“Thank you very much, Pinkie. I don’t know how I would have carried all this food back to my cottage alone,” Fluttershy mused to her traveling companion.
“Don’t you worry your silly Billy head, silly,” the pink mare responded. She continued her bouncy trot along the path just ahead of her yellow friend.
It was Fluttershy’s weekly shopping day and she had gone a bit lavish with her purchases today. Lucky for her, her friend Pinkie Pie had been at the market gathering supplies for her latest party. It wasn’t hard to convince Pinkie to help, and soon the two were on the road headed to Ponyville. Fluttershy had just one more stop along the way and her shopping would be finished.
“We just need to stop right up here, Pinkie.”
“Okie dokie,” Pinkie replied and saluted her friend.
The two stopped at the local imports just outside of Ponyville proper, right next to the train station. It was a small shop which only had a few select items, all of which were only sold here, knickknacks from Appaloosa, luxury shampoos and makeups from Manehatten, and the item Fluttershy was there for. This was the one bit of shopping done just for herself, Crystal Brie, from the Crystal Empire. It was a delicious cheese that she could only be bought here.
“Is that all you’re here for?” the bubbly pink pony inquired.
Fluttershy squeaked at the sudden questioning. “Oh… Um, yes.”
She had to admit that it was a little silly to go out of her way just for a specialty cheese just for herself.
“Pinkie, would you like anything while we’re here? I could um… get you something… to say thank you,” the shy Pegasus squeaked.
Pinkie immediately dropped the questioning at the thought of a gift. “If you're gonna buy me something, who am I to stop you?” It took Pinkie all of ten seconds to pick out a small bag of crystal rock candy.
The two ponies brought their treats up to the register and Fluttershy paid. It was when the two left the shop that Fluttershy heard a bit of commotion in front of the train station. There was a white unicorn colt standing and yelling into a pay phone. “What do you mean I can’t move in today?!” The pony was clearly agitated. He looked pretty plain with a white coat, brown mane and tail, a cutie mark of an artistic looking "I". His only outstanding feature were his eyes: They were brown and bloodshot. “Maybe he is really upset about whatever he was yelling about,” Fluttershy thought to herself.
“Pinkie, I’m going to go ask that guy what’s wrong.” Pinkie was sucking on her candy and hadn’t even noticed the yelling colt. Fluttershy shrugged and slowly wandered over to the pony.
By now he had hung up the phone and was rubbing his temples. He sniffed and wiped his eyes. The yellow mare slowly approached the pony and spoke. “U-um, sir, what’s the matter?”
He was caught off guard by the sudden voice behind him and turned sharply. Fluttershy, frightened by the sudden movement, retreated behind her hair and covered her face.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m just a little on edge at the moment,” his voice was deep and soft, but a little grave. Fluttershy returned to a standing position when he reassured her that he wasn’t a threat.
“You see, I was supposed to move in to my new home today, but apparently, the previous owner hasn’t totally moved out yet.” He was visibly calming down. “The name's Stonewall Squares. What can I call you?”
“F-fluttershy,” she said, still a little apprehensive.
“Fluttershy, nice name. You wouldn’t know of a hotel in the area would you?”
Fluttershy thought for a moment, “I’m sorry, I think the only hotel is at least a five hour walk south of Ponyville.”
Stonewall let out a heavy sigh, “I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.” He pulled out a map. “Can you circle it on here?"
Fluttershy circled the place she spoke of. “There you are, Mr. Squares.”
“Please, Stone is what my friends call me. Thank you for the help.” He then folded the map and tucked it in to his saddlebags. He repositioned his bags and stood up right. “Well, I better get to moving if I don’t want to be walking in the dark.” He began to walk away.
For the first time Fluttershy was made aware of how late it was getting, close to 6 P.M. “I feel bad for him. His day just went from bad to worse.” She looked back to where Pinkie was, she was still blissfully ignorant to the whole situation and still enjoying her sweets. “Stone, wait…” he stopped and turned around. “How long do you think it will take for your house to be ready?”
“The owner said it would be ready by the end of the week. Why?”
“Well, I live in a cottage all by myself and I do have an extra room…” Why was she offering to let complete stranger to stay in her cottage? He just seems so pitiful.
Stone was shocked. “Are you sure?”
“Y-yep, what kind of a pony turns down a pony in need?” She still was unsure but he seemed like a nice guy.
Stonewall seemed elated, and he gave a huge dopey grin. “Thanks a bunch” he noted the huge sack of groceries on Fluttershy’s back. “Let me give you a hand with that, then.” His horn glowed and the bag was moved to his own back.
“Hey, if he is gonna carry your bag he can carry mine too.” Pinkie was suddenly at his side hoisting her bundle on to his back.
“Your friend?” Stonewall questioned as he took the added weight.
“Y-“
“Yes siree, I’m Pinkie Pie. I see you met Fluttershy. We’re bestest friends. But I am always glad to meet a new pony and make a friend, and I think you will make a great friend. You are a little short for a colt, but you seem nice. What did you say your name was?” Pinkie assaulted stone with a barrage of words and it took a moment for everything to register.
“U-um, S-stonewall. Uh, just call me Stone.” He confusedly stammered.
“Nice to meetcha, Stony!” The pink mare then shook his hoof. “We should have a party to celebrate you moving to Ponyville.”
“Uh, sure?” Stone was confused but was somehow still made happy by this pony’s cheerful nature.
“Pinkie Pie can be a little excited when she meets somepony new,” Fluttershy said when she finally managed to get a word in.
“I know a few ponies like her back in the city. She is fine though.” Everything was finally calming down. “So where am I lugging this stuff, Fluttershy?”
“Oh, we are just on our way back to my cottage. Just up the road. I live just outside of town.”
“Well, lead the way.”
The three then set out for Fluttershy’s. Pinkie chattered all the way. It was a pleasant afternoon to be traveling with new friends. Stone felt like his luck, which started out crumby, had taken a full 180-degree spin. He had been used to the coldness and lack of ponies willing to lend a helping hand. Within the very first 30 minutes, he had been offered a stay in a cute mare’s home. Thankfully he had packed light to get set up in Ponyville, and though the packs he was carrying were heavy, it was the least he could do to thank them for their generosity. After walking for a short while the group came up to the meadow that was Fluttershy’s home.
“Well, it was fun meeting you, Stone, but now I need to be off.” Pinkie quickly pulled her purchases out of the sack on Stone’s back. And before either of the two remaining ponies could react, she was gone.
“Pinkie is fun,” Stone said, looking to Fluttershy. “A little exhausting, but fun.” And he put on another big dopey grin.
“Y-yeah, but that’s Pinkie for you.” She allowed herself to wear a small grin. “Well, let’s go inside.”
The two walked through the door and were greeted by a huge mess of animals.
“I see you have pets.” Stone said as he was swarmed by twenty or more curious noses.
“Oh, I take care of these animals and help find them homes.” Fluttershy said, slightly embarrassed by the animals swarming her new friend. She took the bags off of Stone’s back.
“Sweeties, this is Stone; he will staying with us for a while.” Fluttershy cooed to the group of animals. “Go ahead and make yourself at home. I just need to put these groceries away.”
“That’s alright I am gonna step outside to smoke my pipe.”
Huh, he didn’t really seem the type to smoke. “Alright…” Oh well, at least he was kind enough to take it outside. Not many ponies in Ponyville smoked. Occasionally she would see one of the old ponies in town with a pipe and she knew some ponies in Appaloosa that rolled cigarettes and smoked those. Smoking just wasn’t a thing too many ponies did anymore. At least Stone smoked a pipe, which seemed a little more distinguished.
It didn’t take too long for Fluttershy to finish what she was doing so she grabbed two apples and wandered out to the porch where Stone was. “Apple? I got them from my friend’s farm.”
Without looking, Stone levitated the apple over to himself. “Thank you.” He then took a long slow drag from his pipe, held it for a second, and then slowly exhaled. “Oh, where are my manners? Do you want a hit?”
The question seemed odd to Fluttershy; was that a thing that ponies who smoked did?
“U-um, no thank you.” It was then that Fluttershy noticed his pipe. It was glass, and it was really pretty. Most pipes she had seen were wooden. This pipe was also rather short and had what she could only describe as a spoon-like shape. She also noticed the smoke from it had an unusual odor. Almost like a skunk. It wasn’t a bad stench, but it was unusual. She never knew tobacco could smell that way.
“Sorry, I guess I pegged you as a smoker.” Stone bit into his apple. "Maybe it was your mane,” he chuckled at the thought. “Oh well, at least you're cool with it.”
“Oh my, why would I be bothered by smoking? What kind of pony would judge you for something you enjoy?” She grinned reassuringly.
“You would be surprised, Fluttershy. Not everyone has such an easygoing outlook about it. Some people would assume I was a scum bag.” He turned to look at Fluttershy.
Why were his eyes red again? Fluttershy thought. Had he been crying? His coat was dry, so that couldn’t have been it. His eyes were sad as he spoke, though. He must have been holding on to some old memory that was hard for him.
“T-tell me more about you Stone. Like, why is your cutie mark an 'I'?” Fluttershy tried to change the subject to ease the tension.
“Actually, that is a number.” Stone looked to his own side. “It is a mathematic principle. It is the square root of negative 1.” He put on another grin. “I have a thing for numbers, I guess.”
Although she saw the smile on his face, the tone of his voice was not that of someone who was happy about their talent. Most ponies had a great story with discovering their cutie mark. Stone seemed pained by the thought of his. Fluttershy wanted to take back her next words as soon as they left her lips: “How did you get your mark?”
Stone sighed. “Well, I was always the head of my class as far as math was concerned…”
Had she misread his voice?
Stone continued, “… But after my parents passed away, I had no will to continue. I got mixed up in with a bad group, and eventually dropped out. At a party, I drank far too much for my own good, fought with my best friend and blacked out. When I woke up, I had my cutie mark. That is all I know.” A tear welled up in Stone’s eye.
Fluttershy wanted to cry for him. She did the only thing she thought she could. She leaned forward and hugged the colt in front of her.
The act caught Stone off guard. He nearly lost his pipe. “Hey, hey, what’s this for?”
Fluttershy sniffed. “I’m sorry I just thought… I don’t know, I thought it would help, you sounded so sad.”
“It’s all in the past now. That which doesn’t kill us, you know.” Then he placed his forelegs around Fluttershy. “This is nice, though; it has been awhile since I had a friend.” The two hugged for a moment before Stone pulled away.
Fluttershy broke the silence. “Whenever you’re ready to come in, I can show you around.”
“Just let me cash this bowl,” He then took another long drag from his pipe, coughed a bit, blew out the contents, and he was ready to come in.
The two entered the cottage; the animals were much calmer now. They spent the next few minutes exploring Fluttershy’s small home. The tour went through the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom, and the room where he would be staying.
Fluttershy began as they entered the room, “The only ponies who have stayed here were a group of fillies. They were a handful and the bed may be a bit lumpy but I still think it’s soft enough.” Fluttershy was enjoying being a good host.
“I’m sure it will be just perfect. I am just happy I can finally put down my bags, ” Stone slumped and slid out of his saddlebags and sighed.
So much for being a good host, she hadn’t even realized her guest was tired and wanted to set his bags down. “Oh, I’m so sorry. We should have stopped in here as soon as we got back. You must be so sore.” She the gingerly ran her hoof down the ponies back.
“Oh, it’s nothing I can’t handle,” Stone said, trying to cover the exhaustion in his voice.
“Nonsense. Lay on the bed over there.” She guided Stone to the bed.
“Uh, okay,” Stone said. He wasn’t sure where she was going with this.
“This will help with your back.” She began massaging Stone’s back. “Wow, you have a lot of tension back here.
“Ah, oh, oh, ah, I’ve never had this done before,” he managed a little pain by Fluttershy’s hooves. Although it hurt, he was enjoying the massage. Just as that thought ran though his head Fluttershy pressed in the center of Stone’s back.
CRUNCH!
“Oh my gosh! Did I hurt you?” Fluttershy feared the worst: Had she broken something? Had she pushed something out of place? Was he going to ever walk again?
After a moment, Stone finally spoke, “AHHHHHHHHHH! MHMMMM! OOOH! Why did you stop? That felt amazing! Can you do that with the rest of my back?”
“U-uh, sure. Are you sure you’re okay?” Fluttershy was still a little shaken.
“Yeah, I’m good, that is the first time in a long time my back has been cracked.” He sighed in pleasure, “That felt so great, I would pay you to do this once a month.”
“Oh, that wouldn’t be necessary.” The mare chuckled. “You had me worried that I had hurt you.”
The massage continued for the next half hour. There were plenty of loud crunches and much worry as to Stone’s health but Fluttershy was happy she could be so helpful. He had a strong back and a soft coat. She enjoyed massaging him as much as he was enjoying the massage. She began to test her limits and ran her hoof along his bod and began working his flanks. He moaned but made no motion to stop her. This colt was bringing a side of her out that she didn’t know existed. She leaned down and pressed her face against his back. He had an earthy scent she wanted more.
“Fluttershy, what are you-?” Stone leaned up and was met with Fluttershy’s hungry eyes.
Fluttershy leaned in, closed her eyes, and parted her lips slightly. Why was she doing this? She only just met this colt. She was rationalizing an irrational feeling and she was confused. Their lips met, and seconds became years. Their tongues danced, their bodies moved on their own, and they embraced. Fluttershy flared her wings. Stone broke the kiss.
“Listen.” Stone sighed. He sat up on the bed, “I appreciate you taking me in, and I like you.”
Fluttershy leaned on to his shoulder, “I like you too, Stone: more than I have any colt. I don’t know why, I just do.” She stroked his mane.
“That’s the problem. You don’t know me well enough. If you did, you would know how bad it is to like me that way.” He looked away from her.
Tears began to form in Fluttershy’s eyes. “What do you mean?”
“We can’t be together. Not yet…” He spoke slowly and softly.
“No, this isn’t fair.” She was openly sobbing now. “Why? You seem so great, and you make me feel good. What did I do wrong?”
Stone pulled Fluttershy into a hug as she cried into his shoulder. “Be my friend first, Fluttershy. Wait until you are sure…”
The two ponies sat there as the sun began to set through the window. Stone rubbed Fluttershy’s back until she calmed down. Both agreed to stay friends for now. Soon, Fluttershy regained her composure and stood up. “Um, I am going to bed early tonight, so help yourself to what is in the fridge if you get hungry.” She sighed and began to leave. “I’m sorry.” With that, she left the room.
There was a rabbit waiting in the doorway, shaking his head at Stone. “I know, I hurt her.” Stone began to get himself ready for bed, and soon, he was asleep.
In the next room lay a weeping Fluttershy; tears flowed freely. She felt so stupid. He must hate her now. Angel hopped up on the bed next to her and snuggled into her chest as she cried herself to sleep.
“Aqua, I never wanted you involved…” A unicorn sighed from behind his mask. “You can’t be here!” he snapped quickly.
“Stone, is that you?” the pale blue mare questioned. “I saw you get out of bed, and I was worriedー“
“You followed me?” the masked pony barked. “My client will be here in a matter of seconds, so you need to get out of here.” The anger in his voice was shifting to panic.
“No, Stone! Why are you here? What is that bag?” the blue mare was almost screaming. “You leave every night around this time, and I don’t even know where you work. What is going on heー“
BANG!!!
The masked pony’s coat was splattered in blood and viscera. He stood there, the situation sinking in. A thump could be heard as a body hit the ground.
“I told you no guests, Stone. Well, down to business.” A large grey stallion stepped into the light. “The cleanup will be coming out of your pay.” His voice was cold and calculating. He spoke in a business-like manner.
No thought came to Stone. She was dead; he was responsible. His next action was a mistake. Stone raised up on his hind legs. “You bastard!” He was screaming. He brought his hooves down.
CRUNCH!!!
His forelegs shattered. “Big mistake, Stone,” the grey stallion stated calmly. Stone found himself being lifted by an unknown force. “Who will pay to have you scraped off the pavement?” The pony was pleased at the simply irony of his question.
Stone was dragged up 20 flights of stairs, head bouncing off each step. The beating on the roof was quick and brutal. A group of 5 ponies were with the stallion. Each seemed to know a different way to cause pain in an individual. Bones were broken, scars were made, insults thrown. At the end of it all, a large brown earth pony whom Stone had known as “Brick,” lifted him. He was held over the street.
“You are a valuable asset, boy. Apologize for the attack and I may forgive you,” the large grey stallion bargained, flashing a grin that almost seemed friendly.
Stone spit blood from broken teeth right between his eyes.
“I thought so,” he said, wiping his face with a handkerchief. “You know what to do, Brick.”
Stone was released and a rush of air flooded his head. Everything faded to white.
Whump!
“Ow, what?” Stone was on the floor. It took a moment for everything to register. He was at a pony’s house. He was in Ponyville.
“What time is it?” Stone thought to himself. The sun had not yet risen. At best guess, it was a little after 4 AM. “Well, I guess I can get up now,” he said to himself with a tired sigh.
Stone wandered down through the small cottage. Slowly, he made his way to the kitchen. “Food sounds good,” He said, grabbing a small apple and and eating it quickly. He had to admit, that was probably the best apple he had ever eaten. “Fluttershy said her friend grew them; I better get a bushel to bring home.”
Stone went back to his room to grab his pipe. “After last night, and the dream I had, a wake and bake is the perfect idea.” Stone pulled out a small grinder and a jar of herb. He quickly had a bowl he was proud of and packed his tools away.
Making his way back through the house, Stone noted just how many animals Fluttershy had. Several small birds rested in their cages. A kitten and a puppy were still sleeping on the couch in the living room. There was a small fish bowl in the kitchen and a larger aquarium in the entryway to the cottage. In the backyard, Stone saw a petting zoo full of various animals. Such a calm place to live, and Stone envied the timid Pegasus.
Finding a good place to sit on the porch, Stone took his time and smoked his bowl, enjoying the flavor and the time alone. He reveled in the high as it came on quick. Soon his eyes adjusted for the light and he was able to see the meadow they were in. Fluttershy must have owned 20 acres. The cottage itself sat atop a hill towards the back. The euphoria Stone was feeling added to the natural beauty of the place.
Soon enough, Stone could see the sun's presence dawning at the horizon. Equestria would be waking up soon. Today was going to be a day of relaxation for Stone, and maybe he could help Fluttershy with her various chores.
“Oh, um, you’re awake early,” a small squeak came from behind Stone.
He grinned. ”Fell out of bed. Bit of a bad dream, I guess.” He turned to look at the mare. She looked a bit worse for wear. Her mane was a bit tangled and her eyes were puffy.
“What are you doing up so early?” Stone was deliberately avoiding the topic of her appearance.
“I always get up this early. I like the alone time on the porch,” Fluttershy looked away and her cheeks began to pinken.
“Well, I would hate to ruin your morning routines.” Stone smiled and stood up. “Why don’t I make us some breakfast?”
Before Fluttershy could answer, Stone was already inside. She stepped outside and sat alone. She noted that the skunky smell of Stone's pipe was still in the air. She found it pleasant. “Who was this Stonewall Squares?”
Fluttershy looked to the horizon. The sun had fully breached the surface. In the last 24 hours, Fluttershy had opened her home to a complete stranger. He seemed nice enough and he was, only for a little while. She looked over her shoulder. She could see Stone though the window. He seemed to be making something on the stove, moving slowly and carefully. He wore a frown and his face seemed to be hurting. Suddenly, he noticed Fluttershy looking. Stone waved and his entire demeanor changed. He grinned and his movements became bouncier. This had been enough time alone.
Fluttershy opened the door and entered. Awaiting her in the kitchen was a lovely banquet. Stone had prepared some hay bacon, soy eggs, and toast with jam.
“I figured you looked hungry so I made a bit much,” Stone joked as he finished setting the table. “About last night…” He sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“N-no, it was my fault,” Fluttershy corrected. “I assumed you wanted me and I wanted you…”
“Don’t think I don’t,” Stoned frowned with that. “But let’s not dwell; I'm sure you’re hungry.” Stone gestured to the plates.
The grumble in Fluttershy’s stomach answered for her and she blushed. The meal was exceptional. All food was cooked to perfection. The company was what Fluttershy focused on. “Where are you from, Stone?” Fluttershy asked as he took a gulp of orange juice.
“Well, originally, I came from Ponyville, but I spent most of my life in Manehattan.” Stone responded. “How about you? Have you always lived in Ponyville?” He asked, popping a bite of toast in his mouth.
“Actually, no; I moved here shortly after I got my cutie mark.” She then turned to show herself to Stone. “I discovered I was good with animals at a young age.” She sat back down. “Before that, I lived in Cloudsdale.”
“I have had a few clients in Cloudsdale,” Stone stated. “Always loved speaking to the factory workers up there.”
Fluttershy, confused, asked, “Clients?”
“Ah, I'm an engineer by trade. They pay me to save them money,” answered Stone. The two sat silently and continued eating. Normally, Fluttershy ate alone with her animals, but it was nice to have a pony to eat with. Her cottage was always crawling with animals so she was never alone, but on occasion she would feel lonely. Fluttershy spoke, “Thank you, Stone.”
Stone grinned and reached across the table to place his hoof on Fluttershy’s, “No; thank you.”
Fluttershy blushed. “Stone, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Why do you always look so sad?”
The question came as a surprise to Stone. He had never been asked that. He had thought he was hiding it well and yet this mare saw right though him. He began, “Well, the simplest answer is that I am sad.” Stone put on a weak smile.
“Oh…” Was Fluttershy's only response.
“Don’t you worry yourself over that, Fluttershy,” Stone said, realizing her worry.
“No, if you ever need to talk, I will be here,” Fluttershy said.
Stone nodded, “Maybe I will tell you my story, but for now let’s take care of this.”
The two looked at the table full of empty plates. They had finished eating and could begin cleaning the area, which took no time at all. They spent the rest of the morning feeding Fluttershy’s animals. One of the rabbits seemed particularly picky, but Fluttershy knew how to make him behave. Stone learned that that one was called “Angel.”
Fluttershy’s morning chores were finished in record time with the aid of a second pony. The two made quick work of the feeding; cleaning the cages and pens went smoothly; the animals that needed baths were easier to handle; finally, the yard work was handled by Stone. With all the work finished the two retired to the couch in the cottage.
“You deserve a reward for all the help you gave me today,” Fluttershy said, looking over to the slightly exhausted looking pony sharing the couch with her.
“No, you are letting me stay here, and that is all the thanks I need,” responded Stone.
“Wait right here.” And with that she fluttered into the kitchen. Fluttershy returned with a small package.
“What is it?” Stone inquired.
Fluttershy took her time to open the wrapping. Delicately peeling the tape and unfolding the edges, she opened the box to reveal a small disk and a package of crackers.
“This is Crystal Brie. This is the best cheese I have ever had and I want to share some with you.” She held the package forward and beamed with excitement.
Fluttershy picked up a small cheese knife and sliced the wax cover of the cheese. Peeling back the wax, Stone discovered why they called it “Crystal” Brie. The cheese was slightly translucent and seemed to have a glow. Fluttershy expertly cut and spread the treat over the crackers. She raised one to Stone. "Ahhh."
Stone opened his mouth to receive the cracker. The cracker was nothing special, but as soon as his pallet met with the cheese, Stone was in awe. It was the strongest (tasting), sweetest cheese he had ever tasted. It was well aged and had a beautifully complex taste. The experience was true bliss. Stone’s only reaction to the food was to vocalize, “Mmmmm.”
“See, I told you,” she said, popping a cracker in to her own mouth with a hearty, “Mmmmm.” She closed her eyes and enjoyed the flavor. “I normally only eat this cheese for special occasions.”
They ate a few more crackers before Fluttershy put her special cheese away. Sated and happy with each other, the couple just enjoyed some quiet time on the couch. Stone read a book he had brought and Fluttershy listened to a record. Fluttershy closed her eyes and just enjoyed the ambiance.
It was noon when the two heard a knock at the door. “Who, could that be?” Fluttershy wondered aloud.
She got up to answer the door. Stone remained seated. He heard a young voice inquire about a couple borrowed library books. The voice said that some pony named Twilight was looking for them. Fluttershy told the voice that she would have them back at the library soon. With that the knocker left and Fluttershy returned.
“I have to go into town to take some books to a friend at the library; do you want to come with me?” Fluttershy asked.
“Why not, maybe I can find something for myself,” responded Stone closing his book and standing.
Fluttershy went to gather the books, mentioning that she needed to write something down from one. Stone made his way to his room: he wanted to grab his day bag and put his book away. Packing only his pipe, jar, grinder, and some rolling papers, Stone was ready for the rest of the day. He grabbed his coin pouch just to be sure.
The two set off from the cottage and were soon in Ponyville proper. This was the first good look of the town Stone had gotten. They passed a few stores and homes along the way. There was a place called Sugar Cube Corner, which carried the smell of pastries. They had passed the entrance to a farm known as Sweet Apple Acres as Fluttershy informed Stone that her friend Applejack and her family ran the farm. The boutique in town seemed classy. The couple finally ended their trip at the library. It was an old building built inside a tree.
Before Fluttershy opened the door Stone leaned over and whispered, “Are your friends cool?”
“Well, I do have one friend who always calls herself cool. Why?” Fluttershy was confused by the question.
Stone made the motions of smoking from his pipe. “You know.”
“Oh, I don’t think anyone would have a problem with you smoking.” She grinned to reassure Stone.
Stone calmed, and the two entered the library. The whole place was beautiful: It was a large circular room with book cases lining the walls. There was a large table in the center of the room and a few desks around the walls, at the center of the back of the room as a large staircase leading up.
A lavender unicorn was making her way down the steps, her face was buried in a book. Wait, why does that Unicorn have wings? Suddenly the pony realized she wasn’t alone.
She began, “Fluttershy, I see you brought a new friend,” she grinned and closed her book. “Spike, we have guests; bring out some lemonade.”
A voice that Stone recognized as the young pony that had knocked at the door responded, “Be right there, Twilight.”
Fluttershy spoke up, “This is Stone. He is staying at my house for a few days while his house is being prepared. Also, I brought those books I borrowed.” She held them up and they were levitated back to their places.
“Well, Stone, my name is Twilight Sparkle,” the lavender pony responded.
“Wait, Twilight Sparkle.” Stone couldn’t believe his luck. “As in, Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Stone gasped and then bowed.
“What is with this guy?” questioned the young voice. He had brought out the drinks and was standing at attention next to Twilight.
“Spike!” Twilight snapped. “That won’t be necessary.” She said to set Stone at ease. “my title may be Princess, but I am still a normal pony.”
“Sorry, princess.” Stone apologized.
“Twilight is fine,” she said. “This is Spike: he is my assistant.”
“That is a dragon!” Stone jumped behind Fluttershy and covered his head.
Spike put on a smug grin. “It’s about time someone realize how fearsome I am.”
“Oh, don’t be afraid of little Spikey. He is one of our friends, and he wouldn’t harm a fly.” Fluttershy tried to comfort the pony behind her.
As if on cue, a fly landed on Spike's shoulder and was swatted away.
After a bit of coaxing, Stone brought up the courage to greet the baby dragon, but still wasn’t too comfortable around him. The three ponies agreed it would be best if he went and did his chores up in the bedroom. This was much to Spike’s chagrin, but he eventually agreed.
Introductions aside, Twilight enjoyed Stone's company. He was a smart pony and he was indeed an ace in mathematics. The two conversed over philosophy and logic for a good amount of time. Fluttershy enjoyed seeing her new friend and old friend getting along. The group chatted about many topics and enjoyed the lemonade Spike had provided. Soon, Pinkie bounded into the library.
Pinkie gasped. “What a coincidence seeing you all hereーnot Twilightーbut Fluttershy and the new guy. Wow, I guess I timed my delivery perfectly. Twilight had ordered a baker’s dozen cupcakes and I just finished the batch.” She set a box on the table.
“Oh, so you have met Pinkie then,” Twilight confirmed.
“Pinkie was helping me with my groceries yesterday,” Fluttershy peeped.
With the fourth member added to the group, Stone decided he would step outside. “I will be right back, I just want to take a hit of my pipe.”
“Oh, you smoke?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah, that’s not a problem, is it? Because I can wait,” Stone said, not wanting to offend the princess.
“No, sorry, I just don’t know many ponies that smoke,” Twilight reassured.
With that, Stone grabbed his pipe and stepped outside, opting to leave his bag behind.
Pinkie was the first to speak after Stone left. “Did you two do anything last night?” She winked at the word “anything.”
“Pinkie, I…” Fluttershy blushed. “N-n-no.”
Twilight just sipped her drink.
“So you did. Does he like you? Are you a couple now?” Pinkie continued her playful teasing.
Fluttershy turned away and covered her face, squeaking.
Twilight interrupted out of curiosity, “Do you like him, Fluttershy?”
“I don’t know. He seems great, but he is keeping himself distant.” Fluttershy was barely poking her face past her hooves.
“He likes you,” Pinkie sang.
The confused Fluttershy questioned, “What do you mean?”
Pinkie just winked and grinned. Fluttershy sighed and accepted the response. Pinkie noticed that Stone’s bag was still open.
“What is that?” Pinkie reached into the bag.
“Pinkie, don’t be nosey,” Twilight scolded, trying to correct the pink mare.
“He has a preserve jar. He should share,” Pinkie said as she lifted the jar from the bag.
The jar that Pinkie pulled wasn’t full of fruit preserves. It contained a green herb. Not even Twilight was familiar with the herb. Suddenly everyone was filled with curiosity about the jar. Twilight retrieved her plant identification book. After a moment the plant was identified.
Twilight began reading the entry on the plant, "'Cannabis has long been used for fiber (hemp), for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug,'" Twilight didn’t like the sound of the word "drug" and what it implied.
According to the book, this plant was illegal in many parts of Equestria. How were they to handle this? Fluttershy was mortified: she let a drug addict into her house. Pinkie was angry at the pony taking advantage of Fluttershy. Twilight was worried about the laws that were being broken. Should they tell Celestia? There worries had to wait; Stone was coming back through the door. Pinkie panicked and placed the jar back.
Stone immediately noticed the worried expressions each pony wore and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Fluttershy responded out of anger, yanking the jar from the bag:
"What is this?"
