.
"You don't know who Clover the Clever was?" he asked almost indignantly.
"I've heard of the name, but know nothing of her," I replied. Rarity tapped my right shoulder with her left forehoof and glowered at me again. The shopkeeper regaled me with some of her exploits and motioned for me to approach him.
"I shall start on your staff -- please let me analyze you for a moment and I'll begin." I felt a slight tingling around my horn as he used his magic to probe my mind and aura. He then set about the task of using a blade with his telekinesis to carve images into the long wooden staff. Time seemed to drag as the work progressed.
"How much longer?" I asked impatiently.
"I have no idea, Michael -- these things are determined by your past and hint at your future -- but I have never had to work on a staff for this long before," he replied, a note of astonishment in his voice. Rarity watched with interest as the blade carved this way and that. Quite a few of the images depicted Twilight, which intrigued her.
"Darling, why is Twilight being carved into the staff? I thought it was for you," she mused.
"Did I forget to mention I was in a copy of Twilight's body for a short period of time? I managed to accomplish a few things during that time," I replied nonchalantly. This drew gasps from both the fashionista and the stallion who was still carving my staff. I nickered at their reaction, though Rarity recovered quickly and bombarded me with a slew of questions. Wood Carver returned his attention to the task at hoof as I regaled the mare with the highlights of my previous experiences in a copy of Twilight's body. Spike seemed almost mesmerized by my explanations, though he winced when I described his reaction when I reverted to my human form. Presently, the stallion finished his work and presented it to me.
"So, is there an extra charge for the length of time it took to carve this?" I asked. Truthfully, he had spent nearly an hour working on it.
"No, the price is the same. Your story sounds unbelievable, but given the images on the staff, it must be true -- false images cannot be carved onto a Clovellian Staff, as I'm sure you're probably aware," he stated. "By the way, you'll have to name it as well."
"Hmm," I mused. "I think I'll call it Quorthon."
"That's an odd name," Wood Carver responded. "Why?"
"Just an unusual name I recall from an earlier time in my life -- I think he was a singer of sorts," I replied matter-of-factly. I noticed the stallion continue his odd glance as well as noticing the fashionista gazing at the staff in wonderment. Spike seemed fascinated with the images carved onto it as well.
"What's this one of me crying for?" the drake asked.
"That's when I transformed back into a human, but offered to either create a Twilight clone in the Mirror Pool or be transformed back into Twilight so I could stay in that universe for you," I replied.
"Wow, I had no idea you would be willing to do that just for me!" he chuckled.
"Truly your generosity outshines mine, Michael," Rarity opined softly, though she sidled up to me again -- I could have sworn she was about to swoon, her admiration for me was so strong.
"Clearly you flatter me, Rarity -- I felt a sense of obligation and if circumstances had been a little different, I might still be in that universe. The ponies there needed a lot of help rebuilding everything and I wanted to help in any way I could." I levitated the staff in front of me and examined it more closely. I noticed a blank area on the staff and commented on it.
"As you continue to accomplish more feats, those will appear on the staff after they occur," Wood Carver responded. "Still, I must admit I'm quite amazed to meet somepony with your credentials -- you're a real hero, Michael! I should ask for a duplicate of your staff so I can hang it on my wall -- if you manage to do something else amazing, it will appear on the duplicate staff as well!"
"How long will that take?" I asked, a slight amount of trepidation evident in my voice. Rarity gave me a worried look as well.
"I can use magic to make a duplicate of your staff immediately," he replied, enveloping it in a tan aura, then placing a second blank staff next to it. The images on Quorthon were transferred to the second staff, a feat which drew a low whistle from me. He chuckled at that. "Simple duplication magic is easy -- once your staff was finished, just a small amount of magic was needed to make the copy. Thank you for your patience, Michael -- I hope you can come back some time later on and tell me some new stories if something new appears on this staff!"
"I will try to do that, Wood Carver," I replied warmly. Rarity took ten bits from a small bag and gave them to the shopkeeper.
"It is an honor to have met you, Michael," he offered as we left the shop. Spike had climbed onto my back and was holding Quorthon in his claws, inspecting the staff closely. We noticed the rain had stopped for the most part, though the sky was still overcast as we trotted to the next store.
"Mike, this is incredible!" the drake exclaimed in astonishment as he saw close up what had been carved onto it. I chuckled at his reaction as we continued trotting.
"I'm curious to see what Twilight's staff would have carved on it," I mused aloud.
"You've seen the stained glass windows in the Castle, have you not, darling?" asked Rarity as she tried to stifle a giggle.
"I wonder if there are stained glass windows in Canterlot Castle in that other universe featuring what I had done there," I replied wistfully. "I wouldn't be surprised if I'm as highly revered in that universe as Twilight is in this one."
"I guess you'll never know, will you, Michael?" the fashionista asked rhetorically. We trotted a bit further and she directed me into this next store. I hadn't been paying attention until I was inside and noticed that this particular shop reminded me of the interior of Carousel Boutique. There were numerous pony-shaped mannequins around the room, each with a different clothing design on them. A dark charcoal-grey stallion trotted up to us at this point.
"Miss Rarity, it is a pleasure to have you visit my shop," he stated confidently. I detected an air of condescension in the tone of his voice and narrowed my eyes ever so slightly in his direction. He seemed to notice this almost immediately and gave me a sidelong glance. "Miss Rarity, I believe it is unseemly for one as fair as you to be associating with such riff-raff."
My left eye started twitching as I narrowed my eyes to slits and lowered my ears. "I'd be careful about calling certain ponies riff-raff if I were you," I growled, levitating Quorthon as a warning.
"What are you doing with a Clovellian staff?" he asked indignantly. "Miss Rarity, please tell me you did not waste a single bit on this ... this ..."
"I've had about enough out of you, whomever you are," I declared angrily. My eyes appeared to flash red for a split-second, causing him to back away, a look of fear on his face.
"Michael, please stop! He's an acquaintance of mine," Rarity implored, though she cast a disapproving look at me. She turned her attention to the other stallion. "Hoity Toity, I'm terribly sorry about that -- he can be a bit impulsive sometimes." I nickered at the mention of his name.
"Your name --" I chuckled, "is -- Hoity Toity?" I asked. I lost my attempt to stifle my laughter.
"You don't even have a proper pony name, so I wouldn't laugh if I were you, Michael!" he retorted testily.
"I've been mulling over some possibilities, and the name Amethyst Flame is what seems to be coming to mind," I stated matter-of-factly.
"You certainly have the hot-headed temper to match that name," Hoity Toity responded.
"I rather like it, darling," Rarity mused as she sidled against me, practically leaning against my right side and batted her eyes at me again.
"He doesn't even have a cutie mark! Rarity, what is it about him that fascinates you so?"
"He's a hero in another universe, Hoity -- he has done as much there as Twilight has done here!" she replied. If my eyes weren't deceiving me, I could have sworn I saw stars in hers as she gushed about my accomplishments.
"Rarity, please -- there's a proper time and place for such accolades. I thought you were here to shop or something," I said in an attempt to get her attention.
"I couldn't believe he had succeeded in doing that! Isn't he just wonderful?" she asked before her brain processed my statement. She turned her attention back to me. "Oh, sorry, darling -- you know how I get!" she chortled.
"Well, Michael, or Amethyst, or whatever you want to be called, if I hadn't heard this from Rarity, I would seriously doubt your credentials. I apologize for the earlier misunderstanding," Hoity stated. His voice sounded as though he seemed to be somewhat impressed by Rarity's glowing endorsement of me.
"Accepted, Hoity Toity," I replied, though I noticed it was still quite difficult for me to say his name without smiling. He returned my smile, though I silently wondered if he knew precisely why I was smiling. I chalked it up to ignorance and let the matter drop.
"So, Miss Rarity, have you come to admire my latest fashions?" he asked her as he sidled up to her and winked his right eye.
"I thought perhaps you might be interested in purchasing some of my latest designs, Hoity, darling," she offered, smiling.
"Well, perhaps I might be inclined to examine them," he mused as he trotted over to a pony-shaped mannequin. "But can they compare to this?" he asked as he revealed his most recent design.
"Michael, darling, you still have my packages, don't you?" she asked me.
"I can fetch them thus," I responded, lighting my horn and teleporting one of the boxes in front of her. She expressed surprise, as did the other stallion when the box appeared. Rarity recovered quickly and levitated the box, opening it and removing the item. She smiled in approval at me.
"Hoity, darling, this is one of my most recent designs," she stated proudly.
"I see you still have your touch, Miss Rarity. Color me impressed," he grinned as he returned to her side and leaned against her.
"And I see you're quite smitten with her," I replied with a degree of sarcasm as I glowered at him again. Something stirred within me when I saw him trying to cozy up with the mare -- I don't know why, but it just seemed to make me a little jealous.
"She is the epitome of beauty, though you seem hardly the type to appreciate that," he responded, eliciting a low growl from me.
"I see we're back to square one," I hissed through clenched teeth, narrowing my eyes to slits again.
"I think you'd better control that temper of yours unless you want trouble," he grinned. "I have connections here in Canterlot -- you don't want to make me your enemy. I can make things very difficult for you, regardless of how important you might think you are."
I turned my attention to the mare. "Rarity, is he for real or is he just blowing smoke?" I asked.
"I can assure you that I don't make threats -- I make promises," he replied in his condescending tone.
"Michael, I've known Hoity long enough to know how well connected he is -- just -- try to be nice, won't you?"
"Very well then, Miss Rarity, because you asked me nicely," I replied, sighing heavily through my nostrils.
"Now that that little matter has been resolved, there are a few more things I'd like to show you," the stallion offered softly as he led the mare around his store, showing off a few more of his designs. Not content to stand around and watch, I decided to trot outside and wait for her to finish and reconnoiter with me. Spike joined me outside the establishment.
"Why did you act like that?" he asked, exasperation evident in his tone.
"I think I may be smitten with her as well, Spike -- it makes me jealous to see the two of them together like that, especially when he's not even trying to disguise his attempts to hit on her," I replied as my anger began to rise again. The pitter-patter of rain drops began again as we waited in silence. The rain picked up its intensity shortly after that.
"Um, Mike, aren't you going to go back inside?" the drake asked.
"I have no business in that shop," I replied flatly, allowing the rain to soak my body.
"You're still wearing that jacket Rarity made for you -- it's getting all wet," he noted.
"I don't care," I huffed in annoyance as the rain continued to beat down upon us.
As I waited, and got soaked to the skin, Rarity continued her chat with Hoity Toity. At some point, the mare noticed my absence and peeked out the front door of his shop. She frowned upon seeing me standing, though I used Quorthon to help support my weight, considering the fact that standing on all fours had become tiresome after awhile.
"Michael, darling, what are you doing out there? It's raining," Rarity observed casually. Then she noticed I was still wearing the jacket she had made me yesterday. "Please, come inside where it's dry -- I can't stand to see one of my creations get ruined by the rain!"
"Okay, Rarity, I'm coming," I responded glumly. I held Quorthon in my right fore-hoof as I made my way back towards Hoity's shop, but before I had gotten too much further, a stray bolt of lightning struck my staff, the massive surge of electricity knocking me out and the staff a good distance away. Rarity called out my name in horror as she witnessed this, then commanded Spike to retrieve the staff.
Hoity Toity saw what happened as well and he came outside to check on my status, placing a hoof on my chest to see if my heart was still beating. "His heart is beating, but it's very faint -- he needs medical attention quickly!" he shouted as a few ponies approached. One of them galloped away to get help for me as Rarity levitated my body in her aura. Spike climbed onto her back, holding my staff with both hands. At this point, the rain dissipated and some of the clouds parted to allow sunlight to shine through.
"Michael, I am so sorry," the fashionista whispered to me as she carried me along in her aura. I couldn't hear her words as I had been temporarily deafened by the thunder -- I was lucky enough to still be alive, though just barely. She carried me all the way to the front gate of the Castle, where a medical team had already been assembled. My body was placed on a gurney and taken to the medical wing in the Castle. Princess Celestia was informed of what had happened and she took time to check on me. She met up with Rarity, who still seemed to be blaming herself for the accident.
"Rarity, what happened exactly?" the Alicorn asked, her face a mask of concern.
"I called for him to come out of the rain and he was struck by a bolt of lightning," she replied softly. "I am so sorry, Princess."
"It's not your fault, Rarity, so please don't blame yourself. I will ensure he does not die," she intoned warmly. "Spike, is this a Clovellian staff?"
"Yes, Princess Celestia -- I can't believe what's been carved into it!" the drake replied with some astonishment.
"Let me have a look at it," she said, levitating it before her in her golden aura. She turned it around, examining it quite closely, then paused for a moment or two before speaking. "So, he wasn't lying about being in Twilight's body -- I must admit, he's done quite a bit. I owe him an apology," she stated softly as she levitated the staff back to the young drake.
"He still seems concerned about his wife," the fashionista mused. "If you don't mind my asking, how is she doing?"
"She is doing about as well as can be expected, Rarity, though it surprises me you seem so interested in her well-being. Rest assured, her concerns are being addressed, and when Michael regains consciousness, I will allow her to see him."
"I would like to stay with him -- I can't help but feel responsible for causing this. It would mean so much to me, your Highness," the alabaster mare offered warmly.
"Very well then, Rarity, you may stay with him -- but what about your business back in Ponyville? Don't you have work to do back there?"
"My business and clientele can wait -- this is more important. Would you be kind enough to send Twilight a letter to inform her of what happened and where I can be found if she needs me?"
"Of course, Rarity, I shall let her know what has transpired," the Alicorn replied, smiling warmly. The two of them trotted to the medical wing to ascertain my status and were shocked to see a unicorn doctor using a defibrillator on me. Apparently, my heart had stopped beating at some point and I had been hurried into the ICU. The medical team surrounded the doctor to provide additional assistance as she successfully resuscitated me. They expressed some relief that my heart had resumed beating, though a great deal of concern about how long my brain had gone without oxygen. A respirator was attached to my muzzle to aid my breathing, though I continued to remain unconscious.
One of the medical staff left the ICU and Celestia met up with him to ask about me. He informed her that I had fallen into a coma and that I was very lucky even to be alive. He commented on the long jagged scar the lightning bolt had inflicted on my right fore-leg, which ran along the right side of my body. He expressed some curiosity about my cutie mark, which showed a long jagged lightning bolt running the length of my flanks. This caused the Alicorn to raise an eyebrow and Rarity to gasp softly.
Rarity asked about how long it might be before I wake from my coma, but the response was not a good one as the medic informed her that he had no idea how long it would be, and that there was the possibility that I might never wake up again. He also stated that I would be under medical supervision until my condition had stabilized.
I had no concept of the passage of time as I lay in a coma. My dreams consisted of dark visions, many of them involving my wife attacking me in some fashion, then Celestia administering punishments ranging from ludicrous to draconian -- in some cases, I watched in horror as the Alicorn took sadistic delight in causing her excruciating pain and suffering. Some of my visions involved me and Twilight or Rarity or some other pony doing things together while my wife watched helplessly. Sometimes I thought I heard her screaming my name and pounding on my chest, then crying and sobbing as she laid her head on my chest. Sometimes I remembered seeing a brilliant white flash and then a very loud roar before everything went black and I couldn't hear anything.
Princess Celestia would come to visit me from time to time, sometimes even bringing my zebra wife to see what had happened. The first time this happened, the zebra blamed the Alicorn for my predicament and it took her quite awhile to accept the explanation. My vision of Brenda screaming my name and crying as she lay her head on my chest proved to be correct as her numerous visits attested to her desire to have me back. Rarity had stayed for as long as she could before she was finally persuaded to return to Ponyville. Before she left, she whispered into my ear something I had wanted to hear for a long time. Even though I was still in a coma and virtually unable to hear what she said, the corners of my mouth turned upward at her statement.
Twilight would stop by from time to time as well -- her impression upon seeing Quorthon was utter amazement. She commented to her mentor about how much I had accomplished while in a copy of her body and that she wanted to know as much as she could about me. She pleaded with Celestia to use her magic on me, but was informed that doing so could be quite dangerous and that I would have to recover from the coma when I could.
Days turned into weeks as my body continued to atrophy under the ravages of my coma. I wasn't sure exactly how long I had been asleep before I woke up in a hospital bed. The monitors seemingly sprang to life and alerted the one remaining medical pony who'd been the unlucky recipient of the short straw and given the task of overseeing me. She entered my room and gave me a cursory examination, then gasped as I opened my eyes.
"Where's my wife?" I tried to ask, then immediately regretted even trying to open my mouth, let alone speak as the dryness in my throat caused me to clamp my mouth shut in pain, eliciting a light whimpering from me.
"Don't try to speak -- I will fetch the lead doctor immediately!" she exclaimed, partially out of concern for my health and partially due to her shock at my recovery. She nearly galloped out of my room and returned very shortly with another pony, this one being a light green unicorn stallion who wore dark green glasses. He trotted over to me slowly and conducted a more thorough examination. I saw his mouth move, but could not hear anything he said.
"How long has he been awake?" the doctor asked the nurse.
"He just woke up a few minutes ago, doctor," she replied. "He tried to speak, then whimpered in pain."
"Fetch a mist bottle so we can hydrate his throat. Get an eyedropper and a glass of saline water. Fetch another IV bag, this one's about gone," he commanded brusquely, causing the nurse to nearly gallop to comply with his demands. He trotted over to me slowly to assess my condition, lifting my forelegs one at a time, pressing a stethoscope to my chest to listen to my heartbeat, though the monitor showed a regularity to it to indicate a normalizing condition. The doctor examined my scarred right foreleg a little more closely, noting that the singed fur had regrown, though the area was now shock-white instead of medium purple.
"Looks like you're on your way to a full recovery, Michael," he stated aloud, though I could not hear him. I turned my head quizzically upon seeing him speak but not hearing his words. "Can you hear me?" he asked. I had read his lips and shook my head sadly in response. "Hmm. Your hearing is still gone -- I will consult a medical directory and see what can be done about that."
I tried to open my mouth to ask about my wife, which caused him to shake his head. "Don't try to speak, Michael -- you've been in a coma for six months and we need to hydrate you before you try to speak again," the doctor advised. I tried to light my horn to use magic, but a sharp pain in my forehead put a quick stop to that, causing me to whimper again.
"I believe you may have suffered a magic overload when you were struck by lightning, Michael -- I will give the Princess a full report," the doctor stated in a dull monotone. The nurse returned with the requested supplies, accompanied by another medical technician for additional assistance. Word had reached Princess Celestia at this point and she arrived in my room about five minutes later as the team busied themselves with spraying a light mist of saline solution into my mouth. The saltiness of the water made me want to vomit, but there was nothing in my stomach to purge. I continued to swallow very gingerly as they used the eyedropper to provide additional hydration.
"Michael, I am terribly sorry for what happened to you," Princess Celestia stated upon seeing me in the bed. She trotted slowly to me and motioned for the medical team to provide some room for her. She knelt beside me and placed her head on my chest, a tear trickling from her right eye. "Trust me when I tell you I shall do what I can to help you," she added softly.
"Your Highness, he cannot hear you," the doctor noted matter-of-factly. Upon hearing this, the Alicorn used her magic on me to attempt to heal my hearing. The first sound that I was able to discern was something that sounded like the roar of ocean waves crashing on a shoreline. This took several minutes to subside to a somewhat reasonable level, though the sound was still omnipresent and loud enough to obscure most of the conversation the medical team was having.
"Can you hear me now?" asked Celestia, giving me a hopeful look.
I tried to speak again, opening my mouth, then clamping it shut again, another whimper coming from me. The alicorn used a little more magic, healing my throat just a little. "Mmmmh, uhhhh, ahhh, mmmmh," I moaned. "My wife," I added, my voice croaking out of my mouth.
"Michael, I shall fetch her immediately," she stated, then disappeared in a flash of white light, only to reappear mere seconds later with my zebra wife. Brenda trotted over to me slowly, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Mike! Mike! I thought I had lost you!" she cried happily as she leaned on top of me on the bed, giving me a light kiss on my lips. She saw tears beginning to form at the corners of my eyes as I made the Herculean effort of placing my left foreleg on top of her.
"Mmmmmh, Brenda," I said softly, my voice still very hoarse. The medical team watched as the zebra lay on top of me, though they expressed some concern about my state of physical weakness.
"Madam, he is going to need about six months of physical rehabilitation," the lead doctor opined, giving the both of us a look of sympathy.
"I want to be with him -- Mike, I am so sorry for causing you so much pain," Brenda offered warmly. "Princess, I would desire you let me stay with him until he recovers fully."
"Granted, Brenda. Take all the time you need," she replied warmly before trotting out of the room.
I continued to lay in the bed with my zebra wife laying on top of me -- her warmth coupled with the cover caused me to start sweating. The heat might have been a welcoming thing for me, but in my weakened state it alarmed one of the nurses who had been freshly assigned to monitor my health.
"Please, ma'am, give him some air," she requested.
"He's my husband -- please let me stay with him! It's been so long since I last got to talk to him!" she begged, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's all right, nurse -- Brenda, I need a little air, please -- I have so much to talk to you about," I offered weakly. I tried to use magic to get some water, but the effort caused my horn to ache, eliciting a groan as I grimaced in pain. My horn sparked, alarming the nurse.
"Please, sir, you mustn't use your magic yet -- you need to rest more before you can use magic," the nurse advised. Brenda moved back reluctantly and allowed the nurse to pull my cover back so I could cool off. Brenda noticed the jagged white lightning bolt that adorned my right flank as I was laying on my left.
"I thought the lightning bolt scarred your right arm," Brenda mused, a quizzical look on her face. She seemed to stare at my new cutie mark.
"I haven't gotten a good look at myself since that day I was struck by lightning," I stated. "I would like to see what it looks like."
The nurse brought a mirror over and held it such that I could see it.
"Looks like a cutie mark," I noted dryly as I was also shown the scar which ran along my body, but did not extend to the cutie mark.
"What's a cutie mark?" asked Brenda, her puzzlement growing.
"All ponies should have them -- but when we were transformed from human into pony, we didn't have them. We've been here for how long? And you don't know what a cutie mark is? Where've you been?"
"Mike -- Princess Celestia locked me up in a dungeon cell for a long time -- it's been all I can do to keep from going insane -- and I'm really happy you're awake and alive, because I was still being held in a cell," she replied sadly. I growled a little at this.
"I had no idea, Brenda -- I wanna do something to remedy this, but -- I can't do anything right now. I hope she's had a change of heart and will let you stay in the room with me until we're ready to leave."
"Why did she lock you up?" asked the nurse, eliciting dark looks from both of us.
"I don't think it's your business to know," I replied, the words practically croaking out of my mouth.
"I got mad at him over something stupid," Brenda replied softly. "I hit him a few times in the head -- Mike, please forgive me! I am so sorry!"
"Sounds like the Princess broke you, Brenda," I opined softly.
"You -- you -- you don't know what it was like down there!" the zebra wailed as fresh tears trickled from the corners of her eyes. The memories of being held in a tiny cell overwhelmed her as she fell to her hocks and silently sobbed.
"I may have to ask a favor or two from the Princess," I muttered.
Silence fell over the room as Brenda remained sitting on her haunches and the nurse trotted over to comfort her, sitting beside her and wrapping her right fore-leg around the zebra.
"I am so sorry to hear about that," she offered. Brenda's response was a just barely audible, "Thanks."
It took a few days before I was able to talk normally -- I was still on an IV, but attempts were being made to get me on a liquid diet. Upon hearing of my awakening, I was visited by Twilight and the others, though the medical team requested I only meet with them one at a time. Rarity was overjoyed to hear of my recovery and presented me with another jacket, basically identical to the one she made for me earlier. I thanked her for her generosity, though Brenda was somewhat less than happy about it. Rarity assured her that the gift was simply a gesture of kindness, not to be taken as anything more than that.
Brenda was allowed to stay with me during my entire recovery, cheering me on when I was engaged in physical rehabilitation. She expressed her displeasure when I refused attempts to have my scarred fur magically repaired, exasperated that I would choose to keep the scar. I told her that it was a reminder, that I wanted to carry it for the sake of my pride.
Physical training was grueling and painful, but I had to go through with it -- I was determined to do so -- and there were many times when I would fall, causing Brenda to call out in worry when that happened. I would try to dust myself off and keep going, determined to make a full recovery as swiftly as possible.
It had taken three weeks before I was able to eat solid food once again, but even then it was limited to grasses and flowers, with the occasional pancake from time to time. It took longer for my muscle strength to return, but that was the purpose of my training program. I was determined to become stronger than I ever was, so my training included free weights and lifting. I was shocked at just how badly my strength had atrophied and discovered that it would take nearly as long to recover that strength as well.
Twilight would visit quite often to teach me additional magic skills, much to Brenda's consternation. Twilight told her that it was needed, otherwise I would suffer another magic overload and never be able to use magic again. I had found out that my horn needed regular filing to keep the channel free of obstruction -- an overgrown horn inhibited magic use, as I learned the hard way. The librarian seemed to dote over me as my skills continued to improve, and she would teach me more advanced spells as well. She was quite pleased by my curiosity and nearly insatiable desire to learn as much as I could.
The doctor had said it would take six months of rehabilitation to make a full recovery -- his estimate was close, about two weeks shy of how long it actually took. I had regained the full range of motion and had built up a fair amount of muscle mass in the process. My magical strength had improved quite a bit as well, which pleased Twilight.
Finally! We were ready to go back to Ponyville. Brenda and I were all smiles when we were escorted out of the medical wing to the Throne Room to meet with Princess Celestia one more time before leaving for Ponyville aboard the train. I asked about my car and was informed that I would not be able to use it just yet. The alicorn informed me that it would kept waiting for me until she was certain I was ready to reclaim it, as it was an item she had created for me in the first place. We were given saddlebags with various gifts and I was given a harness in which to carry my staff.
A squad of Royal Guardsponies escorted us to the train station to see us off. I noticed the tickets we had been given were for the first class coach, something which impressed me as we boarded. Brenda and I were escorted inside the train by another pony, who showed us to our private chamber. We took our seats, luxuriating in the comfort of the first-class accommodations, and even though the train ride was just two hours long, we were served a five course meal for the ride there.
"Remind me to thank the Princess once again for her generosity," I noted warmly.
"You didn't have to spend six months in her dungeon," my wife commented bitterly. "I don't think it was fair of her to do that to me."
"I'm sorry," I offered softly as I sidled up to her and wrapped my right foreleg around her in an attempt to comfort her. She returned my embrace and we stayed like that pretty much the rest of the way to Ponyville. When the train finally stopped at the station, we were greeted by nearly every pony in town, though Pinkie Pie had erected a Welcome Back banner for us. She bounced up and down in extreme enthusiasm upon seeing us exit the train. We slowly trotted towards them on a red carpet that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Mikey! Brenda! So glad to see you back! How was Canterlot?" she asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"Really, Pinkie? Did you have to ask that?" I asked in exasperation.
"It was miserable," Brenda replied sullenly.
"Well, you're here now! I'm so glad you both made it back! I've got a super-duper special welcome back party for you two!"
"I can hardly wait," I deadpanned.
"... I don't think I want to go to any more parties," Brenda noted in a dull monotone.
"Aww, come on! You two are the guests of honor! You have to celebrate your return to Ponyville! We can't do it for you!" Pinkie exclaimed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. I noticed her mane and tail deflate ever so slightly as her expression turned to one of worry.
"Pinkie, can we take a rain-check on that party? I don't think right now's such a good time," I offered, smiling faintly. "Brenda's still upset over what she was forced to endure back in Canterlot and we'd like a little time to decompress from all that," I added.
"Okie dokie loki, I'll have that party ready for you two when you are! Or maybe I can surprise you two again..." she mused as a grin crept onto her face before she began bouncing away, presumably back to the bakery. Twilight and the others circled us, smiling warmly at us before embracing us in a large group hug. We trotted from the train station to the bakery as our mood improved. It seemed as though all the townsponies were greeting us cheerfully as we trotted through town, smiles and happiness washing over us like a slow wave of warm water. Even Brenda started smiling the closer we got to the bakery.
"Is that Sugarcube Corner we're coming up on?" I asked.
"Sure is, Mikey!" came Pinkie's voice from somewhere. Even just hearing the chirp in her voice caused me to smile.
"Mike, I thought we weren't going to a party," Brenda opined. Her hoofsteps seemed to slow a little as we got closer.
"Oh, Brenda -- I know now's not a good time -- but -- just for the sake of the ponies, let's try to have a good time, okay?" I asked, giving her an almost pleading look. My thoughts returned to the first party held on our behalf and what had transpired then. I silently resolved to prevent it from happening again.
"All right, Mike -- just -- behave yourself, okay? I -- I don't wanna lose you to one of these ponies you seem to like so much," she noted almost dejectedly.
"You worry too much, Brenda -- I promise I'll be good," I noted, a wry smile on my face. We opened the door to the bakery and trotted in slowly before being blasted in the face with a shower of confetti and our ears assaulted with a loud chorus of "SURPRISE!" from all the ponies inside.
The party went without a hitch and Brenda and I enjoyed ourselves. My fears of a repeat of the first party proved to be unfounded, though Pinkie had ensured that wouldn't happen. Somehow or other, she seemed to know what we would enjoy and she also seemed to take control of the party, guiding every pony by engaging in activities Brenda and I might find fun. In short, we had a good time and I congratulated Pinkie on giving us a good party. As we left, we met up with Twilight, a suggestion of mine being to ask her to allow us to stay in her guest room. Brenda was rather reticent about the idea, but after discussing it with the librarian, she agreed to let us stay with her. She also informed Brenda that she would respect our privacy and our marriage as she bid us good night. Brenda and I expressed our happiness at being allowed to sleep together once again, even if we were in different bodies. As such, it gave us an opportunity to express our love for each other in a more intimate and physical manner. Brenda discovered a new sensitivity as a zebra and I discovered how much more satisfying providing her such pleasure could be. I think that night we resolved to renew our vows to each other as soon as we could, though it might also have been something we said during the heat of passion. It had been a long time since I had felt that way about my wife. The night flew by far too fast for my liking as we were awoken by a knocking at the door.
"Yeah, what is it?" I asked groggily, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
"Okay, you two, it's time to get up -- breakfast is waiting downstairs," Twilight noted brightly. "From what I heard last night, it sounds as though you two may have finally put your differences aside." She continued to smile at us as I returned her smile.
"Well -- perhaps I was wrong about him," Brenda declared. She flashed a tentative smile as she glanced at me. "Maybe being ponies might work out for us."
I turned to my wife, a neutral expression on my face. "Um, I kinda hate to say this, Brenda, but we might not have a choice in that matter -- I seem to recall the Princess saying something about us not being able to go back home and that we needed to be ponies so we could fit in a little better -- but in your case, being a zebra might complicate matters a little," I noted, disappointment tinging my words.
"So what are we going to do about it, Mike? We lost everything back home, didn't we? Why -- why did I have to follow you? Ugh!" she groaned as memories began returning, their presence as unwelcome as their poor timing.
"I can answer that," Twilight offered almost wryly. "You love your stallion so dearly you felt compelled to follow him regardless of the consequences. I sometimes wish I had a special somepony who was as dedicated to me as you are to him," she stated wistfully. Her smile began to wilt as she took a few moments to ruminate over her past.
"Well, you can't have my stallion, Twilight -- you'll have to find someone else to help you," Brenda replied with just a hint of malice coloring her words. Her eyes narrowed slightly as well as she glanced at me. My expression was one of sympathy for the librarian, something which seemed to spark a little jealousy. "Mike, I don't wanna spend another six months in that dungeon -- so please respect me."
"Give me a little credit, Brenda," I muttered. "Sorry, Twilight -- I hate it when we have these little disagreements. Brenda, we need to put the past behind us -- we have to start fresh here."
"So what are we gonna do? How are we suppose to get our own place? And why do all these ponies have to keep staring at me like I'm some kind of freak?"
"Because you're trotting around in a zebra's body, Brenda -- and the ponies here in Ponyville aren't used to seeing zebras other than Zecora," I replied. My expression brightened a little as I turned towards our host. "Hey, Twilight, how about we pay her a visit? I'm curious to see her reaction upon seeing Brenda," I chuckled.
"Mike, I don't like the sound of that -- what if she tries to steal you away from me?"
"Oh, come on now, Brenda! You know you're the only zebra in my life -- you need not worry about her taking me away from you," I replied as I ran my right fore-hoof through her mane. This calmed her down somewhat and she flashed me another soft smile.
"Your breakfast is getting cold," Twilight said almost stiffly, causing me to wonder if she might actually be a little jealous of my marriage.
"Thanks for your hospitality, Twilight," I intoned softly. "Brenda, let's not keep our hostess waiting any longer." I heard her mutter softly, causing Brenda to chuckle softly. The unicorn grumbled under her breath as she turned around and trotted away, her hoofsteps sounding on the stairs as she returned to the ground floor. "I take it that's our cue to leave," I noted. We got up from our bed and went downstairs to the kitchen to eat. We continued our discussion over breakfast, complimenting Spike on his cooking and thanking Twilight yet again for her kindness and generosity. We then helped out with cleaning the kitchen and washing the dishes.
"So, Twilight, how about it? Can we go meet Zecora?" I asked.
"She lives in the Everfree, Mike -- are you sure you want to venture there?"
"I'm curious to see her -- and I'm not scared of forests," I replied as I found her trepidation amusing, a wry smile playing on my lips.
"The Everfree is not a benign forest like Whitetail Woods -- there are many dangers lurking inside it," she admonished, her gaze hardening at me.
"Well -- you've taught me quite a bit of magic -- I think I can deal with those threats," I replied confidently. "Brenda, are you interested in meeting a fellow zebra?" I grinned.
"Um -- Mike, please! How can you call this ... Zecora ... a fellow zebra? I -- I wasn't born a zebra!"
"No, but you've been a zebra for about a year now, even if half that time was spent in a dungeon cell," I commented dryly. I immediately regretted saying that as she fell to her hocks and began sobbing again as the memories returned, overwhelming her with sadness and rage. Upon seeing this, I cooed softly to her. "Brenda, I'm so sorry -- I -- I want to fix this for you -- I had no idea it was so bad." I sat next to her and wrapped my forelegs around her.
"Mike, you should be more careful with what you say," Twilight admonished as she flashed a disapproving look at me. I continued to hold Brenda close, trying to comfort her again. After several minutes of this, she rose to her hooves again. She glowered at me, a slight hint of a growl escaping her lips.
"Don't bring that up ever again! Don't remind me of what I went through! You have no idea!" she shouted, tears trickling down her cheeks.
"Look, I said I'm sorry, okay? I'll try not to talk about it again -- I know you told me just how bad it was -- but -- I guess I can't understand if I didn't suffer the way you did. I'm very sorry," I said softly as I tried to console her again.
"I'm going to talk to Princess Celestia to see about getting you two a place of your own -- and given what you've gone through, Brenda, I think it's the least she can do to make amends," Twilight announced. "If you want to meet Zecora, please stop by Fluttershy's cottage -- perhaps she can escort you there. I have some important business to attend to."
"Um, I'm sorry if I offended you, Twilight," I said softly.
"Mike, let's get going," Brenda implored as she tapped a hoof impatiently.
"Okay, Brenda -- seeya later, Twilight," I addressed her before turning to the door.
"Michael, you might need your staff," she noted, levitating it over to me.
"Good idea, thanks, Twilight," I smiled at her then placed the staff in its holster.
"And your saddlebags," Twilight added, levitating them on our backs.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you're trying to get rid of us," I grinned as I trotted to the door. Brenda trotted beside me but kept quiet, short of stifling a giggle at my comment.
"I am," she deadpanned, her expression one of seriousness, causing my mood to sour somewhat.
"Well -- thanks again for everything, Twilight -- see you later," I said as we exited her home. The door closed sharply behind us, surprising me a little with the loudness of the sound. "I think she's a little jealous of us," I uttered softly to my zebra.
"Don't let that bother you, Mike. Let's get going if we're gonna see this other zebra -- I wonder what she'll think of me -- I hope she's nice," Brenda mused as we trotted to Fluttershy's cottage. The trek took about fifteen minutes or so as we chatted back and forth a little more. Presently, we reached our destination and I spotted the yellow pegasus tending to some birds.
"Is that Fluttershy?" asked Brenda, her voice scaring away the birds. The pegasus turned around to see us, though her expression showed annoyance.
"Yes, I'm Fluttershy -- and you interrupted me while I was feeding my birds," she grumped.
"Terribly sorry, Fluttershy, but -- Twilight suggested we meet up with you in order to see Zecora," I noted.
"Thank you for reminding me -- I need to get some special supplies from her! Of course I'll take you to see her!" she chirped. "I think she'll be happy to have some new company!"
Fluttershy led the way through the forest, staying very close to the pathway leading to Zecora's hut. Having never been in this forest, I was astonished by how thick the growth was -- trees so closely spaced that their branches seemed to intertwine in the canopy, so dense that even during an otherwise bright sunny day, very little light made it through the canopy to the forest floor.
"Why's it so dark in here?" asked Brenda as she glanced around nervously, the ambient sounds of various insects and animals completely foreign to our ears. The path we trotted on was littered with dead leaves which crunched under our hooves.
"This is the Everfree Forest, Brenda -- didn't Michael tell you anything about it?" asked Fluttershy. She seemed to glance around nervously as well, even though she had taken this path quite a few times before. The sounds seemed to get louder to drown out our voices as we went deeper in.
"No -- well, yeah, but -- I didn't think it was like this!" Brenda replied as she waved a hoof around to emphasize her point. She spotted movement from the corner of her periphery and quickly clung to me as fear seemed to get the better of her. The movement in question happened to be the cloaked figure of Zecora, and upon spotting us, she removed her hood to show herself. Her expression brightened when she caught sight of Brenda and she cantered over to us.
"Ah, greetings, fellow Zebra!" she chirped before performing a series of motions with her body before grabbing Brenda and embracing her in a tight hug. "Too long has it been since the last time I've seen one of my kind! How did you make it here from Zebrica?"
"Um, I'm not from Zebrica," Brenda replied softly as she tried to extricate herself from Zecora's embrace.
"Then perhaps you were born here in Equestria -- such is always a possibility," Zecora opined as she released my wife. "Please, accompany me to my home where we can discuss these things more fully. Would you care for some tea?"
The fact that Zecora wasn't speaking in rhyme puzzled me, so I took the opportunity to ask, "Hey, Zecora -- I thought you always spoke in rhyme?"
She turned to me at this point. "Not always do I speak as such, though at times it troubles me much," she replied, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly at me. "But pray tell, who is this zebra to you? Your faces to me are quite new."
I was about to answer her question, noting the fact she seemed to speak in rhyme whenever it suited her. Brenda answered it first, though.
"I'm his wife," Brenda replied, pointing her left forehoof at me. "You must be Zecora -- my name is Brenda and his is Mike."
She gave us a puzzled look as she contemplated my wife's response, a slight frown on her face. "Fluttershy, I will need to speak to these two alone -- please return to your home," the shamaness stated slowly. The pegasus did as instructed, leaving my wife and I alone with Zecora. "You two -- please come with me -- we have much to discuss." Without waiting for us to answer, she turned tail and began trotting to her hut. Brenda and I shared a look between us and silently followed our mysterious host. She trotted at a fairly brisk pace, forcing us to canter to keep up with her. We pelted her with various questions regarding sights and sounds, and as the trek wore on, I cringed when I heard Brenda ask, "Are we there yet?" and "How much further is it?"
Zecora ignored our questions, though if we could have seen her face, her expression would have spoken volumes. After a few more minutes of quick-trotting, we finally reached her hut. Surrounding the tree it was cut into were various objects which radiated a small amount of magic. I surmised these were wards of protection.
"Um, you live in a tree too?" asked Brenda.
"Yes, now please come inside -- the night approaches swiftly, the dangers quite high," she announced as she entered. I followed her in first, with Brenda still taking in the sight of the tree and the surrounding wards. She seemed rooted to the spot she was standing in.
"Come on, Brenda, what are you waiting for?" I asked impatiently. She turned her attention to me and shook her head as if something was inside it, then entered the hut.
"Brenda, you must tell me what has happened to you -- you do not strike me as a true zebra, though you inhabit the body of one," Zecora opined, staring hard at her as she examined her very closely.
"It's a long story," my wife replied, sadness in her tone. She took a moment to examine the interior of the hut as did I. Our eyes lingered on several different baubles and other trinkets in the main room, though seeing the stew pot had me a little worried. Zecora motioned for us to sit and hoofed us a couple of cups of liquid. I sipped at mine, noting it tasted of apple cider.
"Please, tell me everything," Zecora implored, motioning with her forehoof to Brenda.
Brenda began by telling of how we got there, immediately prompting Zecora to ask about our home world. The discussion followed along that tangent for awhile before my wife informed our host about her treatment in Celestia's dungeon. As she recounted the numerous beatings she was forced to endure, Zecora's expression darkened as mine registered deep shock. When Brenda finished by stating that even though she was allowed to accompany me after those first six months, she was still confined to a small room not much larger than her cell.
"Brenda, your tale speaks much ill about the Princess -- but I must summon my fellow zebras to form a delegation. We will petition Celestia on your behalf and we will see to it that no further harm comes to you or any other zebra she encounters," Zecora stated solemnly. "She will repay you for what you have suffered -- my fellow zebras and I will see to this."
We both smiled and nodded our heads in accord with her statement before I offered a sincere thanks and snuggled closer to my wife. "I'm so sorry, Brenda -- I had no idea she would be so mean to you," I said softly to her.
Zecora allowed us to stay overnight in her hut, though the accommodations were quite cozy, to say the least. While we were sleeping, she had summoned a delegation from Zebrica -- she told us we were not permitted to watch her perform her summoning ritual, which was quite complex.
"I thought I heard loud hoofsteps last night," I mused while we nibbled at a continental breakfast.
"You must have trouble sleeping, Michael -- I have an herbal remedy for that," she stated, smiling cryptically.
"How long before the delegation arrives?" asked Brenda. "I can hardly wait to see Princess Celestia's face when we meet her!" she added almost gleefully.
"Brenda must stay here until the delegation arrives -- Michael, you must return to Ponyville until the time arises," Zecora stated firmly, eliciting a gasp from my wife.
"Why can't he stay here with me?" she asked in exasperation. "Do you know what we've been through?"
"Brenda, a detailed report must be made so the delegation can be prepared for the coming audience. Every instance of your mistreatment, everything she said, all the pain you suffered, all of it must be laid out in intricate detail. We must be fully prepared for this, an opportunity which must not be missed," she replied, her demeanor one of deep sincerity. "Michael is not a Zebra, so he cannot be with us until we travel to Ponyville to have him accompany us to Canterlot. Until then, he must stay away, though I know it hurts you a lot."
"I just don't want him sleeping with Twilight," Brenda stated, a hint of anger in her voice.
"So -- I recall you telling me about his infatuation -- on this matter I need more elaboration." Zecora turned to face Brenda with a stern expression. "You are still unaware of the customs of ponies? Many mares to a stallion leaves you feeling quite lonely?"
"We're married! He can't be going around flirting with other ... mares ... ugh! Mike, you'd better behave yourself!"
"I promise to, Brenda," I stated solemnly. "Don't need you getting locked away again," I added, eliciting a wry smile on Zecora's face. Brenda scowled at me again as I turned to leave.
"I trust you know your way back to Ponyville?" asked the shamaness.
"I don't remember the path back, I'm sorry to say," I replied. I flashed her a look of helplessness as she grimaced at me.
"Very well, I shall escort you to the edge of the forest by Ponyville. Breathe not a word of this until the time is ripe," she admonished, her gaze hardening a little.
"What about me? Can't I stay with him until the delegation arrives?" asked Brenda.
"You must stay here, as I've already told you. There are plans to be made. Michael, tarry not on the path as it is quite dangerous to stray from it."
Without uttering another word, the mystic zebra exited her hut, beginning a swift trot, Using some unseen magic, her door closed behind us, leaving a somewhat distraught Brenda staring through a window at us. Again I was forced to canter to keep up with Zecora, her smooth and seamless movements seeming to merge with the forest itself. It was supposed to be morning, but the dense canopy kept everything thickly shaded. After what seemed like another 30 minutes or so of trotting and cantering, we reached the clearing at the edge of the forest. I noted Fluttershy's cottage and commented on it.
"This is the end of our little journey, Michael -- it may take some time before the delegation from Zebrica arrives. We shall have you join us when we journey to Canterlot as we will need your testimony," she said in a firm tone reminding me that this was not so much a request as it was an order. "And please respect your wife -- I have ways of finding out if you don't."
"Yes, Miss Zecora. I hope to see you soon," I offered cheerfully as I began my trek towards Twilight's house. I stopped by Fluttershy's cottage and informed her that Brenda would be staying with Zecora for the time being before leaving and making my way back to town. I silently hoped I hadn't let too much information escape my lips, but the pegasus was rather insistent on knowing why Brenda was staying behind at Zecora's hut. I smiled and simply told her that something big was in the works and that I was sworn to secrecy on the matter, a fact which made the pegasus frown in concern.
"Look, Fluttershy -- it doesn't concern you or your friends -- this is merely a matter about zebras," I added as I trotted towards Twilight's house. I thought I might have heard something she said on the breeze, but her voice was too faint for me to discern her words as I picked up the pace, making it to the library in short order.
I just hope I don't have to give Twilight too much information -- she's always so curious about these things...
I knocked on the door, unsure of whether or not to enter. Spike opened the door for me and let me in. The sound of my knocking had alerted Twilight, who came downstairs to see who had entered. Upon seeing me, she smiled softly.
"You don't have to knock, as long as you're staying here in my house," she offered warmly. "So -- where's your wife? What's going on?"
"Brenda's staying with Zecora for the time being," I replied. "I was told to keep the details confidential, though."
"Hmm. I wonder what she has planned -- and what does she want with your wife? Or is it because she looks like a zebra?"
"Twilight -- I can't speak about that -- but when the time comes, I'm sure I can tell you everything. So --" I began before I was cut off by a loud tapping at the door. Twilight opened it to reveal a zebra stallion about the size of Big MacIntosh.
"Zecora sent me here to ensure you remain quiet about what's going on," he stated rather gruffly. He stared hard at me to emphasize his point.