> Dash > by Ranger-Redstar > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Like Watching Paint Dry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One I lay in bed until my Alarm clock wakes me up to the point where I have to drag myself out of bed. I put on my work clothes and grabbed my wallet and cell phone. I would drive but in this economy I cant afford a car. Before I began my long trek to work as I walk I look at the once great city that is now filled with graffiti and trash. I look to see broken down buildings that went out of business along time ago, and homeless people living on the sidewalk. It’s a sad sight to see but im just grateful that I have a house to live in. I walked along ways away until I came to my workplace. I work at a local Internet café where not a whole of exciting things happen. Just telling people to be quiet and to keep track of people coming in and out "Ok Rick, that's the end of your shift. You can pick up your paycheck on Friday." "Later." I mumbled as I walked out the back door, I wasn't very excited about my paycheck either (if you could call it that). It was only fifty dollars, only enough to buy the things I need, like food and clothes, I could never buy anything luxurious, all I had was my Iphone, and my old house with no hot water or electricity. My life was like watching paint dry, it never got any more interesting, it was just the same thing every day. Even though it seems like a tough life, I've found something that keeps me going, something that makes me happy. So there I was on my lunch break, when I decided to surf YouTube on my Iphone with the cafe's free wifi. When I discovered the show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, at first it seemed rather girly and childish, but I was soon hooked onto it. I showed it to one of my colleagues at work called Alfred; it was the same for him. At first he constantly made fun of me for watching it, then I got him to watch a few episodes, now we won't stop talking about it. A door opening interrupts the memory, Alfred was standing there, red in the face and panting, he must have been running pretty fast. "Hey Rick, they've just confirmed season three for My Little Pony!" He said. "Really? another season, flippin’ sweet!" I exclaimed, we had both been searching on the internet for awhile now for the announcement. "Bad news is, they've only got thirteen episodes..." Alfred always pointed out the negatives in life, in any situation, it got on my nerves and I really wanted to punch him in the face but what can you do? "Well, better thirteen episodes than one I suppose" I put my phone in my pocket and headed to the back door of the cafe, before I put my hand on the handle I turned around to Alfred. "Oh by the way, Scott's ill so you have to take his shift after yours so, toodaloo!" I did my best 'Troll face' and left the cafe, chuckling. I wonder how long it would take for him to realise that Scott's shift was yesterday. I was a few meters away from the cafe when he figured it out. The door opened and his head popped out. "Scott's shift was yesterday!" Without stopping I turned my head to him and made another 'Troll face'. "Trolololololol, trolololol!" I shouted as I left the café. Even when he slammed the door shut and I was yards away from the cafe I could still hear him laughing, it felt nice to make people laugh. I guess Pinkie Pie's personality had rubbed off on me. I crossed the road and walked right into the dark street where I lived. I was the only one who lived on this street; I think the last person moved out about two months ago. I could understand why everyone had left, half the street lamps were broken, there was trash on the walkways and on the road, and a skyscraper three blocks towered so high the it pretty much engulfed the whole street in shadow. I went up to my house, pulled the door handle, and entered. I never locked the door, why would I need to? I had nothing to steal, there was hardly any food in the house, and the only thing worth taking was my phone, which was in my pocket. I head up to my room, I don't bother to turn the light on, it was 10:30pm and I was up late the night before. I lay in my bed and gazed out of the window, hardly any of the stars are visible, thanks to all the pollution in the atmosphere. I noticed a star that stood out from all the others. It was bright blue, and was bigger than all the other stars that I could see. It seemed to be getting closer, and then it moved. It wasn't a star, but what the hell was it? It was getting closer and closer, it was heading right for my street, I began to panic. I would normally hide in the basement if something large were coming down towards me from space. But I couldn't move, I just lay there staring at this unknown object hurtling towards me. As it came closer I realised it wasn't very big, nor was it falling very fast, then I saw it wriggling in the air, it was alive. It was flapping its wings desperately trying to slow its fall, it came into earshot, and by what I could hear it was female. It landed between in an alleyway four houses away; even from inside my room I heard it land with a loud crashing noise. I instantly jumped out of bed, put my shoes and ran downstairs, I grab my flashlight and head outside. It was dark outside due to the streetlights being broken, and it was pouring bucket loads rain. I could barely see five feet in front of me, the rain hit my head hard, I went back inside and grabbed my umbrella, as I headed back outside the rain was even heavier. After stumbling around in the cold, wet, darkness I eventually find the alleyway where the, 'thing' had crashed. I fearfully took a few steps into the pitch-black alley; my flashlight didn't help much as it only covered three meters in front of me. I wasn't scared of the dark, but I'll admit that at this point I was terrified at what the object like creature that fell from the sky was, could it have been an alien? My eyes eventually adjusted to the darkness, and I can see a little further ahead of me now. I plucked up the courage to venture into the alley, I look side to side trying to find the creature. "Is anyone there?" I whisper nervously, no response. I walk a little further, and that's when I heard a faint crying in the distance. I headed closer to the sound, to find a large bin on its side covered with an old carpet, rubbish was scattered everywhere. The crying was coming from inside, I pull away to carpet to come face to face with the alien. But it wasn't the alien you'd see in a horror movie, nor was it an alien you’d see in a flying saucer in the sky. Or a little green man with mirror eyeballs. It was something I recognised from my favourite television show. The creature in the bin was a sobbing, scared, distressed, cyan coloured pony, with a rainbow coloured mane and tail. The creature inside the bin was Rainbow Dash... > Dash > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Two I rubbed my eyes it couldn't be real. Surely I had fallen asleep on my bed and this was a dream, I pinched myself, only to find I wasn't waking up, for I was already awake. As soon as Dashie saw me, she backed up as much as she could and curled into a tight ball, she was in a real state. She was soaked to the bone by the rain, her eyes were streaming with tears, and here entire body was shaking with fear and shock, although she didn't said anything aloud, I could see in her eyes that she was pleading for me not to hurt her. "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you." She seemed to calm down a little, but still said nothing. I got down on to my knees and smiled. "It's ok, I won't hurt you I can take you someplace warm. Does that sound nice?" She seemed to cheer up at the sound of a warm place to go to, out of all this rain. She shuffled an inch or two towards me, as she did so she let out a small squeak of pain. That's when I noticed a small trail of blood running out from under her. "Da-" I began, then I remembered that I shouldn’t mention her name, "You're hurt, let me take a look at that, it could be serious." At first she did nothing, then she slowly stuck her right foreleg out, there was a huge gash on the lower part of her leg, blood was seeping out at quite an alarming rate. "This is a deep cut, I need to patch this up. Please come with me, I can help you." I put my arm out and touched her hoof and she withdrew it instantly. {She's real} I thought to myself, {she's really real.} Even though I promised her I was no threat, and that I would take her somewhere warm, I could see that she was afraid of me, I wasn't surprised by that, I'm an alien to her. She tried to stand up, only to cry out in pain and fall to the ground. I instinctively rushed to her side. "Are you ok? What's wrong?" She didn't speak, she only cried. Even in the heavy rain I could see the tears, she was in a lot of pain. "Where are you hurting?" As before she only wept, I had to try a stern approach. "Listen, I can only help you if you tell me where the pain is." "My, my..." she gulped, "my shoulder, it, it really hurts." I examined her right shoulder to find no signs of any injury, {it must be her left.} I thought to myself. "Ok, I need to roll over so I can see your shoulder." She rolled onto her front, and the second I saw her left shoulder I could see that is was dislocated. I swallowed, I had to put it back into place, but it was going to be painful. "Ok, your shoulder is dislocated, this is going to hurt but you've got to trust me. okay?" After about ten seconds she nodded, I gently put both my hands on her upper foreleg, she gasped in pain. I lightly placed once hand on her shoulder joint. "Take a deep breath, one... two... three!" I pushed onto the joint and there was a sickening 'pop' as her shoulder went back into place. Rainbow Dash shouted out in pain, she pushed me back with her hoof and began to cry again. She then realised that the pain in her shoulder had stopped. She looked back at me and shyly walked towards me. "Th, Thanks..." I held out my hand and took her hoof I smiled; I began to walk back down the alley from where I had come. "Come with me, I'll take you somewhere warm, and a little bit dryer." Thankfully she followed, I held the umbrella above her so she didn't have to endure the harshness of the rain anymore. We managed to find our way through the harsh rain and blistering winds, back to my house. I took my keys out of my pocket and unlocked the door, at first Dashie didn't look to sure about entering, but then she felt the warmth of the house and walked in. I convinced her to allow me to dress the wound on her foreleg, she sat on my couch as I rummaged through my first-aid box, I pulled out some gauze and cleaned her wound then I wrapped it with tape. Afterwards she let me towel dry her. I led her upstairs and She curled up on my bed, I went into the spare room and took a mattress and bedding, I set up a bed for myself on the floor and lay there, my eyes wide open. I looked to my right to see the cyan coloured pony lying on my bed and she too was wide-awake. She was just staring at the ceiling; I guessed that she was like me trying to process the events of tonight. She turned her head towards me. "Thank you, for helping me." "You're welcome," I smiled, "I must ask, how did you get here?" Her face dropped, she looked at the ground. "My, my home was attacked by an army of creatures called changelings. Their leader, Queen Chrysalis sent me here because I tried to escape." {Queen Chrysalis, I thought she left after she was beaten in season two.} I thought to myself, {I guess she came back to get revenge} "That sounds terrible," I said, trying to act as if I had no idea what a changeling was, "well, you can stay here until you can find a back if you want to. It's better than out in the rain." "Thank you, why are you helping me, im sorry I don't even know your name." "Richard, but my friends call my rick, and you are?" I asked, even though I knew the answer. "I'm Rainbow Dash, but you can call me Dashie." > Dangers of the Real World > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three Dangers of the Real World Unbeknown to Rick and Dashie two men were driving down the road as rick lead dash to his house “We gotta tell the boss about this” said one guy “Good Idea, he’ll love it” said the other one They both drove away silently down the wet roads until they came upon a large stone building. The building itself had been there since the 1940’s. The two men got out and went inside, they took the elevator up to the top floor where two bigger men with guns greeted them. “We’d like to speak with the boss” said one The two big men stepped aside and they walked into a big and fancy style office with window view of the city, it had a huge walnut desk and a big office chair where the boss was sitting. “What is it now” The boss said in an agitated voice The two men walked over to his desk “Sir we found something that you might like” one guy said “What another jewel for my collection or is it another recruit that don’t need” The two men looked at each other in confused manner “No sir we spotted a pony” The Boss turned around and looked at the two men now with a ill look on his face “That’s it a pony, u come in here, interrupt me all for a lousy pony” the boss shouted angrily The two men were horrified but they stood there ground “No sir an Actual My Little Pony” “Yeah it was blue, it had wings and everything” The boss stood still with a mad look on his face as he raised his eyebrow. “Are you boys doing drugs again, how many times do I have to tell you” One of the men interrupted the boss to hand him the photo. He handed it the boss and much to their surprise he looked amazed when he looked to see rainbow dash, but puzzled to make sure the photo hadn't been alterd “You boys have done it, this is the perfect gift for my son… er… ah…. wha…. Daughter” The boss now pleased with the boys findings, looked out his window thinking of how his son and how he was a brony, and would be happy if he had a real pony from the show “I want you to find this pony and bring to straight to me ya understand, I don’t wont anyone else to know about” “You got it boss” The two men began two leave “This is gonna be the best day of his life” the boss said as he gazed at the picture of rick and dash But Unbeknownst to him and rick another group was after dash as well About the same time rick found dash and the two men who took the photo a satellite was tracking dash from a control room trailer set on the outskirts of the city. “Sir I think we found it” said one agent in front of a computer screen “Are you sure this time?” the top Agent said The screen zoomed into the town then zoomed into ricks block then zoomed to ricks house where it showed Rick carrying dash into his house. “Yes finally the alien presents itself, but who is the person carrying it” the top agent pointed out the agent sitting in front of the computer screen began to search through the database “Ah yes his name is Richard Smith, he’s a 19-year old kid works at the local computer café, no criminal record he’s clean sir” “Hm then I guess we’ll have to act fast in order to snag it, alert the team we send them out tomorrow, and remember I want it alive” he said with a concerned look on his face. That night I tried to sleep but couldn’t I stayed up all night and watched rainbow dash as she slept, Being able to see a real life pony from the show was a huge shocker for me and I didn’t want take my eyes off her. I also wondered about queen chrysalis sending her here and how is she was ever going to get back and help her friends in Equestria, but I decided not to think about that right now and laid back down and tried to get some sleep before I went into work. “What ever happens I will do my best to protect you?” I said to himself The next morning I got up before dash and went downstairs to make breakfast. A half an hour later Dash woke up came down to see me in the kitchen cooking. “Oh dash you’re awake” I said “I made you a plate of veggies for you, I don’t know what you like eat so just put something together” Dash smiled and walked over to the table and sat down in a chair “Thank you very much” as she ate some of the veggies “Sorry I only know so much about real horse's but what do you normally eat for breakfast?” I asked “Well Pinkie pie, who is a good friend of mine, bakes these really good blueberry muffins every morning” Dash said “Well, she seems quite the friend, ill have to bake some muffins for you one of these days. Dash was happy but then turned sad for a minute. “Do you think I’ll ever be able to go back?” Dash asked me I looked at her thinking about it too. “Well I don’t know much about magic but I bet your friends are already trying to figure out how to get here its just at matter of time” Saying that comforted her “I hope they get here soon I mean no offense because you’re a cool guy an all, im just really scared about this universe” “You have nothing to worry about Dash im here for you” Dash smiled again and ate some more of here veggies I ate some eggs and toast when I realized was running late for work “Oh I gotta go Dash” I grabbed my jacket and rushed to the door “Oh if anyone comes knocking don’t open the door no matter what ok” Dash nodded her head “Alright ill be back in six and a half hours,” I said I rushed out the door and down the street. The two henchmen who were a few houses down drove up to watch rick run out the door. “He’s gone should we go in?” one guy said “Yes the boss wants it alive” said the other one The two men got out of their vehicle, walked down the street toward Rick’s house, and walked up to the door. I was running for dear life down the street toward my work when I realized that I forgot his phone “Ah shit” I said and he turned around and run back to his house I swerved around the corner and ran up to my house to find the front door had been kicked in. I cautiously pushed to door and found my house a mess when her heard a ruckus from up stairs. I ran upstairs to find two men trying to grab dash, as she was fly all around the ceiling avoiding them “Hey” I shouted the two me turned around to see me standing in the Doorway “Its him” one shouted “Rick help me” dash yelled Right up until this moment Dash witnessed something she should have never witnessed in her whole life or in Equestria, One of the henchmen pulled out a gun and was about to aim it at me when I grabbed a piece of pipe and threw at him hitting him in the head as the other henchmen watched as he fell down, when he looked back at me, I tackled him to the ground and he head hit the hard wood floor knocking him unconscious. The henchmen with a gun got back up and shoot at me, but I quickly used the body of the unconscious henchmen as a shield. Blam Blam Blam “Damnit” the henchmen shouted I grabbed a pillow and chucked it at him and he dropped his gun, I then threw a blanket over him and dolphin dived for the gun, I grabbed it and aimed it at the henchmen, by the time he got the blanket off of himself he was now staring down the barrel of his own gun, I hesitated but then I pulled the trigger and fired a round into the henchman’s abdomen, He flew back and crashed threw the window and into my backyard. Dash who was clinging to the ceiling saw in horror of what had just transpired. I looked back at dash and saw that she scared out of her mind, I dropped the gun and tried to grab dash, but she tried to avoid me out of fear “Dash please” I pleaded “No get away from me” she yelled as she tried to fly out of the room She flew toward the open window only to crash into me and we fall a story down onto the dead Henchman’s body. She tried to push me back and fly away but reached out and grabbed her as she struggled. “Dash stop I was trying to help you” “Let me go” she cried out “Dash please just listen to me” Dash stopped struggling and looked me in the eye “They were going to hurt you I had to do something, they were gonna take you away and I would never see you again, you life is in danger and right now im the only one who can protect you” dash stopped Dash looked at the body to see blood-trailing form his wound and froze; I looked and held dash closer to me Dash looked back at me and hugged me tightly as she began to cry “I was so scared, I don’t wanna be here anymore” I held dash in my arms and felt her pain “I know Dashie, but I have a feeling that this is not over, so from now on we stay together and I will protect you not matter what” rick said Dash looked up at me and smiled “Alright” I went back into my house and grabbed some clothes and food; I was able to find the keys to the henchmen’s car. I stepped out the door knowing I would never come back. I looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. Dash and I ran for the car and got in. I turned the keys and drove away as quick as possible. Back at the control trailer the agents were active try to track Dash’s position “Sir I I’ve got a lock on the target its heading toward the highway toward New York” The top agent became alert “Alright I want some men on the road and some in other states now, we’ll cut them eventually, this pony isn’t gonna go very far now” > On The Road > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Four On the Road As we were driving down the road I occasionally looked over to see Dash with a scared look on her face. I reached over and put my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry dash,” I said in a calm tone Dash looked at me and smiled, but as she turned to look out the window she grew sad “Will this ever end?” she asked I paused for a moment to really grasp the situation and then realized that I might possibly die, Thinking about it made me scared, but knowing that Dash will be safe in my care until then I pushed that thought aside. “I certainly hope so Dash” We continued down the road when I noticed two unlicensed cars were following us. The thought of more bad guys crossed my mind in a split second, but I had to at least be sure if it was them. I kept on driving all the while I watched the people in the cars behind me. One man popped out of the window with a pistol pointed at us and was about to fire. I then stepped on the gas in an attempt to get away. With car going faster and the two cars gaining on me I knew I had to do something to lose them. So I pulled out my handgun and rolled the window down. “Dash hold the wheel steady” I asked Dash not knowing how to drive a car at all, since cars down exist in Equestria, leaned over, put her hooves on the steering wheel and held it straight the best she could. I turned around outside the window with my pistol to see the two cars gaining speed upon us. Another one of the goons popped out and fired at our car. Bullets were hitting the car with no effect. Dash struggling to keep the car on the road flinched with ever shot. I aimed for the tires and prayed to god that I would hit it. I exhaled and took that shots Blam Blam Blam The bullets hit the tires causing them to go flat. The driving, having lost control, ended up swerving off the road and went tumbling down the hill. The other car started shooting at us hitting the car leaving holes, a shattered back window and a broken taillight. “Rich im scared” Dash shouted “Just keep her steady,” I said quickly ducking trying not to get hit The engines were roaring as both of our cars were going extraordinarily fast down the open road. The other car was right behind us so I couldn’t hit the tires. I had to shoot the driver in order to stop in completely. I aimed for the driver and exhaled then fired. Blam Blam Blam The bullets hit the windshield and hit the driver causing the car to turn 180 and cause the car to flip and crash. I looked, as the wreckage got further away, I jumped back into the driver seat. I had mixed feelings but I decided to concentrate on getting away from the accident. As I sat back down I checked right away to see if dash was all right. “Dash are you all right are you hit” I said as I checked dash’s body for wounds She gently pushed my hands away with her hoof “Rich im fine, although I was a bit nervous holding the wheel, I mean I’ve never done anything like that before” I smiled as I rustled her mane with my hand “You did good for a first timer, im just glad you’re all right” “Yeah Me too” Dash said We kept on driving past some states by barely squeezing the highway. As we kept on driving until I decided stop the car on the side of the road. Dash looked all around in confusion. “Why’d we stop?” Dash asked I had to stop and think for a minute before we continued on. The car we were driving was a mess “We have to ditch this car” “Why?” she asked “If we keep driving around in this we might end up getting caught by the police and they’ll start questioning me and they might see you too, I can’t take that risk” Dash understood what I was saying “So what do we do?” “We have to find a new vehicle somewhere,” I said I started up the car and drove on down the road. We kept on driving when I noticed I small road that led into the woods. I turned off and drove down that road. It was somewhat dark with all the tree’s blocking out the sun. Dash looked out the windows at the tree and was a little scared. “This place reminds me of the Everfree Forest,” she said I couldn’t help but smile a bit; I mean the Everfree forest does things all on there own much like this world’s forest’s do. “Don’t worry dash” I continued do the road until we came upon an old cabin that looked like no one had lived there for a while. A thought occurred maybe we should stay here for the night. We parked behind the cabin so no one would be able to find us. Dash and I got out and walked up to the cabin, which was making weird and Eire sounds as if it was haunted. Dash was scared and clung to me like Scooby-Doo. To be honest I was a little scared but we had to hide somewhere. We opened to the door and the room was filled with dust and old furniture. There was a small desk with a small bookshelf above it and a square hole that showed the kitchen. I turned to dash with a scared concerned look “Whatever you do Dash don’t read any books or turn on any recording devices” Dash nodded as we both walked in. Dash jumped up on the couch as she did dust went everywhere. Some dust got all over her and she looked like a ghost. “Achoo” dash sneezed “This place gives me the creeps not to mention it’s filthy” I looked at dash through the square hole and thought that is something rarity would say. I can imagine if rarity were here she would complain about the mess and would clean this place up in a heartbeat “I know dash well rest here for now and then we can be on our way” I looked around the cabin to see if there was anything that we could use. I walked into the small bedroom and found a closet with broken doors. I looked inside to find and nothing. I pulled moved of the boards away and found an old dusty Winchester rifle “Score” I said as I pulled it out of its resting place to view in the light. I brushed off some of the dust to see if it would work. As I cocked the lever a spent shell flew out showing that it still functioned “Nice still works” I put the rifle’s sling over my shoulder when I heard a car pull up to the cabin. The minute I heard that I went cold. Someone must have been watching us the whole time. I got my rifle ready as I peaked through a small hole in the wall. I couldn’t see dash anywhere and hoped that she had found a place to hide. I continued to look through the hole and saw the door open to see two men in suits with pistols drawn come in. “Check the rooms” one of them said as he looked around One of them started coming toward the bedroom I was in. At first I thought these cant be the same guys, but then realized these are Men in Black and that they must work from some branch of the Government. I aimed my rifle at the door waiting for him to come through. The door slowly opened and the agent pointed his gun at wall. He turned to face me but before he could blink or fire I butt stroked him in the face with my rifle and he went down. I grabbed him before he hit the floor and carefully put him under the bed. I took his pistol and went back to the hole to see where the other agent went. I then heard cabinet doors being open and shut. “He must be looking for dash,” I said to myself I quietly walked out of the bedroom, rifle on shoulder and silently walked along the wall to the kitchen. I peeked around the corner to see the agent move into the living room. He looked around and saw the small hatch door that led to the basement. He took out his pistol and slowly opened the door. I aimed my rifle at him but before I or he could fire the door opened and he was struck by something fast. He flew backward and landed on his back dropping his pistol in the process. I ran up to him and aimed my rifle at his head. “Don’t Move” I yelled He looked at me behind those dark shades and grew angrily. “Are you gonna shoot me ha big mistake kid, you do that then we’ll have enough reason to kill you” I thought about pulling the trigger and end his life, but another thought occurred to me. “Suit yourself” I butt stroked him too knocking him out. I looked over at the hatch door and Dash came out shaking. “Did I get’em,” she said I smiled back at dash “Yeah u got him” Dash flew up win amazement and started doing loops and flips “Aw Yeah I got him on my first try” I smiled at Dash and she gave me a high five or hoof. I looked down at the unconscious agent. “Let’s take care of these guys before anything else happens” So we gathered up the two agents, tied them up and locked them up in the basement. “Well that takes care of that” Dash was relieved to finally have some peace and quiet. “Now can we rest?” as she sat down on the couch “I don’t think so, well maybe not yet and definitely not here, we need to get away from this area” I said “How are we going to get anywhere without car” dash asked I thought about that for a minute but then i looked outside. “How bout there’s” as I pointed out a perfectly intact car Dash looked outside “Oh do we really have to go” “Yeah I know c’mon lets blow this Popsicle stand” We both went and checked out the car to see in anyone else was lurking around “Good no one else” I looked in the trunk to find more weapons. “C’mon Rich lets get going” I hopped into the driver side and drove back on down the road. We kept on going until we came upon a small town. At this time and after all the car chasing and agent fighting I was getting kind of tired myself. We drove by a hotel and decided to finally have some rest. “Well what do you think” as we entered our small room “Uh it’s not too terribly bad but it’s an improvement” Dash flew up and landed on the bed, and spread out her wings. “Its about time I got some rest” Dash said as she laid on the bed To me it was good that dash was happy but I was getting a bit worried about what I had gotten my self into. > Dash Can't Handle The Truth > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Five Dash Can’t Handle the Truth I was getting dark out as the sun began to set. I looked at my watch and it was 8:45pm. Dash was fast asleep on the bed while I gathered all the weapons I had grabbed from the trunk and laid them on the floor. I had a feeling we were going to need them in the future so I cataloged everything. We have some food left, a seemingly small arsenal and the clothes on my back. I sat in the chair so I could get some rest for the time being. I was completely exhausted from the last 24 hours of cars chasing, not to mention almost getting shot. I couldn’t believe I had survived for this long. One thing that had crossed my mind was Dash, and how she was going to get back to Equestria. Another thing was if dash somehow knew about her universe as a show in my world and the strange fandom that surrounds it. I don’t know exactly how she would react if she did. I looked over at dash sleeping as the thought passed. Maybe I should tell her she has every right to know, but was now the best time. “Hey aren’t you gonna get some sleep” I looked over and saw dash and saw her move over to make room for me on the bed. They way that dash was laying I felt my heart twitch a bit as if she was inviting me. I blushed for a sec but looked away in order focus. “Uh yeah just give me a minute” I looked at the floor and made my decision. “Dash I…. I got to talk to you about something” As I said that dash looked confused, wondering was I thinking about. Dash got up and sat near the edge of the bed in order to hear what I had to say. I was a bit nervous and I hoped I had the courage to tell her the truth. “What is it Rich?” she said “Uh its about you and about where you’re from” I said Dash raised her eyebrow wondering about what I was going to say next “Well what about me?” “I… I knew who you were when I found you and I also know who Queen Chrysalis is who sent you here from Equestria which is ruled by Princess Celestia and Luna and that your friends with Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie, and that you’re the best flyer in Cloudsdale that wants to be in with the Wonderbolts, and your Loyalty, one of the Elements of Harmony, and world is inhabited solely with ponies and mythical creatures” I stopped and looked into dash’s eyes to see her in a fear and shocked state. She understood exactly what I said and she didn’t quite believe me. “Wait, you knew, how can you possibly know all that?” she asked I began to feel guilty and almost started crying but I held it in. “Its….Its because you’re a fictional character from a child’s T.V show called My Little Pony,” I said She just stared at me like she didn’t know what I was talking about. “Here take a look for yourself” I said I pulled out my phone trying to find an episode, I found the sonic rainboom episode and showed it to her. She looked and watched the small screen, at first she was skeptical but as the episode went on she was in awe. “Why?” dash asked as she hung her head and started to cry “Why didn’t you tell me,” She screamed at me in anger as tears began to trickle down her muzzle. I was shocked to hear Rainbow raise her voice and yell at me. It was unlike her but I understood what she was going through. I just couldn’t hold it in any longer. I hung my head in shame and said “When I first saw you, I was scared to tell you. I wanted to protect you, you don’t under-” Dash cut me off to say what was on her mind “I understand, that’s I all was to you just a cartoon pony from some kids show that you want all for yourself, well I hate you and I never want to see you again” Dash began to cry, and before I knew it she opened the window and flew away as fast as she could. I looked out to see her fly over the town. I then held my hands to my face and began to tear up “What have I done,” I said All I could think about was dash and what I should do. I thought for a minute and wondered what would twilight do. Then I realized that now she was in real danger, being alone all by herself and she needed me to be her guardian. So I gathered everything up and threw it in the backseat. I only took what I needed and ran down the street into town. I ran down the sidewalks into town looking down most of the alleyways hoping to catch a glimpse of Dash hiding in the trash. As I was walking I noticed another odd car with men inside. I looked over for a second but continued to walk. The two men got out of the vehicle and started to follow me. I went around the corner and kept walking a bit faster. I couldn’t turn around; they might think I was on to them, so I kept walking past newsstands, restaurants and stores trying to lose them. I kept walking until turned another corner and I came upon some sort of festival or fair but what it did have was lots of people, food, and small rides. I ran in hoping to lose them. I kept on walking as I looked behind me to see the two men still after me. I went into a big tent where some circus act was taking place. I hid within the crowed as the two men came in looking for me. I was able to skim through and escape. I ran out of the fair and back on the sidewalks on the lookout for dash. I came upon a construction site that looked abandoned for the night until I heard a familiar squeal. AHHHH AHHHHHH I knew it had to be Rainbow so I quietly entered the site quietly trying to find cover to hide behind in hopes that I would sneak in undetected. I soon came upon a group of Mob guys who were holding down dash as they tied her up so she wouldn’t get away. I crept up behind a pile of concrete tubes and looked over to watch. “We finally caught her,” one of them said “It’s about time too that brat took out some of our good men, I only wish he was here so I could return the favor” he said while he cracked his knuckles. Dash was squirming around as two henchmen put her in the back of their van and closed the doors. “We should probably get going the boss’s patience is wearing out,” one said Just before they were about to leave a couple of black cars pulled up blocking the path out of the site. Men from both cars popped out and aimed the guns at the mob guys. “Drop your weapons and give up the pony,” one of the agents said The mob guys were scared out of their minds, but they weren’t going to give up that easily without a fight. “You want it come get,” one of the mob guys said The agents started firing at the mob guys and as they scattered around looking for cover. Bullets started to fly and ricochet off some of the metal support beams and girders. I was still hiding behind the cylinders and watched the mayhem ensue. Mob guys were firing back at the agents who were firing at them. I thought how long is this gonna last with each firing on each other they all might die and I can sneak in and take dash back, but there was a possibility that the agents might call for backup and I would be in jeopardy. So I decided to act quickly. I pulled out some smoke grenades from the agent’s car I stole, pulled the pins and lobbed them over into the site were the firefight transpired. Within second clouds of thick smoke covered the area. I pulled out a nightstick and ran in. I covered my mouth and kept my eyes open. I came across some mob guys and whacked upside the head. I was able to find the van that dash was being held in. I opened the door to see Dash lying still shivering. I picked her up and ran for dear life. I fled the site and ran around a large building and stopped to check on dash. She was squirming again trying to break free. “Let me go” she demanded She looked up to see that is was I and calmed down. I was able too get her free but some of the agents must have gotten out of the smoke screen and were upon us. “Run dash just go” I said as I pulled out my pistol and began to shoot at the agents. As I fired they hid behind a newsstand and a mailbox. I kept shooting try to by dash and I sometime to get away. I turned to run with dash but an agent jumped up from behind cover and fired. The bullet then went straight through my right arm. I instantly felt nothing but then the pain started to seep in. I stopped and grab my wounded arm to help stop the pain and bleeding. Dash stopped and came to me. “Rich are you alright?” she asked I could feel nothing but pain and man did it hurt. “Im hit but im fine” I said Dash looked and saw the blood on my hand trying to cover the wound. I could feel blood dripping down my arm and out my coat sleeve. “We have to keep moving” Dash said The agents started to run towards us still firing. I turned and fired back hitting one in the leg and the other in the shin. They both went down and that was our cue to run like hell. We ran back to the hotel to get our car. Dash and I both hoped in and drove off down the road back into town. As I drove on past the fair and the site the mob guys came back driving their van. “Ah crap, we got company” I said as I gunned the motor trying to get away. The mob guys tailed us all the way into town. I drove past red lights and traffic trying to get away but they were persistent. We took an exit off into the highway and it felt like déjà vu all over again. Driving down the road with bad guys on our tail. The mob guys pulled out their automatic weapons and started firing at us. Luckily for us our vehicle was bullet proof. Dash ducked and put her hooves over her head. I had to lose these guys once and for all so I pulled out a MP5 with a grenade launcher attachment. “Dash” I yelled as she looked up at me “Hold the wheel for me” Dash looked up at me and grew brave again. I popped out of the driver window as dash held onto to wheel. I fired back at the mob guys, but then they rammed their van into the back of our car trying to make me fall out and make us crash. Dash held the wheel for dear life and made sure we stayed on the road. I was able to get stable for a shot. I aimed the grenade at the windshield. “Step on it dash” I yelled to dash Dash slammed her hoof on the accelerator as I fired the grenade. I flew and hit the windshield causing it to explode making the driver to lose control, crash and flip across the road. Dash and I flew down the highway in relief that we were no longer being followed for now. I jumped back into the driver seat and slowed down so we wouldn’t get pulled over. As I was driving I looked over at dash to see she still had that look on her face. “Im sorry dash, I should have told you, but I was a bit worried that you wouldn’t like me” Dash moved closer to me “Its cool, when I first met I was scared but the more I got to know you then I realized that you’re awesome guy” dash said I looked at dash with a smile on my face. “Thanks Dash” We stopped on the side of the road so I could patch up my arm. Thankfully I brought my first aid kit with us. I was able wrap my arm up and seal the wound with some help from dash that is. After that we decided to eat something before we hit the road again. I had snagged some muffins before I left my house and gave one to dash. She smiled knowing that the muffin was good and reminded her of pinkie. I ate some jerky and drank an energy drink to help me drive through the night. I concentrated back on driving and soon we were on the road again. Dash yawned and came closer to me and rested her heard on my thigh. At first it was the cutest thing I had ever seen and I wanted to take a picture, but I kept it to myself. “You know Dash there are a lot of guys like me that love you guys,” I said “Really, guys watch us” dash said “Yeah as creepy as it sounds we like the adventures you guys have, the characters, the idea of a seemingly perfect pony world where everybody is friendly no matter what” Dash was a bit weirded out but then thought of all the guys that must like her. “That’s cool I suppose knowing that I have fans elsewhere is good for my reputation into becoming a wonderbolt” dash said as she moved her head into a more comfortable spot “Get some sleep dash,” I said softly Dash immediately fell asleep, while she slept I knew deep down that this friendship would not last, and pretty soon Twilight might show up and take dash back. > Old Villains, New Problems > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Six Old Villains, New Problems Driving down the road seemed like a staple; as soon as the chasing and shooting had ended I would drive. I guess it wasn’t all bad it was the only moment were dash and I weren’t in any real danger and we could just relax. I had my eyes on the road for quite some time now. I looked over off in the distance and could see the sun rise as another day of running was soon upon us, I could feel it in my soul. I looked down at Dash who was still sleeping on my thigh. I could see here chest inhale and exhale as she slept softly. Then sun peered through the window and glowed down and dash’s head. The light hit her eyes and soon she started to wake up. She sat up and made a big yawn, as she did her wings flew open as she stretched herself awake. “Morning sleepyhead” I said Dash rubbed her eyes with her hooves trying to adjust to the light. She stared off down the road and blinked a couple of times before turning toward me. “You All right?” I asked She seemed a bit worried when she saw me. She gently nudged my shoulder and then she calm down. “Sorry I just thought this was all dream and that I was back home in Cloudsdale,” she said I understood what dash said, being here for a while and then being transported back to another was a possibility and she felt like it had happened. “It fine dash, we got a long journey ahead of us, so lets stick together no matter what” Dash smiled as I put my hand out to shake on it, Dash put her around my hand and shook on it. “Through thick and thin” Dash said “To the bitter end” I said We kept on driving down the highway when I started seeing signs indicating our location. We were coming upon Baltimore, Maryland. I thought it was funny and ironic cause that’s where BronyCon was being held. I had gone one year, long ago with a friend of mine but simply pushed the thought aside. I was about to drive past it that’s when I spotted a toll both far in the distance. I looked and saw dark vehicles parked with flashing lights as they were inspecting each driver and car individually. I knew if went straight I would be putting dash and in immediate danger. I turned off down the exit into Baltimore. I kept on driving keeping my eyes open for anything suspicious. As we drove down the road we soon came upon the edge of town. I parked the car off in the distance behind a giant billboard. “Rich why’d we stop?” dash asked "I think they know were here,” I said I couldn’t put my finger on it but I knew their probably searching the entire state for Dash and I. Dash and I had to continue this journey on foot in hopes that we would pass through unnoticed. I already made the assumption that they were probably tracking the car that we stole from them, trying to pinpoint our location. So ditching the car was probably the better option. We hid the car by covering it up with brush and branches. I gathered what I could and packed in into a bag a flung it over my shoulder. I hid my rifle underneath my trench coat to conceal it. Dash and I soon walked down the road past neighborhoods, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Soon we were heading into Baltimore. I kept my eyes open for any mob guys or agents. We soon saw the road leading into town and saw a Government checkpoint blocking the entrance off in the distance. “Shit, they’ve got everything blocked off, now how are we going to get past them,” I said angrily Dash wasn’t about to give up; she flew over the grassy plain in hopes to finding any kind of opening that would get us into town. I stood by trying to find where dash flew too within minutes dash came back. “What did you find?” I asked “There’s a hole in the ground that’s leads into the city,” she said "Show me” I followed behind dash as she directed me to the opening. We soon came upon water Drainage pipe. This must be where the rainwater from the city would flow so the city doesn’t flood. They smell was nauseating but it was the only way. “Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked Dash nodded her head in agreement. “Very well” I pulled a t-shirt out of the bag and wrapped into around my head to help myself breathe better. I found a small rag that I was able to wrap around dash too. So I got on my hands and knees and began to crawl into the pipe. It was dark, wet and stinky as I crawled through the pipe. I was able to pull out my flashlight in order to help see where this pipe was leading us, dash also stayed close behind me trying not to get lost. We kept on crawling until we came upon the sewers. It was big enough for us to stand up which was better then crawling on my hands and knees. This part smelled the worst and I was getting disoriented, dash was getting sick and started gagging. We kept on moving and soon we saw a stepladder that led up to a workers platform. We climbed up as the smelled started to disperse. I flopped down onto the platform and catch my breath. Dash came and flopped down on me. I looked up to see a dirty cyan pony lying on top of me. I wasn’t gonna lie I did blush a bit when the thought came to me and I did see her blush a bit “Um come on lets uh let’s get going,” I said trying the brush what had just happened Dash got up so I could stand in order to figured out where to go next. We kept following the platforms until we came upon a ported manhole. I could here some talking so we listened quietly. “No sir we have nothing to report, yes sir moving toward yours position now” “What’s going on,” one of them asked “They found the missing car that the kid stole on the outskirts of the city” “He must’ve ditched and found his way into the city, lets move” The two agents left and I felt a sudden panic attack. “We need to keep moving,” I said I started to run down the platforms with dash behind me, I kept running try to find a way into the city. We soon came upon a ladder with e spray painted sign pointing up that said: Baltimore Inner Harbor “Come on dash” I said as I climbed up the ladder until I came upon a manhole cover. I put my hands on the metal cover and started to push but it wouldn’t budge. “Let me help” dash said as she put her hooves on the cover and pushed with me. The manhole started to move up and I was able to push it aside so I could climb up. I peeked my head out of the hole to see if there was anyone nearby that might see us. Luckily for us no one was around. I climbed out of the stinky hole with dash and covered the hole back so nobody will know they we came out of this particular one. I was covered with icky water and debris. I looked and dash’s hooves and legs were covered too. We both walked into town looking out for people, mob guys or agents that might see us. We found an alleyway with a small hose for us to rinse ourselves off with. I took off my clothes and rinsed myself as dash stood away from so I could keep my privacy. I changed clothes and helped rinse dash clean. I was drying her off, while I was rubbing her main she looked at me with those big magenta eyes gleaming at me. My eyes were in aligned with hers and my heart twitched again. Its seemed dash liked me almost too much but I shook my head to forget the thought. After I dried her off we kept on walking avoiding heavily populated areas. Dash followed close beside me trying not to bee seen by anyone. We soon came upon a familiar site the Baltimore Convention Center. “Man this is one weird coincidence,” I said Dash looked up to me with a raised eyebrow. “Why is that?” she asked “This I where BronyCon is taking place” “Is this where you guys come together to talk about us and our world,” Dash said “Yeah pretty much” Dash got excited in hopes to see some fans, but the thought of too many made her scared and nervous. I reached down and put my hand on dash. “Its alright dash I wont let any brony take up too much of your time” I said jokingly Dash laughed and we continued on through the backstreets but we were running out of alleyways. I turned around a corner to see a car with Mob guys in it. I turned around and went back the other way we came but I couple of black cars drove by. I was getting worried and was running out of ideas. Then I saw a couple a guys walking down the street with My Little Pony attire. Soon more and more were walking down the street wearing similar clothing and apparel. I soon came to the realization that BronyCon might be happening right now. I looked at dash and came up with the most risky idea I ever had. I walked down the street with my fellow bronies with Dash strewn on my back like one of those Rainbow Dash backpacks in hopes of trying to blend in. I was nervous the whole time hoping no one would question a real pony on my back. Dash kept her eyes closed and trying not to flinch. So I kept walking down the street and soon came upon a large group of bronies. I knew there was a convention going on so we both snuck in. As we did I looked back to see nobody was behind us. I was in the convention center as I tried to find a place where dash and I could stop talk. I found a part of con center that nobody was using and Dash came alive again. “Whew that was harder than what you told me,” Dash said as she stretched her legs “Sorry I didn’t expect BronyCon to happen today or maybe I lost track of the calendar.” Dash smiled and said “Its okay getting chased and shot at will do that to ya” I laughed a little bit when dash spotted someone behind me. I turned my head to seen some BronyCon security come my way. “Hey you this area is off limits,” the man said I started to sweat and became scared to death. In an instant I grabbed dash and ran for it. As I ran I knew that he started to chase after me. I ran as fast I could until I came upon a door that led to the roof. I bashed through the door with my shoulder and it opened thankfully. I closed the door behind and began to panic. “Dash fly to the top of the stairs I’ll meet you up there” Dash looked concerned but did what I asked. I dropped my bag and pulled out my rifle ready to butt stroke whoever was about to come through the door. I stood against the wall and waited and within seconds the guy came through. I bashed him in the back of the head and he fell. I turned of his radio and tied him up so he wouldn’t escape and tell others. I plugged his mouth so no one would here him either. I picked him up and brought him to the basement where no one might find. After I hid him underneath the stairs I grabbed my bag and ran up the stairs as fast as I could. Halfway I started to get tired, but I had a job to do and I endured it all the way to the top where dash was waiting for me. Dash looked up to see me out of breath as I collapsed. “Rich are you alright, are you hurt,” she said as she picked me up. I started huffin’ and puffin’ as I looked as dash. “No…im okay….just tired” “Well no resting on the job we have to keep moving,” she said I looked at dash and knew she was right. I picked myself up with my heavy bag and rifle in tow. I looked and saw the door that lead to the roof. I got ready then kicked the door open. Dash flew out and I followed after her. Soon we came upon roof had been laid with gravel, huge air vents that led air in our out, and air conditioners. I walked past them over to the edge to see bronies and cars go by. I walked over to a vent and put my gear down. I dropped down too next to my gear and I just was at a loss for words not to mention ideas. Dash flew down next to me to see what was the matter. “What’s wrong Rich?” Dash asked I had my head held down but then I looked up at dash. “Im an idiot, this was the stupidest idea” I said as I grew angry I got up and kicked some gravel around. I punched one of the vents leaving a small dent as did I felt the pain in my hand and knelt down. Dash rushed over to see if I was hurt. “Why what’s wrong?” “We’re trapped don’t you see we’re trapped on a roof with thousands of witness’s not to mention the mob and the government waiting for us” I yelled There was no going back and there was no chance of escape dash and I we’re trapped for real. Dash soon realized that and hugged me “You did your best Rich, that’s all the matters,” she said trying to comfort me As dash held me with her hooves I couldn’t help but hug back. “Thanks Dash that means a lot to me,” I said I started to feel better but the fact still stood we weren’t getting of this roof. Then something happened, something I did not expect to happen in a millions years. The sky turned black as a whirlwind formed within the clouds and lighting started shooting. I grabbed dash and held on so she wouldn’t fly off. The whirlwind grew darker and more lighting shot out and then a big ball of light feel down onto the roof and then it flashed our eyes. I couldn’t see but after the clouds dispersed I looked and what I saw standing directly in front of dash and I made my blood sink to my feet. Their standing in all her greatness was none other than the Queen of the Changelings Chrysalis. “MMM this planet is just teeming with tasty food for my subjects,” she said She turned to see dash and I huddle together. “Well well well if it isn’t Rainbow Dash the loyal one, I’ve been expecting you” Dash grew Brave and flew up to meet her “Its you what are you doing here” Dash demanded “Isn’t it obvious I sent you here, so Twilight couldn’t use the Elements of Harmony against me but somehow I knew that wasn’t enough for she still had power to try to stop me so I figured I would go and find the source and stop it myself” she glared at dash ready to fire her horn. Dash was ready to strike her but I stepped in front of her. There I stood proud right between dash and Chrysalis. “What is this,” Chrysalis demanded I looked up at the queen “Your worst nightmare” as I flicked my nightstick ready “Hahahaha don’t make me laugh” “You just did,” I said twisting her words “Nevermind there’s no way you can stop me” she said She then shot a laser from her horn at me but I was able to dodge out of the way. I looked up to see more laser racing towards me. Rolled and rolled out of the way behind a vent hoping to catch my breath. “You can run but you cannot hide” she flew up into the air and fired at me as I ran back toward my bag. I rummaged through my bag hoping to find someway to stop her. I found the MP5 from yesterday and found a non-lethal airflow grenade. I loaded it up but Chrysalis came up behind trying to thrust her horn in me. I rolled and then aimed my gun at her. She saw me as I pulled the trigger causing the grenade to fly at her. She closed her eyes as she put up a force field deflecting the grenade. She opened her eyes a second to late for I was right in front of her with my arm held back ready to whip her across the face. I flung my nightstick at her and she used her magic to stop it from hitting her. My body flung toward her but she didn’t count on me having a stun gun in my other hand. I turned it on and it made contact with her neck. The shock went and surged though her body, she felt it sting as her mane and tail stood out like it got hit by lighting, knocking her out. I feel right beside her, as she lay paralyzed. “What did you do to me?” she demanded “Stun gun” I held it up for her to see I then went over to her and shocked her again knocking her unconscious. I then proceeded to tie her legs and wings up so she wouldn’t get away. I looked over to see dash with her mouth wide open speechless. I got up very proudly next to Chrysalis. “That’s how I get ‘er done,” I said Dash flew up in amazement “That was so awesome” dash then proceeded to make that silly face from Apple bucking season. Dash flew towards me and gave me a hug “You were so brave and you didn’t even brake a sweat” dash said I turned me head toward dash smiling with joy. I then proceeded to hug her back “Whew I just took out the most evil villain in all of Equestria by myself” I said “You sure did” dash said I then did a small victory dance to which dash joined in but then a bright light started emanating from the roof I tried to see what was happening but the light started to disappear and there stood Alicorn Twilight and the rest of the ponies. At first I did nothing but stare and they stared back at but the Dash intervened “Twilight what are you doing here?” dash asked Twilight looked up at her long lost friend “We’re here to stop Queen Chrysalis” “Yeah Chrysalis banished you into another dimension because she knew we wouldn’t be able to use the elements of harmony without of all of us being together, and thought is was the perfect opportunity to strike back but didn’t expect Twilight to use her new alicorn powers even though you were millions of miles away so we followed her here and now were her to stop her” pinkie say Us usual pinkie is able to explain the entire situation like it was nothing. I stepped in to try talk to the ponies as I did they backed up a little bit in fear since I was the first human to come into contact with. “No need I took Chrysalis down without a scratch” I said They all looked at each other before looking at Twilight. Twilight walked up to me skeptical of my claim. “That’s impossible Queen Chrysalis is by far the most powerful villain we faced, she has more power the Princess Celestia, so there now way you-” I cut off Twilight to move off to the side to reveal an unconscious Chrysalis all tied up. Twilight and the rest of the ponies were speechless just like dash was. Twilight then looked up to me with a little fear. “How in Equestria were you able to take her down?” Twilight asked “Well I first had to dodge her lasers enough to shoot at her, but she didn’t count on me getting that close, so she grabbed my weapon but I flung toward her and stung her out cold” I said very proudly Applejack was astounded walked closer toward me “Well I gotta say you are one tough uh… whatever you are,” she said with a small smile “Gosh I hope she isn’t hurt I mean Im a bit worried” Fluttershy said “She’s fine the stun gun did its job” “Eech” Rarity said “What in Equestria are you wearing darling” I looked at my dirty trench coat, a stained white shirt, my black ruffled dusty cargo pants and filthy work shoes. “Sorry if I had know I would have worn something more suitable” I said trying to make a conversation “Its quite all right I know whenever I get dirty I always bring cleaning supplies” rarity pulled some sponges and a spray bottle and began to clean my clothes while they were still on me, if felt a little weird but it only took awhile. “There now you look smashing” Rarity said I was a bit cold and wet but at least I was clean enough for her to come closer. Pinkie came out from behind with a big smile on her face. “So this I what you aliens look like” she began to ruffle my hair and poke various spots on my body. After she was done squirming all around me she sat down next to her friends. “You look silly” Pinkie said as she pointed to me “I hope Chrysalis didn’t hurt you in any way” Fluttershy said I turned to see Flutter shy hovering next to me worried “Oh now im fine though I did get shot the other day” “Shot?” she said I took off my coat to show her the bandages and dried up blood where I had been shot. “Oh you poor thing” Fluttershy said as she rubbed my arm “Nah I’ll live its only flesh wound” I said jokingly Twilight was getting slightly agitated at all the attention I was getting and interrupted “Well now that’s out of the way we should probably think about getting both Chrysalis and Dash back home” I knew Twilight was a buzzkill from time to time but when she said that my heart sank because I knew this was the end of the line fore dash and I. I grew sad as I looked over at dash. Dash flew toward me one last time. “It was one hell of an adventure we had” dash said I looked at dash with a smile as this maybe the last thing we say to each other “Yes it sure was” I said Saying adventure in front of pinkie made her all the more curious. “Oooh you guys went on an adventure together” she said “Im rather curious on how you two met on a planet like this” Rarity said I felt like I owed them an explanation as to where dash was all this time and why she was with me. “Well I found dash injured in an alley,” I said “Injured” Fluttershy said as she flew toward dash to see the bandages on her hoof “Its true” Dash said by showing her friends her injury awhile back “So I took dash into my home, fixed her, feed her and have been keeping her safe every since then” Twilight was a bit shocked to see that kind of generosity come from someone else “You took care of her, despite that fact that she was alien to your world” Twilight said “Of course, I wasn’t gonna leave her alone for those mob guys and agents to come and take her Twilight was confused “From who?” she asked "Well there are these group of mob guys that wanted dash so i stopped them, then my government sent agents to capture her too and experiment on her as well so i've been protecting dash all this time" At that moment I heard a gun click back. I slowly turned to see a big mobster with handgun in one hand and a cigar in the other “And what a pain you've been,” he said “Who are you?” I asked He puffed his cigar and said “Names Boris im the boss of my fellow mob group” “I’ve been looking for you, you caused a lot of trouble for my boys, most of them got hurt some got hospitalized because of you. So now Im gonna take what’s mine and make sure you don’t interfere anymore” He pointed his gun at me and was going to fire. The mane six just stood in horror as everything transpired around them. I knew what I had to do, I had to think and act fast if it was going to work. I looked behind him and pointed. “Look” I yelled He turned his head as I pulled out my pistol and aimed it at him. He looked back to see I had a gun on him. At first he was hesitant to fire, I looked at him and fired BLAM I ended up shooting the gun right out of his hand. He grabbed his hand in pain. “That was dirty,” he said “There are no rules in a gunfight, but you, you put me through hell so now I gonna return the favor” Before I could do anything to him I heard a gunshot in the distance. In a split second Boris was hit in the chest by a bullet. A bit of blood spurted out as he fell. I figured out right quick that the Agents must be on me trying to snipe me down. I looked over at twilight, ran over, grabbed her and ran for cover. Another gunshot was heard as I ran for cover. I put her down behind a vent and she was all confused “What in the name of Celestia are you doing,” she yelled “I just saved your life, your welcome by the way” I then looked over and saw a gunshot on my left shoulder and felt the pain immediately. I grabbed it and screamed out as the rest came over. “Rich are you hit” dash said She flew towards to look at the wound. “Im fine dash, but we got a sniper across the way and that’s a whole other threat” I grabbed my rifle and readied it against my shoulder as another bullet came piercing a hole in the vent missing not by much. I knew this was going to be my toughest challenge yet > The Last Stand > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Seven The Last Stand As I hid behind the large vent with the Mane six next to me, keeping their heads down to avoid gunfire, I readied my rifle preparing to fire. The problem was, I didn’t know where the sniper was shooting from without giving away my position. I had to draw him away from me in order to take the shoot. “Argh were pinned down, I can’t get a clear shot,” I said I peeked around the vent when another bullet came ricocheting off the vent missing me. The mane six were already terrified cause they knew what would happen if one of those bullets hits someone. They already saw what it did to my shoulder. I felt the pain but I had to focus. I kept my head down hoping that the shooter didn’t see me, I stood by thinking what to do. Rainbow Dash had an idea but I wasn’t sure if it was going. “Rich I’ll draw him out for out for to get clear a shot” I was shocked appalled that rainbow would do something as crazy as that “Dash that's suicide,” I said Dash flew towards me and grabbed my head with a serious look on her face “Rich you’ve done plenty, now is not the time to worry about me I’ll be fine just take the shot when I say so” I nodded at dash hoping that she would be all right. I held dash’s hoof before she flew off into the open. “Then lets do it,” I said Dash flew out from behind cover to draw the sniper away from me or to block his vision through the scope. Dash flew around and they yelled “Tenth floor up, third window on the right” I cocked the lever on my rifle and jumped out of hiding to find the spot. I aimed ten floors up, turned to the third window and saw an open window where I could see the sniper through my scope. I was slow to find him but then he popped a round that I could have sworn whizzed right by me ear. I aimed for him, exhaled slowly then squeezed the trigger BOOM A few seconds a could see the snipers head explode in a shower of red blood indicating that I had hit him dead on. I aimed my rifle down to see the building where he was and couldn’t believe I got him. “YEAH” I yelled like snowflake “I got him woooo” I dropped my rifle, jumped up and threw my fist in air victoriously The rest of the ponies came out of hiding to see that the gunfire had ceased. Twilight was surprised by my bravery with the help of dash putting her life on to protect me that is. “Well you too seem to have a strong bond together,” she said I looked at Twilight then at Dash and looked away and blushed a bit. “Rich took a bullet for me this I know, it only seemed fair that I did the same for him” Dash looked back at me, I went up, grabbed and hugged her. “Thank you dash I couldn’t have done it without ya” Dash hugged back “It’s all cool, I’d do anything to protect you” I looked at dash with smug look “You copycat” I said Dash laughed as the man six looked at us with weird looks on their faces “OOOh looks like somepony’s got a crush on some…one” Applejack said “Well I think they were fabulous working together the way they did” Rarity said Dash and I immediately stopped hugging when they said that. They all started giggling at that notion. “Dashie’s got a new friend isn’t this exciting” Pinkie said “Good for you Dash” Fluttershy and ended with her famous yay Twilight had enough and walked over towards us “Well now that that’s taken care of she should probably get going but first I have to send out a message” Twilight the aimed her horn toward the sky and then a light beam shout into space. I wondered what she did that for but didn’t worry too much about it. I then started to hear multiple footsteps coming from all directions, just then I knew we were under threat. I proceeded to my bag to pull out a folded shotgun. I picked up the MP5 that I dropped earlier and corralled the mane six back into cover “What’s the matter Rich, what’s going on” Twilight I responded plain and simple “We’ve got company” I said and just like that I saw a S.W.A.T officer come around the corner sub-machine gun in hand ready to shoot me. I aimed my shotgun and fired. He went down as was out for the count. I looked and saw that Boris was gone and had left a blood trail behind. I looked over and saw mobsters coming out way. I proceeded to mow them down with my MP5. Gunfire was whizzing by, officers and mobsters were dropping like bad habits. This went on for a while but the Minute I ran out of ammo the S.W.A.T and mobsters just stopped showing up. I turned my head both ways where they were coming from and stood very still. I stood silently and didn’t here a single footstep. I dropped my empty weapons and pulled out my pistols ready to fight to the end. Then I heard heavy motors in the wind and I knew that they sent attack choppers. I looked off into the distance to see two of them head my way. I put my pistols back and grabbed my rifle. As soon as they got close they called out on a radio-mic. “Drop the weapons and get down on your knees, or will open fire” I wasn’t about to take orders but then again they had a bigger gun so I used my brain to their brawn. I proceeded to aim my rifle at the pilot. I pulled the trigger, hitting the pilot causing the chopper to spin out of control and crash. The other chopped opened fire on me with w heavy machine gun. I dodged and rolled out of the way only to get my coat riddled with holes. I aimed my rifle at the pilot and fired again. The bullet bounced off the re-enforced glass. I didn’t know what to do; as the gunner open fired on me again I took cover behind an air conditioner. I looked through my scope to see the cockpit of the chopped and spotted a fire extinguisher, I aimed for that instead. I fired causing the extinguisher to go off distracting the gunner and the pilot for me to take another shot. I fired toward the cockpit again hitting the pilot causing the chopper to crash. The mane six looked with their mouths wide open. “That was the most superific, most spectacular, thing I ever saw” Pinkie said I understood where why pinkie was enjoying this, it's not everyday you get to see action and explosions like the ones she just witnessed. “Of course Rich is the man” Dash said giving me a little nudge “I hope there wont be any more interruptions” Twilight said I looked all around and couldn’t find any signs of an attack. “I think were in the clear,” I said Just when I thought is was over a brilliant light blew right in front of me and before I knew it I was standing in the presence of Princess Celestia. “My Word it’s you” I said I was at a loss for words, to see a full sized white Alicorn standing in front of me, and knowing she was the Princess of the sun got my brony sense’s tingling. She looked at me and said “Greeting fellow earthling I am Princess Celestia and I have come to retrieve one of my lost subjects” “I know,” I said “I have your subject here” I moved my hand and pointed out Dash who came out of hiding “She has been in my care up until now, I’ll have you know that I had been protecting her all this time, and keeping her safe” Celestia was shocked by my words, never in a thousand years would she expect an alien human to protect one of her subjects. She knew what my world was capable off, with all the wars and killing that had happened and is still happening. Seeing a human show compassion and bravery was a first. “You mean to tell me that you have been watching over Rainbow dash this whole time” Celestia said “Yes that correct” I said Dash flew up toward Celestia along with her friends “It’s true princess we been on the run from multiple bad guys trying to capture and kill us” Dash said “I can vouch for both of them Celestia, Rich displayed great courage defending us from many foes” Twilight said I never thought Twilight was one for agreeing with me but then again I did save her. “Well all I can say is that you have our eternal gratitude” Celestia went and bow her head to me and in turn I bowed before her. I stood up next to Celestia and knew this time Dash was going away for real and I would never see her again. “And now my fillies it is time fore us to go” Celestia said. The Ponies gathered Chrysalis who was struggling trying to break free and Dash ready to leave. Celestia stood tall and mighty as the mane six gathered around her. “Wait” I said as I put my hand out Celestia and the mane six turned and looked at me “Can I at least say goodbye?” I asked I had hoped to at least say something before Dash left with her friends that way she wont be able to forget me. “Very Well” Celestia said Dash walked past her friends up to me as I knelt down to talk to her. “Dash” I said “You were the greatest thing that ever happened in my life and I want you to know that, you gave me an adventure that any brony could ever have hoped for in his or her lifetime, And I just want you to know that I will never forget you” I then pulled out my necklace that I had been wearing since the moment I walked out my front door. It was a necklace with Dash’s Cutie Mark as a pedant. Dash saw this and her mouth opened with joy, with a small tear that ran down her cheek. I then placed over her head and around her neck for her to see. Dash began to cry and then proceeded to hug me. “I don’t want to leave you,” she cried Celestia and the rest were taken by what I did and what Dash said. I grabbed dash and held onto her very closely “I know dash, but you don’t belong here, in my gloomy, dark and horrible world. You belong with your friends in your world” Dash sniffed and looked at me one last time. But before I could get up, I heard footsteps coming towards us. I looked to see a man with a dark suit starting to pull a handgun out from his jacket. He aimed it at Celestia and I knew what needed too be done. It was either she or I and I chose the latter. I sprang away from dash and ran towards Celestia. I jumped up as he fired hitting me in the chest. I hurt badly as I could feel the air escape from my lungs but then another bullet hit me and then another. Four shots hit me and I felt very weak to the point where I couldn’t even stand up. I looked up to the man in black aiming his gun at me as I fell in front of Celestia the mane six bleeding out. The MIB continued to aim his gun at Celestia. “It’s about time that brat was out of my way” Dash looked in shear horror as I lay dead next to the ponies I ment to protect. “You monster” she yelled She zipped towards her friends and stood her ground with sad and mad look on her face “Why did you kill him?” she shouted The MIB smiled and gave a soft laugh. He looked evilly into the eyes of his soon to be experiments. “Simple, he got in the way” he said Celestia to was horrified by what had happened and stood her ground next to Dash. “Who are and why are you doing this,” She Demanded The MIB looked at Celestia with a hint that he still had the upper hand “My name is Agent Givens, I have tracking that small blue alien pony for quite some time now. It’s been taking up an awful lot of my time due too that boy interfering trying to hide her but no more” He said pointing his gun “And you are all coming with me” she said He then fired at Celestia purposely missing. This was bad Celestia was a powerful Alicorn able to put up strong force fields, but not knowing when a bullet was coming her way and putting one up at the right second was hard enough. She still stood her ground next to her subjects “What do plan to do to us,” she demanded Agent Givens smiled as he walked closer to them. “Well first is to tranquilize, and contain you until we got you to safely probably, there you will be dissected in labs and put into frozen storage where no one will ever find you, Besides you and your cartoons are your infecting this planet with friendship” Celestia raised her brow and so did twilight and her friends “What are you talking about” Twilight asked “Oh you don’t know, well there’s a little girls cartoons show that’s all about you and your pathetic adventures, and your elemental harmonizers or whatever its called, turning grown into feminine freaks, its call My Little Pony” Dash looked up and yelled “They’re called bronies,” “They’re just men that understand it doesn’t matter your age, your sex, your gender, or your race. They understand that friendship is the most powerful thing in the world, no in the universe. Something that you’ll never understand” Agent Givens started laughing “Ha as if I care, but enough talk you all are coming me,” he yelled pointing his gun back at Celestia Celestia and her subjects were shocked to hear what Dash and had no idea. “Well that’s not happening” Twilight said bravely “We never follow someone maniacal as you” “That’s right, if you so much as lay a hand on me I will not be hesitant to use my hooves against you” Rarity said “Darn tootin’,” Applejack said Agent Givens laughed “There is no one else that can save you now” An injured Boris came out form behind cover weapon drawn on Agent Givens. “These ponies are mine,” He yelled “And who are you” Agent Givens asked as he turned to see Boris He yelled out “I am Boris, I rule these streets, this part of the country and I want these ponies for my sons birthday now” he yelled still pointing his gun at Givens Boris shot at Agent Givens and Givens returned fire and hitting Boris dead on, Boris tried to fire back but ended up missing and getting gunned down. Givens stood proud knowing that there would be no more interruptions. Givens then fired at Celestia but she had already put up a barrier at the last second. “Ha resistance is futile it doesn’t matter I have a helicopter on its way to grab all of you” Givens screamed “And there’s you can do to stop me” Before Givens knew a gunshot came and hit him in the heart. He flinched back a few steps putting his hand where the shot hit him and saw blood pump out of his chest. The ponies were shock at what had just happened. Givens turned to where the shot came form and much to his and Dash’s surprise I leaned upwards with a small Derringer in my hand. “You!” Givens said I then fired the last round that hit Givens right in the forehead killing him instantly. Dash did a double take between Givens and I. She looked and saw that I had enough life to save the Princess and her friend’s again. I was still aiming where givens fell and said something that those ponies would never forget. “You can’t kill me,” I said before dropping back down trying to cling on to dear life. Dash ran over to me and held my head to try to talk too me. “Rich” she said in tears I looked up to see the cyan pony crying for him. “Dash…im sorry this happened…I…I wish I saw this coming” “Don’t talk Rich you’re gonna be fine” dash said trying to be enthusiastic even though there was no way of rich with a first aid kit “No Dash…my time has come…for me to leave this earth I only I wish I could live to see you go and to be with you in Equestria but sadly I must go,” I said with my dying breath “Don’t say that you’re gonna be fine” Dash cried Dash held onto me still crying. Her friends even Celestia cried too. Twilight walked over trying to comfort her friend. “We sorry Dash about this, but we need to go” Twilight said Dash grew angry and pushed Twilight back “No” she shouted “Im not leaving him like this, I don’t want him to go where I can’t follow, im not” Dash said as she dove her head into my shoulder and cried. Twilight and the rest all felt dash’s pain but they couldn’t do anything. Celestia walked over to my dying body and raised her horn. A bright light started glowing and soon a force field covered them. Twilight was able to copy her mentor and do the exact same thing. Their eyes opened with a glow and with seconds they disappeared without a trace. The events that had transpired on that fateful day soon reached every news station across America and soon to the world about how I Richard Smith was a wanted man for interfering with a government operation to capture a live alien that looked like a winged horse. Soon pictures of Dash blew up the Internet. Bronies everywhere revered me as a saint for sticking it to the man for saving dash from the government. Hasbro gained a lot of publicity for this but soon turned their back saying the pictures were merely a hoax. An official manhunt was put out on me but they weren’t able to find me. Before it had reached my ears I went down in history as the new man of mystery. Man he turned his back on his government and simply vanished. > Equestria > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eight Equestria The last thing I remember was Celestia putting up some kind of force field around me and the rest of the mane six. My eyes opened very slowly trying to adjust to the light. My eye hurt from being closed for a long period of time. I felt my hand around and knew that that I was lying in a bed. It felt like I had been sleeping for months or maybe I was in a comma? My eyes adjusted a little bit and I could see the ceiling of a large stone building. The colors were vibrant and well colorful; it looked like it was made out of stone. It looked almost as if it was a drawing. I turned my head to a stone windowsill, far of in the distance as I could see a blue mountain and I could hear birds chirping. I turned my head the other way and saw a uniquely color dresser with a mirror. I got up and looked all around the room I was in and saw a big double-sided door. The first thing that popped in my head was that I was dead and had gone to heaven. I looked at myself and saw that I was wearing a white silk shirt. I pulled it up and saw scars where I remember being shot at. I was also wearing a pair white-silk pants so I guess that was a plus. I just stood up in my bed and wondered what was going on. I heard the door open I did not expect to see Celestia walk in, that didn’t even cross my mind. Celestia looked at me and smiled. “I see that you are well,” she said I just stared at her blinking, I even pinched myself to make sure I was awake and not in some sort of fantasy dream world. “Where am I?” I said subtly Celestia just smiled as she came closer to me “Come and see for yourself,” she said She proceeded to walk out the door, she stopped and looked back at me and nudged her head as a way to say follow me. I slowly climbed out of bed and followed behind her. I slowly walked out the door and came upon a grand hallway with incretion columns of giant size reach from the ceiling to the floor. I saw Celestia walk down the hall on a red carpet laid floor. I stepped out and followed close to her. I couldn’t understand where I was at but I could only guess. That when I saw Celestia standing outside on a stone Balcony. I stepped out as the sun hit my eyes. I looked in awe of what I saw before me. I looked at out the expanse land with small towns, winding rivers, mountains that stood tall and proud. I even looked at the building itself and saw that I was in Canterlot Castle. I knew that I was in no other place but in Equestria. I couldn’t believe it; at first I merely thought that this was all fake and that this had to be some cruel joke. I turned to Celestia and saw her still smiling. “Is this…real,” I said as I wave my finger in all directions “It is as real as you and I Richard,” She said It was funny to hear Celestia call me by my first name. I thought for sure she would still call me earthling, alien or something like that but I remember dash saying my name it enough times for her to remember. I looked back at the landscape and took in the fresh air “So this it…Equestria, it’s even more beautiful than I could have possibly imagined,” I said Celestia was pleased by my words. “Im glad you appreciate it, its good to know that some still enjoy the scenery for time to time” as she too looked at the land Celestia turned back into the hallway “Come they are waiting” she said as she started walking away into the castle. I followed close behind her trying to grasp the situation I was in. I was in a magical land of talking technicolored horses and mythical creatures. I was so surreal and I couldn’t believe that I was walking inside Canterlot Castle. I followed Celestia into her throne room and there I saw Dash and her friends smiling waiting to see me. Dash was the first to do something. She flew right towards me and crashed into me. I fell on the floor with dash on top of me hugging me to death. “Rich your awake I was so worried” she said as she held me tightly I couldn’t help but hug her back knowing that I was alive to see her again. “It’s good to see you too Dash,” I said Twilight and her friends so gathered around us “You gave us quite a scare there partner, we thought for sure that you’d past on,” Applejack said I looked at Applejack and smiled “Well I for one am glad your alive, I hope you like the night gown I made for you. Took me while to get the measurements right but I hope it fits you just right” Rarity said I had no idea that Rarity made me these clothes; I guess she really is generous “Thank you Rarity I love it,” I complimented “Your welcome darling, I couldn’t decide on color so I just went with good ol’ fashion white silk” I felt one of my sleeves; the feeling of soft smooth silk run across my fingers was amazing. “It’s good to see that your awake Richard” Twilight said “Thanks, it means so much for me to hear you say that” I said I looked and saw Fluttershy behind me starting to rub where my injuries were “Oh im sorry I just wanted to make sure that you weren’t in any pain,” the shy pony said “It’s alright Fluttershy its good to know that you care” I said as I casually rubbed my chest to feel that most of the pain was gone but still felt kind of sore. Dash flew off me and I was able to stand up again. I turned to see Princess Celestia sitting on her throne with Princess Luna at her side. As I walked a bit closer I couldn’t help but bow before her. She gave a soft chuckle. “There’s no need for that Richard,” she said as she to stood up “For it is we who should be bowing to you” And with that she and Luna both bowed down in front of me. I turned to see that the mane six did exactly that as well. It felt kind of weird but at the same time felt great. Celestia got back up and stood before me. “It is rare for us to have visitors from another universe,” she said But something was bothering and I felt like I had to say it “Forgive me Princess but is there any particular reason why I’m here?” Celestia looked at me and gave me her reason “When you fell on that roof, you wished to see dash and be with her in her world so Twilight and I honorably granted your wishes” At first I didn’t know what to think about, it was a simple wish but I had know idea that Alicorns could grant wishes. “I…I don’t understand” I asked “It has been said that when an Alicorn faces a great danger beyond their control or power and is saved by an unlikely hero thee Alicorn has to grant them one wish. And since you saved the life of Twilight and Myself we both granted your last wishes” I was ecstatic and amazed when I had heard what Celestia had just told me. “I…I had no idea” I was at a complete loss for words Luna came closer as well to speak “Because of that, my sister healed your wounds and Twilight using what magic she knew along with my sisters, they was able to transport all of you back safely” “I… I don’t know what say” I was at a complete loss for words I walked closer to Celestia and gave her a small hug. She didn’t know how to react “Thank you so much” I said Celestia just simply hugged back. “Come a celebration is in order” Celestia got up and walked with Luna out toward a different balcony. The minute I stepping out I saw a large crowd of Ponies cheering “This here is an earthling from another universe, he is the one who protected one of our ponies with is life, because their world proved to be a cruel and harsh environment for her to be in, and this earthling proved that no matter where you are even in the gloomiest, darkest and most horrible of places of any universe friendship is thee most powerful thing ever The crowd cheered and yelled as loud as they could as I stood and watched taking it all in “And now without further a due we Citizens of Equestria welcome you Richard…” Celestia stopped and tilted her head towards me “What’s your full name?” she asked softly I leaned and whispered into her ear “Smith” “Thank you” she said “We hereby welcome you Richard Smith Guardian of Earth, Protector of Ponies to our Great Lands of Equestria” The mane six cheered, the nearby Guards sounded their trumpets and the crowed went nuts. I just stood there and waved my hand in glory. Celestia then turned to me once more “I also have a small gift for you Richard” I didn’t know what to say. I can’t remember the last time I had gotten a gift. Celestia pulled out a small gold-chained necklace with a golden pony medallion on it. Using her magic she levitated it over my head and dropped down onto my neck. I just held the medallion in my hand as I looked at how shiny it was. “With this medallion you will be able to change from an earthling to a pony whenever you feel like. All you and to do is hold the medallion against your chest and the transformation will happen” I couldn’t believe my ears when Celestia said that and I just had to try it out. I held the medallion against my chest and instantly it started to glow and beam of lights started to swirl around me and then a flash happened. I felt weird at first but when I lifted my glasses to rub my eyes all I could feel was a hoof. I looked and it was a hoof, the color of my coat was tanned just like my skin, which was darker in comparison to other people. I looked and my mane looked exactly like my black hair that I had. I turned and saw I was standing on all four legs. To me it felt like someone chopped off my legs and I was walking on my hands and knees. I looked and saw that I had a black tail and I could move it. I looked and saw that I didn’t have a horn nor did I have wings but that didn’t bother me at all cause I was a pony now. The other thing that caught my eye is that I had a golden sun with three stars on it for a cutie mark. “huh its the symbols from the Philippine flag, i wonder what it means” I asked Twilight examined it closely pondering the same thing “Well from what it looks like it means your talent is to protect and serve” I understood Twilight and had no idea that I would be a guardian of Equestria “Wow this way too much for me too take in,” I said I felt a bit faint and I ended up just sitting down and breathing heavily “This is so surreal” I sad as I looked at my hooves and my cutie mark The Mane six were excited for there knew pony friend and pinkie was the first one to say something as she clung to me. “This is so exciting!” she yelled as she hugged me tightly “Now your just like one of us, were gonna have such a good time together, I can show around all of Ponyville and we can cupcakes and parties and have fun” I couldn’t help but smile a bit at pinkie for just for just being herself. “You know what Pinkie, that sounds like a good idea Pinkie” Pinkie sprang up into the air and landed perfectly on her hooves “I’d knew you would like it” she responded I turned to face the rest of the ponies. “That is, if any of you are going to join in on the festivities,” I said They just looked at each other, smiled and nodded their heads “Of course Richard it wouldn’t as much fun if you weren’t there” Twilight said The mane six showed me the way out and soon we came upon the train station. With help of the two Princesses’ we were able to ride it all the way to Ponyville. Some of the ponies looked at me funny but it didn’t bother me. We boarded the train and soon we were riding down the tracks into Ponyville. While I was sitting the girls just had to ask questions. “So Richard do you have a family” Twilight asked “Yeah but I left them to go live on my own, but didn’t expect living alone was hard, that’s why I lived in an old run down building just to save on rent, food and other necessities,” I said “So what’d ya do, did you find a job?” Applejack said “Yea I worked at an Internet café, it was nice but boring all together” “Uh what’s an Internet café?” she responded “Oh right um… basically it’s just a place to chill, hang out with friends, surf the web” “Oh…what does surf the web mean?” “I’ll tell you later” i said “What kind of clothes do they wear?” Rarity asked “Um…well we just wear normal clothes, nothing to flashy or fancy, like me I just wear whatever feels comfortable” “Yea cause changing our clothes was a high priority when were being chased” Dash said “Oh I see well I’ll have to change that,” she said “Do they have any animals?” Fluttershy asked “Yea but taking care of a pet is expensive,” I said “Oh that’s too bad, I can imagine you as a cat kind of pony” Too be honest I actually prefer cats “Do you guys have parties,” Pinkie asked “Yea we have an occasional party whether it’s somebody’s birthday, graduation, new years, you got to have a good reason to party” “I understand that’s why I always have an excuse to par-tay,” she said I laughed a little cause I knew pinkie was right. “Your cutie mark says your good at protecting and serving but you do have any skills?” Dash asked “Uh…well I have good memory,” I said “You do” Twilight said I then proceeded to recite a random Shel Silverstein poem and Twilight was impressed “Wow that’s amazing!” she said “It’s a gift and a curse,” I said jokingly “What kind of stuff did ya’ll eat,” Applejack asked I had to choose carefully when I answered, I didn’t want to freak them out if I told them I eat meat. “Well we eat vegetables, fruits, grains, rice and some sweets” “That’s interesting you guys eat all the same kind of stuff we do” Applejack said Before I knew it we were in Ponyville, as I stepped out the train I saw some familiar background ponies. I saw Derpy, Lyra, Bon Bon, Minuette, and Doctor Whooves. I wanted to say hi but I had more pressing matters to attend to, but everywhere I looked I saw things from the show right that were right here in front of my face and it was amazing. I followed the mane six as we walked past town hall. I looked up and saw the tall iconic building in the center of town where I would of expected it to be. We soon came upon a familiar site as Pinkie led us into Sugar-Cube Corner. I was really excited when I walked in and saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake my brony senses were overreacting. “Hello Again girls and I see you brought a friend” Mrs. cake said Well I had to introduce myself so I walked up and shook their hooves “It’s nice to meet you im Richard,” I said “Richard huh that’s a unique name, I don’t I’ve ever heard of a pony name like that before” Mr. Cake said “Yea uh I come from…very far away” “Oh well that would explain it” he said “Yup and were gonna to have a new pony in PonyVille party just for him” Pinkie “Well alright I’ll get everything ready” Mrs. Cake The Cake’s went off to get baking and getting everything ready, Rarity Started on the decorations, Applejack came back with some of her Apple goods, Twilight and Fluttershy helped move stuff out of the way to make room and Dash and I were left together. I looked over at Dash and she looked back at me. I just went and put my arm around her and pulled her in closer. She was a little embarrassed but she didn’t care “It’s nice being with you and everybody, I just hope I made the right decision” Dash looked at me funny “What do you mean?” she asked “What I mean is there are a lot of things from my world that I’m gonna miss like T.V, video games, music, Youtube…” I went on and on but dash just seemed to laugh and smile. “Don’t worry Rich I’m sure well find suitable replacements far all those things” “Yea I suppose so,” I said to dash with smile Soon the party started and everybody in PonyVille was attending. I had know idea how many ponies lived in PonyVille alone. I decided to just have fun anyway. I ate some of Pinkie’s recommended treats, I play bobbin’ for apples with AJ, I played pin the tail on the pony with Rarity, I danced silly with Twilight, and soon I was tired and was out for the count. I decided to get some fresh air so I stepped outside as the sun was going down. I sat down on the steps as I looked out into the stars. Applejack came out and sat next to me. “What’s wrong sugar-cube?” she asked “Oh it’s nothing, im just got a little worried” “About what” “About where im gonna sleep tonight” “Well shoot you can rest at my place” she said I just looked at Applejack and up until now Applejack was always my favorite pony next to Dash but this was too nice. “Um…well that’s a gracious offer, but are you sure, cause I don’t want to be a burden” AJ just patted me on the back and laughed. “Of course not partner, you can rest at my place anytime” she said “Well thanks AJ I appreciate it” “Huh you’re the only other pony to ever call me that” she said “Oh sorry” “Nah its alright” as she rustled my mane “Oh another is if I am gonna live here I might need a place of my own, and in order to do that I’ll need money, so I was thinking if it be alright if I worked on your farm to kinda make some money” Applejack looked at me and then laughed “Ha-ha you don’t have to work for a house, I was already thinkin’ some of the apple family would be kind enough to build a house for you” I looked at Applejack and didn’t realize that she was willing to just build me a house “Well that’s mighty kind of you but it’s feels wrong to take something without giving something back, so if I work with you maybe I could pay you” “You don’t need to give us anything but if it will make you feel better you can help me with my chores tomorrow if you” “Thank you Applejack it means a lot to me” Applejack got and walked back inside to join the party. I just looked around until I could see Canterlot up on the mountainside. “Thank you Celestia” I said with a smile I got back up and headed back to join my newfound friends. I walked in too see everypony having a good time, laughing and just enjoying themselves. And up until the point where I started watching the show I felt a little happy but never expressed it, but when I found Dash back in that alleyway she made my life extraordinarily awesome. Now I really feel happy to her and her pals, as friends living in PonyVille in Equestria may have been the greatest moment in my life. After the party was over, everypony started heading back to their houses. I walked out with Dash and saw Applejack waitin’ on me. “Dash I had a blast today but-” I yawned “Im getting kinda tired” “It’s cool, I’ll see you tomorrow then” Dash said “Later” Dash flew up into the sky to her home in the clouds and I followed AJ back to her farm. Just like the show it looked the same and the fields of Apples was definitely a sight. She led me inside and I saw Big Macintosh, Granny Smith and Applebloom waiting for there last member to come home. “Apple family I’d like you to meet Richard, he’s gonna stay with us for tonight” I just simply smiled and waved my hoof “Really where’s he from Applejack,” Applebloom asked “He’s from far away” AJ responded “Well how far exactly” Granny smith said “Uh far enough to where it doesn’t matter” “Eeyup” Big Mac said “Well I guess you’re alright then, welcome to the Apple Family, ah there’s spare bedroom upstairs, Applebloom will be a dear and set everything up for ya” Granny smith said “Well thank you, this is one generous family you’ve got AJ” “Well thanks” AJ started to blush a little “Come on I’ll show you to your room” We walked up stairs and I saw all kinds of Apple Family stuff like pictures and knick-knacks. “And this is your room” Apple led me to a small room with a bed and a window I walked in and it was cozy, southern but cozy. I walked over to the window and saw the Apple trees and beyond them as Ponyville. I looked back at Aj to see her standing in the doorway. “If you need anything partner just let know” she said “Thanks again AJ” “No problem at all” AJ closed the door and I was left alone. I pressed the Medallion against my chest and turned back into a human. My head almost touched the ceiling I was that tall. I hopped in bed, which was a little small, but I didn’t care. I laid my head towards the window and felt happy and content for the first time in my life. The End? > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Epilogue I woke up inside my cottage to see the light beaming through my window. I got up and forgot that I was in human mode. I reached over to grab my medallion and pressed into against my chest. I turned back into pony; I put my necklace around me neck and got ready to start the day. I ate some breakfast of muffins and milk. I took my glasses of my bureau and put them on, as I got ready to walk out the door. I stood in the doorway; as I looked down to see PonyVille and see some ponies going about their business. I walked out, closed my door and locked it shut. I walked down the hill, from where my house sat, up too my mailbox. I opened into to find a small scroll. I opened it and read it out loud Dear Richard, I am pleased to about your new home and hope that your adjustments to living in Ponyville are going well. Im am pleased to hear that you’re making a lot of new friends and I hope that Twilight can help you in way she can. I hope this letter gets to your home Sincerely, Princess Celestia I put the scroll back in the mailbox “I’ll bring that up when I come back” I said to myself I started down the path that led into PonyVille. I walked by several ponies that waved at me and I waved back. I had to say PonyVille had a really friendly neighborhood. I walk up to Sugar-cube corner to pick up some food for the week. I stood in line patiently behind other ponies, until I finally got up to the counter to see Mr. Cake “Hey Mr. Cake I need seven muffins” as I handed him some bits “Good Morning Richard coming right up” He took my bits and left to go get me my muffins He came back with a box of seven muffins. “Here you go the last bunch,” he said I heard a small whimper from behind me “Aw man I was hoping for a muffin this morning” I turned around and saw Derpy standing behind. She was sad and upset that I had taken the last of the muffins. Being the nice guys that I was opened the box toward her. “Here” I said “Pick any one you want” Derpy immediate grew happy as a she looked at the muffins. “Really I can have one,” she said “Be my guest” She picked out a Lemon Muffin Surprise. I wasn’t a big fan of lemons muffins so i let her have it. “Thank you so much” she said as she took a bite “Ah its no problem” I put the box on my back and headed out the door. I walked on past the market to get to the library. I knocked on the door and waited, spike soon came and opened the door. He looked up to see that is was just me “Oh Hey Rich” he said “Hey spike, just came by to pick up another book” “Well come on in” he said as he showed me the way into the library. I looked around at all the books twilight must have read at least once or twice. I turned to find the book I was looking for. I stepped up pulled out a Daring Do novel number 3. I heard twilight from upstairs. "Wow you finished number two already" she said as she came down to see me "Yeah" i said "I gotta say the adventures she has are amazing" Twilight smiled and was glad to hear that i was a fan of the book series as well "Thats good, i heard there's going to be another one in a couple of weeks" she said "Cant' wait, il have to read super fast in order to catch up" I put the book in my sack and headed out the door. I waved goodbye to Twilight and Spike as i headed down the road. I kept on trotting until i could see Rarity's Boutique. I walked up and opened the door as i heard the bell ring. i turned and saw Rarity working on her latest project, she just turned to see that it was I “Well hello again darling” she said “Hey Rarity I hope im not interrupting you" "Oh of course not, how can I help you" she said "I came to pick up those clothes you talked about” “Oh right I have them right here” Rarity used her magic to suspend her creations to show me. I looked and saw a nice shirt and matching pants for my human form. “Rarity they look great,” I said as i looked at the detail “Why thank you dear, it’s casual but not flashy, stylish but not fancy,” she said “Well thanks Rarity I appreciate it” I put the clothes in my bag and continued about my business.I waved goodbye as I walked along the road. I made my way to Applejacks house to pick up some stuff from her. I stopped and saw the AJ’s apple cellar door was open so I walked over to see if she was there. “Hello down there” I said A minute went by then Applejack came and emerged from the cellar. “Well howdy partner” she said as she tipped her at to me “Hey Aj you said you had apple stuff ready for me” “I reckon I did,” she said She led me into her home, and walked me into her kitchen. On the table was an assortment of apple goods. “We have: Apple juice, Apple cider, Apple pie, Milk and of course and the last jar of Zap Apple jam” “Thanks AJ, i cant believe you saved the last jar for me” I said “No problem i know how you like zap-apple jam” I put the delicious treats in my bag and walked out the door. I turned and waved goodbye as I walked down the road back home “See ya later Applejack” i said Applejack waved goodbye and went about the rest of her chores. I walked back up the trail that led to my house. I pulled the letter out of the mailbox and brought it with me as I climbed up the hill. When I got inside I set my bag down and pressed my medallion against my chest and turned into a human. I put the book down along with my apple goods on the table. I put my clothes into my dresser and put the book on top of it. I put the muffins and apple goods in my refrigerator. After had gotten a bit more comfortable I plopped down on my bed with the Daring Do book in hand and started reading. This was my new life and this was my new home.